"Black ram" (page 6, line 89)
"Barbary Horse" (page 7, line 112)
As well as Iago's racism, most of the characters make racist comments and say racist names towards Othello in the play. The majority of the characters refer to Othello as "The Moor". In addition to this, some characters say yet more insulting names. Roderigo refers to Othello as:
"The Thick Lips" (page 5, line 67)
All these insults show a slight trace of hatred towards Othello. This hatred is not only from Iago, but is shared by most characters, which is shown by the insults.
Iago is very power hungry. He wanted the power of being a lieutenant that Cassio was given by Othello. Iago feels he should get this power, therefore wants to eliminate Cassio, and so wants to get revenge on Othello.
Throughout the play, Iago attempts to destroy the marriage of Othello and Desdemona. He does this in many ways. The most direct way of doing this is suggesting to and making Othello believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. This is untrue, but Othello eventually believes it. Othello has a slight bit of doubt in his mind, and so asks for evidence, which Iago gives to him: a stolen handkerchief.
Iago is also very crafty. He plants suspicion into Othello's mind. He does this in many ways. One of the very cleaver ways makes Othello suspicious is in act 3, scene 3.
"Ha! I like not that" (page 54, line 35)
This is a very cleaver and shy way that Iago makes Othello suspicious. He is saying that so that it sounds like he is saying it to himself, when he is actually saying it loud enough for Othello to hear it and make a bog deal out of it. This is when Cassio is talking to Desdemona.
Another cleaver and sly way that Iago makes Othello suspicious is in the same scene. He says:
"Cassio my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it
that he would sneak away so guilty-like
Seeing you come" (page 54, lines 38 - 40)
Iago is saying this to Othello, following the leave of Cassio. Othello did not state that he was suspecting Cassio would sneak away. Instead, Iago 'plants' this thought into Iago's mind. This whole suspicion adds to the facts that are in favour of Iago causing the tragedy of Othello and Desdemona.
In act 3, scene 3, Othello asks for Iago to find evidence that asks for Iago to find evidence that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. Iago knows exactly what to show, so he steals a handkerchief that was given to Desdemona from Othello. Iago steals this handkerchief, and plants it in Cassio's chambers. Cassio finds this handkerchief, and gives it to Bianca. Othello sees this and then starts to actually have doubt in his mind about Desdemona being a whore.
Another very cleaver act that Iago performs, that leads to the tragedy of Othello and Desdemona. Is by manipulating a conversation that he has with Cassio. Othello is in hiding at this time. Iago makes it out that they are talking about Desdemona, when in fact they are talking about Bianca. Othello sees this the wrong way, and puts great doubt in him mind about Desdemona.
All these so far prove that Iago caused the tragedy. However, there are many factors, which are in favour of Iago being a catalyst, and only speeds up the rate at which the tragedy would have happened. Being a catalyst, he is not to blame but only set things in motion.
The main points towards Iago acting as a catalyst, is the distrust and suspicion that Othello has for Desdemona. Iago just backs up his suspicion. Brabantio has put a lot of suspicion into Othello's mind from act 1. It is in the Beginning of the play, in a courthouse. Brabantio is warning Othello:
"She has deceived her father, and may thee" (page 23, line 210)
This is a warning to Othello, stating that Desdemona has deceived Brabantio, her father, and may deceive Othello. This puts major suspicion into Othello's mind. This shows that Othello is gullible to a certain extent.
Othello does not trust Desdemona enough. Neither does he listen to her at any time, as does he not listen to her before he kills her. Throughout the play, Othello only listens to Iago, and his opinions.
"Honest Iago"
Othello always refers to Iago as this. There is an irony to this, because Iago is the only dishonest character in the play. Before Othello kills Desdemona, his mind is already made up.
"Peace and be still" (page 108, line 45)
You could also say that Othello is gullible. He easily believes Iago. This could be his weak point, and makes him an easy target for Iago. Othello easily believes Iago, and hardly ever questions him. Othello also jumps to conclusions very easily. He listens to Iago's statements, and straight away jumps to the conclusion that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. He does not question anyone.
"Dost thou say so?" (Page 59, line 204)
This quote shows that he just questions Iago whether he thinks that Desdemona is having an affair or not.
"I am bound to thee forever" (page 59, line 211)
This quote shows that Othello believes Iago. Othello feels that he owes Iago for helping him with his marriage. If Othello did not have any suspicion towards Desdemona, he would not listen to what anyone has to say, but would follow his own judgement.
In conclusion, a final answer whether Iago is a catalyst or causes the tragedy will never be found. Different opinions have different answers, and so either of the answers is right, and neither is wrong. I suggest that there is a little bit of both in the play. He acts as a catalyst, as well as causing the tragedy.
Mr.iqbal
