The Theme of Control in Othello Throughout history, powerful empires with unlimited control have tended to fall victim to corruption. It is common knowledge among political scientists and historians that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. William Shakespeare's "Othello, the Moor of Venice" (reprinted in Laurence Perrine and Thomas R. Arp, Literature: Structure, Sound, and Sense, 6th ed. [Fort Worth: Harcourt, 1993] 1060-1147) contains several themes, but one theme in particular supports the veracity of this knowledge. In “Othello, the Moor of Venice,” the theme of control is one that causes corruption. Othello's control is stolen by Iago and Iago's domineering control over Othello's emotions causes chaos and lack of control until Lodovico arrives at the end of the story. At the beginning of the play, Othello is in charge. First, Othello exercises military control. As a seasoned warrior, he was appointed by the Duke of Venice to lead the Venetian forces. This position involves a lot of control; as a general, Othello has the power to organize and command the Venetian forces at will. Second, Othello is in control in dangerous situations. After discovering Brabantio's nefarious intentions, Othello shows confidence in his control in Act I, Scene 2, and builds on his credentials: "Let him do his wickedness." My services that I have rendered to the Lord Will exceed his complaints” (1.2. 18-20). When Brabantio arrives with his troops and both sides draw their swords, Othello again demonstrates his control: "Keep your swords shining, for the dew will rust them" (1.2.59). Throughout this ordeal, Othello remains an author... middle of paper ... hello, "O you boring Moor! This handkerchief you speak of, I found it by chance and I gave it to my husband" ( 5.2.224-25), Iago stabs and kills Emilia from behind. Then Othello wounds Iago, stabs himself and he dies kissing Desdemona's corpse. Eventually, Lodovico arrives and the chaos stops. To summarize, an important theme in Shakespeare's “Othello, the Moor of Venice” is the theme of control; possession of control changes drastically throughout the play. Othello's control is stolen by Iago, and Iago's domineering control over Othello's emotions causes chaos and lack of control until Lodovico arrives at the end of the story. Othello by William Shakespeare is a direct commentary on society. The theme of control in society, apparent to Shakespeare in this play, is a prevalent view of society today..