... world, and Othello gradually adopts the language of Iago's despairing cynicism,"" (Rackin 74). As Iago's insistences of Desdemona's infidelity become more and more regular, Othello then demands "ocular proof- of such disloyalty. The ocular proof comes in the form of a falsely fabricated handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona as a wedding gift. When Othello finds out 5 Cassio, the accused adulterer, has a look-a-like in ... possession; Othello thinks Iago's case is proved. Othello's seed of jealousy is finally in full blossom, ready to conquer and destroy all that lies in its path. Think...

• Word Count: 1660
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... superficial. Iago was clearly a very powerful villain, but Othello was gullible and trusting enough to allow Iago to deceive him. Othello was not instantly convinced though, demanding proof, but once he had the slightest proof he was gullible enough allow Iago to convince him to kill Desdemona. He also becomes very obsessive which is shown through the handkerchief that symbolises Desdemona's love ... 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 kil...

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... superficial. Iago was clearly a very powerful villain, but Othello was gullible and trusting enough to allow Iago to deceive him. Othello was not instantly convinced though, demanding proof, but once he had the slightest proof he was gullible enough allow Iago to convince him to kill Desdemona. He also becomes very obsessive which is shown through the handkerchief that symbolises Desdemona's love ... 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 kil...

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... to the sound of "Zounds!" Although his suspicions have been confirmed he still holds doubt that Desdemona could do such a thing, however the only barrier that remains is first hand proof, for which a situation to break down that wall arises conveniently for Iago. When Iago tells of Cassio's boasting of the affair Othello breaks down into an animalistic state, "foam(ing ... Othello not as a general, taking the most loving and utilitarian actions, but as a broken, "mad" man. However Othello still holds a small doubt as to Iago's accusations and demands Iago show proof and like clockwork h...

• Word Count: 1529
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... people and furthers the theme of deception so that it is perceived to be an integral part of the play. This most important deception continues in the scene in Iago's "proof" that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio. When a handkerchief that had been gifted to Desdemona by Othello falls into the hands Iago, Iago arranges for the handkerchief to serve as ... proof to damn Cassio. Iago tells Othello that he had sighted Cassio with said handkerchief. To the tormented Othello this is proof enough of his wife's unfaithfulness, to the point that he orders Iago to murder Cassio. This is c...

• Word Count: 1345
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... people and furthers the theme of deception so that it is perceived to be an integral part of the play. This most important deception continues in the scene in Iago's "proof" that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio. When a handkerchief that had been gifted to Desdemona by Othello falls into the hands Iago, Iago arranges for the handkerchief to serve as ... proof to damn Cassio. Iago tells Othello that he had sighted Cassio with said handkerchief. To the tormented Othello this is proof enough of his wife's unfaithfulness, to the point that he orders Iago to murder Cassio. This is c...

• Word Count: 1345
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... people and furthers the theme of deception so that it is perceived to be an integral part of the play. This most important deception continues in the scene in Iago's "proof" that Desdemona has been unfaithful with Cassio. When a handkerchief that had been gifted to Desdemona by Othello falls into the hands Iago, Iago arranges for the handkerchief to serve as ... proof to damn Cassio. Iago tells Othello that he had sighted Cassio with said handkerchief. To the tormented Othello this is proof enough of his wife's unfaithfulness, to the point that he orders Iago to murder Cassio. This is c...

• Word Count: 1285
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... 's room as "evidence" that Desdemona was cheating on Othello. Lago continues to hint to Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him so Othello gets fed up and demands proof. Lago mentions that he has seen Cassio wipe his face with Desdemona's handkerchief and show him the handkerchief in Cassio's room. Othello seeing this becomes angered and decides to get ... and some soldiers then enter the room as Emilia tells Othello the truth and tries to silence her, at first, Othello didn't believe it is saying that the handkerchief was proof of the cheating, but Emilia tells him that that she found...

• Word Count: 1807
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• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , devil!" (IV.I.35-43). After watching Desdemona laughing with Iago during the conversation, paranoia takes control over his judgment, and, as a result, confirms Cassio's involvement with Desdemona. Without any further proof rather than Iago's word, it is clearly that a smart man should more skeptic. Instead, distrust and paranoia played an important role in his conviction. Lastly, at the beginning of the ... toged consuls can propose As masterly as he: mere prattle, without practice, Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had the election: And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rho...

