Conflict

In William Shakespeare’s play “Othello” , Marcus Zusak’s book “The Book Thief” and the director Tom Hooper's "The King's Speech", conflict plays a very important role. The authors and director have all put their characters in conflicting situations; both in setting and interpersonal conflict.

Firstly we see that all of the texts are set during wartime; 'Othello' during the Cypriot war and 'The King's Speech' and 'The Book Thief' are set during the second world war. Also each main character has their own conflicting personal dilemma to overcome, for example Othello's wife (Desdemona) had an "affair" with his best friend (Cassio), Liesel Meminger is hiding a Jew from the Nazis and Bertie has a stammer effecting his ability of making speeches as it is expected of him as heir to the throne.

'Othello' is set during the Cypriot war creating conflict with the Venetians and Cypriots, and seen as Othello was a Commander in the Venetian army he played a major role in this conflict. We see Othello go off and win a battle for his people neutralizing the conflict but his dilemma at home is only beginning.

However, the second world war that both “The Book Thief” and "The King's Speech" are set in, it is not quite as easily negated. Bertie's predicament is that has to make a speech that inspires his people and gives them faith and confidence in their army to win the war. All the while, Liesel is stuck in a war where she is powerless and has no influence whatsoever.