A major sign that Othello shows his rage and jealousy occurs in Act 3, scene 3, when Iago is talking with Othello and tells him that Desdemona is a whore. Othello's breakdown, almost to choke Iago, simply asks Iago "Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore, Be sure if it. Give me the ocular proof. Or by the worth of mine eternal soul, thou hadst been better have been born a dog. Than answer my waked wrath." This point in the play where Iago starts uncover his spiteful plan. It makes Othello react, in a manner that he usually does not. Othello has many qualities that contribute to his overall worth. One being his trustfulness. At this point in, Othello says that Iago is a man of honour and trust, and therefore has no reason not to distrust him. Many times Othello does not see the fake and cruel acts of Iago. This is done to extend the play and also add to Othello's tragic flaws. Othello trusts too easily. Othello is used to dealing with military people and on the battle field, a place where you put your life in the hands of others and trust is very important. Iago’s reputation on the battle field is well known and is not marked. With Othello being a military leader for most of his life, trusting another military friend, is not uncommon, and therefore, Othello has no reason not to believe or trust Iago. So it can be said that Othello has a number of tragic flaws, one being trust worthy.
Othello, tragically, in Act 3, scene3, is thoroughly stained by Iago, says that he believes that Desdemona is honest, but yet he thinks that she is not. This is a part that Othello's "innocence" is torn to bits, because he does not know what to believe anymore. This is also where he comes to Iago for advice, which is what Iago has been waiting for. Othello is seen as a confused man without direction and does know what to do.
"By the world, I think that my wife be honest and think that she is not. I think that thou art just and think she is not. Othello then says to Iago: "Damn her, lewd minx, damn her, damn her! Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw To furnish me with some swift means of death Far that fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant." Here it shows that Othello is now starting to believe Iago. Another time that Iago starts to make Othello believe even more that is wife is unfaithful is when he tells Othello that he has overheard Cassio talking in his sleep about Desdemona and that he has also noticed Cassio wiping his face with the strawberry-embroidered handkerchief, that Othello had given to Desdemona for his first present. This now where Othello is convinced that Desdemona has been unfaithful and vows revenge against Cassio and Desdemona.
It is in this scene that Iago implants the suspicions and jealousy in Othello's head, which tragically bring about the events in the play. It is also here, where Desdemona tries to resolve the differences between Othello and Cassio, in which Othello sees them together and reinforces the charge that Iago has made to Othello. Iago helps by adding the fuel to the fire when he tells Othello about how Cassio and Desdemona have known each other for some time. Othello is upset and vows revenge. "Not with vain thanks but with acceptance bounteous, And will upon the instant pit thee tot’s Within these three days let me hear thee say That Cassio's not alive." Iago also reminds Othello that Desdemona has also deceived her father, her own flesh and blood, why not then lie to her husband. Othello then tells Iago that he is bound to him forever for all that he has done for him. It is made clear in this scene that Iago is honest and true man. A man of his word and for that Othello is forever grateful.
After the events of the loss of the handkerchief, shown clearly is the anger of Othello when he asks Desdemona to produce the handkerchief. When she can not, it is set in his mind that she has been deceitful. It does not help the situation in any way that Desdemona lies about having the handkerchief, it only adds to the fire that burns within Othello's eyes.
Othello's jealousy is the one flaw that brings him down the most. It is not to say that with out Iago set off all that he has that the situation would have been better. But one can see that jealousy is the knife that stabs himself. Othello is jealous of Desdemona and Cassio, which can be somewhat understandable. It is known that Desdemona and Cassio have known each other for sometime. It is known that Cassio has had a crush on Desdemona for awhile. When Othello asks to see the handkerchief and she can't show it to him, it makes him wonder. When Iago is talking to Cassio about Desdemona, while Othello is listening, he makes him wonder. When Cassio is caught with the handkerchief, it makes Othello wonder. With all of these feature and events, one can only be jealous of Cassio and Desdemona.
Othello has been controlled in such a way by Iago though, that he won't even believe is own wife. Desdemona pleads with Othello that she has been faithful and has done nothing wrong. It is Othello's jealousy and Iago's cruel direct that leads to the death of all of them. Even though Iago is the villain of all villains, Othello's tragic flaw of jealousy, leads to his downfall. Iago manipulates the characters and enrages Othello's fire of jealousy within himself. Othello does not reason with anyone except Iago. This is why Iago is the villain of all villains. This is why Othello's jealousy can be said to be his greatest downfall. Over the entire play, not only does Iago become the enemy, but also Othello's tragic flaw of jealousy leads him hurting his innocent wife Desdemona. One can see why Othello, might be Shakespeare's most tragic plays.
