- Iago’s method is making Othello feel that there is a problem. He started with saying to Othello that even he loves him, but he can’t say him everything. Sure, the reaction of Othello is to press on him to know everything he knows. (p. 125 line 134-144). By answering Othello's questions with a question just irritates Othello as he doesn't get to the point of what he is thinking. Iago's effectiveness at noticing innocent situations and making them look suspect is another way in which he gets Othello to believe in Desdemona's unfaithfulness. And the handkerchief, which Emelia steals for Iago, is the most crucial symbol and object in the play that confirms to Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Iago plots to plant it on Cassio as proof to Othello of the affair:
Othello is tormented in his thoughts and believes he cannot ever sleep or be content when he says " Nor all the drowsy syrups in the world…"(3, 3,335). Othello goes on to show aggression and anger to Iago for his doubting his beloved wife by saying"villian, be sure…" He wants him to prove it and threatens him by saying " thoust hadst been better have been born a dog" (3, 3,365) which implies that if Iago is wrong Othello will make him pay for all the torment he has caused. In his realisation that Othello is very angry, Iago try's to make Othello feel guilty and plays the innocent by saying “…to be direct and honest is not safe"(3, 3,383). Othello starts to ramble and his mind is in a state of confusion and feels he needs proof.
Iago talks about the importance of a good name but could touch a nerve with Othello when he becomes agitated with Iago when he says "By heavens" (3, 3,167) Iago implies Othello may have reason to be jealous, but is not good to have these feelings. In mentioning the word "cuckold"(3, 3,170), points to Othello being deceived by Desdemona. Othello shows his insecurity in his relationship with Desdemona when he goes on to justify to Iago Desdemona's love for him when he says «For she had eyes and chose me" (3, 3,192)
Iago reassures Othello of his love and duty to him by saying, "I would not have your free and noble nature out of self bounty be abused"(3, 3,202). He also implies that Venetian women have affairs but are discrete about it. Othello starts to doubt why Desdemona loves him. Iago realises doubts are setting in and intentionally refers to colour, class etc on why Desdemona is with Othello, in the deliberate realisation that Othello will be offended and stops by saying "pardon me" (3,3,237). In Othello's soliloquy his thoughts are not rational and he comes to the conclusion that his marriage is over and Desdemona has been unfaithful. He feels strongly that if this is true then he would not share her with other men when he ends by saying "for others uses" (3, 3,276).
- The greatest difference between Desdemona and other main characters of the play that she is very innocent. Desdemona has true honest, romantic and loyal relationships with Othello. Desdemona is completely innocent, unable to comprehend how her husband can be jealous when "I never gave him cause!" The other women in the play are the cynical Emilia and Casio's mistress, Bianca; contrasted with these two, Desdemona stands as an icon of female purity. Her love for Othello is as strong as his is to her. She asserts it even as she goes to her death, and is plagued by none of the insecurities and vulnerabilities that lay his love open to Iago's scheming. Unlike Othello, she bears no responsibility for the tragedy; she is the only blameless victim of the villain's work.
5) One of the powerful statements in the play is words of Othello: "I must be found: / my parts, my title and my perfect soul / shall manifest me rightly" (1.2.30-32). Those words open him completely. Othello is not about to hide something. I think that this statement sums up the most important about Othello. His "parts" are his merits, his worth; his "title" is his position as general of the Venetian army; his "perfect soul" is his clear conscience in his marriage to Desdemona. These will "manifest" him, show what he really is. He has no reason to hide. This statement said in the first act of the play predicts everything which happens later. It calculates that telling Othello to hide is likely to have the opposite effect. Iago knew it and used this knowledge, which ended so dramatically at last.
