In the movie The Shawshank Redemption, and the play Othello, there are many different concepts of power shown between characters and the environment in which they are set.
When comparing Warden Norton to Iago from Othello, they display many similarities in the way they both use their power. They are both deceptive, manipulative and use their power for evil purposes. Both characters seek power over others because they enjoy their superiority. Warden Norton and Iago, are so deceptive that they also make people believe that they are something they are not, they have an outward image that belies who they really are.
Both Warden Norton and Iago avoid getting their 'hands dirty' and use others to unleash their evil. The other people involved are brain washed by their power, and continue to do what is asked of them, even when at times they would get suspicious for example, Rodergio who at times got extremly frustrated with Iago, and what he was doing.
Warden Norton wants to make sure that everyone knows he has power over them, especially when he said " I believe in two things- discipline and the Bible. Here you'll receive both. Put your trust in the Lord; your ass belongs to me." This shows that he wants to make that everyone at Shawshank knows he has power over them.
At the beginning of the film, Andy does not have power, whereas Othello did, Othello's power started right from the start, but Iago entraps him during the course of the play and make Othello loose his power he loves so much., but in contrast Andy has no power at the beginning of the fim when he is accused of murder and sentenced to Shaeshank he becomes the victim of the 'sister' without, which further emphases his lack of power. How ever, Andy has great power in the mind, which allows him to ultimately, conquer evil by the end of the film. Othello is very a vulnerable person, especailly when Desdemona is concerned. Andy is above all the people at Shawshank, and proves to be more than they ever will be.
In spite of these similarities Norton's power is dependant on the institution where as Iago creates his own power, and keeps that power forever, as he refuses to explain his side of the story. He is forever silent, and forever powerful. Othello succumbs to Iago's power, where as Andy maintains his dignity.
