Othello - Factors Attributing To His Downfall

Iago, the strong and persuasive villain, is in many ways responsible for the downfall of Othello. While Iago's motive are not clearly stated, he does express his hate for Othello, "I hate the Moor" (Iago: act ----) and implies he wants revenge on Cassio and Othello because he didn't get the position of left lieutenant. Iago uses his ability to understand different people, identifying their motives and weaknesses, and using this skill to manipulate them for his own gains. His deceptive nature is evident through out the play with constant

Another contributing factor to Othello’s downfall was his lack of understanding and experience of love. It is clear that Othello has not had a great deal of experience in love, possibly due to the insecurities within himself and his background. Throughout the play, particularly at the start, Othello is certain that he is in love with Desdemona. However, the audience can see his reasons of love are founded on false ideas – “She lov’d me for the dangers I had pass’d and I lov’d her that she did pity them” (Othello: act1, sc3, 167-8). It is very likely that Othello, being a superficial character, thought he was in love but in reality he liked the idea of having Desdemona by his side to put on a show and feel accepted and raise his social status. As mentioned previously, Othello is a man of battle. He applies the logic of the battle to his marriage, as this is all he knows. This is seen when he demands proof of the affair, and once he has proof he feels he must kill as Desdemona is now against him and has the power to destroy him. He was unsure of how to act around women, and as soon as his love way tested he was easily misguided, which once again reflects the possibility that he was never actually in love.

Othello's flaws and weaknesses within himself contribute a great deal to his downfall. He is very prone to jealousy, mainly because of his insecurities about his background and fitting into the Venetian society. Othello was very easily made jealous of Cassio. While Iago was very persuasive, Othello's jealousy once prompted, drove him to the extend of killing his own wife. This jealousy that engulfed him is seen in the contrast between his character at the beginning as calm, collected and sure of himself – “My parts, my title and my perfect soul” (act1, sc2, 30), to a man who was emotional, irrational and confused – “Sir, she can turn, and turn, and yet go on and turn again….O well-painted passion!” (act4, sc1, 245-51)

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