Othello’s Downfall

        In the play, Othello, by William Shakespeare the tragic Othello is manipulated by the deceptive Iago. Othello’s destructive state reaches its climax when he smothers Desdemona to death, and subsequently ends his own life. While Othello’s actions are driven by Iago’s evil scheme, Iago’s actions cloud Othello’s ability to think clearly and to make wise decisions.  Othello’s downfall is caused by the ruinous effects of jealousy, and this is shown in Othello’s refusal to trust Emilia, Cassio, and Desdemona.

        As Othello is unwittingly drawn into Iago’s scheme, he loses his ability to trust others, even when he has little reason not to. Othello’s anxiety causes him to question Emilia regarding his wife’s fidelity, and he asks her, “’You have seen nothing then?’” (IV.ii.1). Despite Emilia’s denial of Desdemona’s infidelity, Othello is doubtful of Emilia’s defense of Desdemona. Even Emilia’s sincere request to Othello to “remove your thought” (IV.ii.15) does not persuade Othello that Desdemona’s love for him is steadfast and sincere. As Othello is blindly manipulated by Iago’s persuasive reasoning, he does not believe the truths told by Emilia.  Despite Othello’s knowledge that Emilia is Desdemona’s closest friend and companion, his faith in the words of Iago eventually lead to his demise.

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        Furthermore, Othello’s failure to trust Cassio gradually escalates and becomes Othello’s downfall.  Iago’s hatred for Cassio begins to intensify in the opening scene when he states to Roderigo that Othello should have chosen him instead of Cassio as first lieutenant.  Iago tells Roderigo, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” (I.i.11), and he feels that he has been cheated out of his role as leader. Thus, Iago sets out to create a plan whereby Othello will believe that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona. As Iago hides Othello while inviting Cassio into a conversation about ...

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