Othello :: essays research papers

After reading Shakespeares play OTHELLO you have to ask yourself is Othello as a lot a victim as he is a murderer? An assumption may be that because Othello kills his wife after the devious behavior of Iago, then by chance Othello is a victim of Iagos evil. Some may argue that the sin of Iago to plot the down fall of the moor, is worse because it becomes a calculating mind compared to Othellos sin because he has become a pawn in Iagos hands. However, it is noticed that Othello allows himself to be manipulated. Iagos suggestion of the infidelity of Desdemona, Othellos wife, provides just the vindication Othello needs to justify the destruction of the wife he believes can not truly love him. Desdemonas murder is a result of Othellos dress and quick judgment, as a result, he must be held accountable. Othello, unlike Iago, is capable of forming strong, loving relationships. His genuine friendship with Iago confirms this fact. Othello allows himself to be influenced by Iago, and allo ws Iago to bring come forth his most evil characteristics. Although Iago may be the more evil of the two, Othello does little to prevent his instincts from becoming dominant. To see why Othello commits his crime and why he has to be held accountable for it, we must examine his motive. It can be claimed that what actually causes Othello to commit murder is not his being mentally weakened and manipulated by Iago, but earlier his own pride and lack of confidence which he allows to gain control. Othello is a strong leader, but he is insecure with his personal qualities. He is in a new city with different customs. He has a new bride, a young and beautiful girl, who he loves but does not know well. The Moor surely is aware of the widespread prejudice in Venice and certainly has to question why Desdemona would go against her culture by marrying a black man. Othello has his doubts about Desdemona before Iago begins his scheming. counterbalance though his wife shows nothing but love for him, Othello cannot believe in her love wholeheartedly. Tis not to make me jealous to say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves companyNor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, for she had eyes and chose me (Act III, Scene III, 198) Othello is going to conclude that Desdemonas compassion and virtue totally enable her to love him.