English Blog

Have you learned anything about human behavior from reading the play?

Brainstorm:

• People aren’t always what they seem
• People don’t change- frog vs. scorpion
• People do what is in their best interest
• People are gullible
• People are (should be) innocent until proven guilty  (proven- if the proof is not real/false then is it still proof?)

Human behavior can be described as actions humans take which are influenced by emotions, social status, ethics and beliefs.  Sometimes the actions people choose to take are beneficial to many people.  On the other hand, the actions can also be taken to benefit themselves.  Therefore, the conclusion I have reached is, people do what is in their best interest without regard for anyone else.  This is demonstrated in the play, when Iago manipulates Othello so that he may gain Cassio’s lieutenancy.  Iago is an evil character who will do anything to achieve his goal.  Iago’s intentions are to gain a higher social status no matter what it takes.  He chooses to take action, with only his own outcome in mind.  This is evident through Iago’s speech about his plans.  However, the play is not the only example of people doing what is in their best interest whenever possible.  Another example, which is painstakingly obvious, is when people “cut” lines in banks, pharmacies, grocery stores etc.  For instance, the other day, I was standing in line at CVS Pharmacy when a woman walked up and stood right in front of me in line.  There were about three people in line behind me, which meant that she was effectively cutting four people in the line.  I almost said something to her but I did not for fear that she would see me as rude.  This woman got away with doing something rude and unkind to benefit herself because I could not say anything to her.  Even though I knew what she did was wrong I kept quiet and let her get what she wanted even though she did it without thinking about anyone else in line behind her.  Though my situation is a bit less dramatic than that of Iago, it still consists of the same concepts.  Both Iago and the woman did something to benefit themselves without thinking about the people they were hurting in the process.  Human behavior can be either a good or a bad thing.  However, society would not exist in the same way as it does today.      

A FIGHT, A CHANGE, AN END:

Yelling and screaming never cease,

There is not a single moment of peace.

No one is cheerful,

Everyone is tearful.

Love is nowhere to be found,

Nothing to show for it, not even a sound.

The only emotion is rage,

With each turning of the page.

In the book of life,

There is always a new strife.

When will it end?

How long will we all spend,

Hating the ones we love?

Will we turn to God above?

The evil will never be over,

Not until everyone is sober.

Life is full of surprises,

Full of ganders, guesses and surmises.

There is still time to make you dreams come true,

Keep pushing forward and do what is best for you.

Be the person you want to be,

Just wait and see.

Your day will come soon,

With each setting of the moon.

Something new will appear,

With each step away from fear.

Tell people when you love them very much,

Hold them tightly in your clutch.

Because you never know,

When you may have to let one of them go.