During the 1600s (Elizabethan), in which Othello was published, philosophies of religion were a dominant element of literature. Religion was also a very dominant facet of Elizabethan literature, due to the influence of the Protestant Church and the reigning monarch of the time. Religion is arguably explored as painful and heartbreaking, which is questionably illustrated by Othello during his tribulations. Additionally, in “The Monk,” written in 1796, religious ideology was a recurring aspect of literature. However, Lewis adds elements of Eros and lust, blending them with the concept of romanticism, arguably calling into question man's ability to maintain the dogma of Christianity. Furthermore, “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit,” written in contemporary times, arguably challenges the ideology of Christianity in its entirety. It can be seen as an exploration of the inability of human nature to conform to religion, thereby resulting in a sense of oppression and arguably self-failure. Shakespeare uses Othello in order to convey the difficulties that individuals face when interpreting the teachings of religion. These ingrained thoughts form the basis of Othello's behavior, thus allowing Iago to use various elements of deception, with Shakespeare using Iago as a catalyst thus advancing the plot of the play. Othello rises to the rank of judge and jury regarding the accusations against Desdemona. He says, “If you think of a crime that is not yet reconciled with heaven and grace, ask for it directly.” The assonance of “if you think of yourself” creates an interrogative tone with the power placed on personal pronouns to show guilt. This is combined with a whistling sound when Othello from...... middle of paper .......org/faith.phpWikipedia the Free Encyclopedia (2014) "Othello" [online] Available at: http:/ /in. wikipedia.org/wiki/OthelloSparkNotes Editors (2014) “Oranges are not the only fruit” [online] Available at: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oranges/John R. Lenz (1996) Why I Am Not A Christian [online] Available at: http://www.users.drew.edu/~jlenz/whynot.htmlPrometheus Books (1986) God and Religion [online] Available at: http://www. thirdworldtraveler.com/Bertrand_Russell /God_Religion.htmlWikipedia the Free Encyclopedia (2003) Bertrand Russell [online] Available at: http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Bertrand_RussellWikipedia the Free Encyclopedia (2001) Christianity [online] Available at: http://en. wikipedia.org/wiki/ChristianityThe Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Crown Bibles (2001) Being A Man [online] Available at: http://www.openbible.info/topics/being_a_man