The true nature of obsession manipulates a person’s character, forcing them to act in unusual ways, as if possessed by an involuntary need. An obsessed mind becomes intensely absorbed in the subject of the obsession to an extent that drives away the truth and realism in their values, morals and perceptions. William Shakespeare manifests this idea of an involuntary change in character in the play “Othello”, and with a similar approach this idea is identified by Scott Spencer in the novel “Endless Love” and is further explored in “Obsession”, a poem written by DaMoyre. Throughout each of these texts, the composers’ use of characterization depicts the true nature of obsession with themes of jealously, revenge and, as a consequence, madness. …show more content…

DaMoyre’s character pursues a revenge on self, pleading for death, “I plead for my black angel”. DaMoyre uses a metaphor to create a mysterious and gentle impression of death. As the characters of these texts pursue the subjects of their obsessions with jealousy and revenge they are soon driven into madness.
Spencer uses his characterization of David in “Endless Love”, to exemplify his insights into obsession driven jealously. Spencer manifests the idea of two juxtaposed characters finding stability and compatibility due to similar states of jealousy.

Madness evolves rapidly as a result of intensive pursuit of an obsession. It appears as the final stage in transformation before the destruction of a character in all three of these texts. Madness emerges as mental instability and delusions and is exceedingly evident as one of Shakespeare’s ideas of obsession in “Othello”. This idea is evident through Shakespeare’s use of characterization, particularly with the character, Othello, as he is captivated by jealousy and revenge as a result of obsessive love. With this use of characterization, Shakespeare uses Othello to conveys madness, “O, blood, blood, blood”. The use of repetition is this line is reflective of the impulsive, consuming nature of obsession driven madness and exemplifies the state of madness Othello is now in. This line also identifies the completed transformation of Othello, previous to his obsession, jealousy and revenge; this was a