• Word Count: 1537
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... loving wife is cheating? The answer is simple, complete manipulation of his actions by Iago. Othello is proved to be an extremely gullible person, as Iago never offers Othello legitimate proof of the affair. Critics suggest that Othello had begun to give into the stereotypes of his racial status as stated above. It is argued that Othello began to believe that ... faithful in his wife until she is proven guilty, however, later on in the passage; Othello lets his thoughts get to him and vows to work with Othello to find proof of his wife's infidelity. His thoughts of the affair between th...

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... . In every scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deceptive manner. Iago tricks Othello into believing that his own wife is having an affair, without any concrete proof. Othello is so caught up in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies his claims. Much credit must be given to Iago's diabolical dexterity, which enables ... him anymore and she can now only hurt his chances of keeping the position he has been given by Othello. Iago's merciless taking of Emilia and Roderigo's lives is another proof of his amorality. If one looks in modern day cinema, one w...

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... 's quarters. Upon receiving this false information, an enraged Othello demands that Iago, the conniving villain "be sure thou prove my love a whore! Be sure of it. Give me the ocular proof" (3.3.411-412). Deceitful Iago then asks Othello if he has ever noticed his fair Desdemona with "a handkerchief spotted with strawberries" (3.3.493-494) in her hand. Iago informs Othello that "but ... such a handkerchief - I am sure of it was your wife's - did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with" (3.3.496-498). Othello accepts the proof at face value and believes the scandalous affair to be true. In...

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... plots to plant it in Cassio's lodgings and have him discover it. From there he will make sure that Othello sees the handkerchief in his hands and use it as proof. The handkerchief is a very important piece in the play. Soon Othello gets fed up with all the accusations Iago is making without any ... proof. The handkerchief is just one of the few ways he gets Othello to believe him. Act 4 Scene 1: Cassio CASSIO I marry her! what? a customer! Prithee, bear some charity to my wit: ... ...

• Word Count: 1597
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• Grade Level: High School

... pushes it away and it falls to the ground. Emilia fins the handkerchief and gives it to Iago. Othello then returns wanting proof of his wife's unfaithfulness. Iago tells a story of seeing Cassio with the handkerchief. There was his proof! Othello vows revenge and promotes Iago to Cassio's position. He goes on to test Desdemona by wanting to see the handkerchief. When ... ...

• Word Count: 1511
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• Grade Level: High School

... has characteristics that make her practical yet shrew, and Bianca the mistress. The most obvious symbol in Othello is the handkerchief. The handkerchief carries much leverage and is the visual proof' that convinces Othello of his wife's infidelity. Desdemona is depicted as the loyal and devoted wife who loves her husband more then life itself. She has been portrayed to Othello ... would not be included in the main characters of the play but she does play a key role in the deceptive plan of Iago. Later in the play Othello asks for proof of his wife's infidelity this is when Iago concocts...

• Word Count: 1792
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• Grade Level: High School

... thinks she is unfaithful: OTHELLO. Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell. DESDEMONA. To whom, my lord? with whom? how am I false? OTHELLO. Ah! Desdemona; away, away, away! (4.2.39-41) Othello ignores his wife and automatically rejects her without properly giving her a fair chance to explain. Since Othello is ignoring and not recognizing his mistakes in committing this error ... ...

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... . This is because his service to country has only occurred to propel his own power. Iago admits this by saying, "I follow him (Othello) to serve my turn upon him". (Othello, 1.1.39) This exemplifies the implication that Iago is serving under Othello solely as a stepping-stone in order to eventually gain power. Clearly, Iago's power trip is not a result of his love ... ...

• Word Count: 1715
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• Grade Level: High School

... toga'd consuls can propose As masterly as he! Mere prattle without practice Is all his soldiership. But he, sir, had th'election; And I-of whom his eyes had seen the proof At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds, Christened and heathen-must be beleed and calmed By debitor and creditor. This counter-caster, He, in good time, must his lieutenant ... ...

• Word Count: 2433
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... Desdemona and Othello's relationship. He plans how to acquire the handkerchief so as to destroy their relationship. His first chance to procure the handkerchief goes well. He says, "As a proof that am right, this might do something the Moor will change with my poison" (Shakespeare, 1271). He knows that he will instill doubt in Othello towards Desdemona. Othello strong ... ...

• Word Count: 1487
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... to his downfall. In this play, Othello's hamartia is jealousy. Iago easily manipulates him, and ends up letting jealousy get between him and Desdemona. Even though he asked for ocular proof of her cheating on her, he ends up ignoring everything she tells him. He is tricked into thinking that his love betrayed his love, and ends up killing her before ... ...

• Word Count: 1285
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... Othello. When she betrayed the sisterhood by giving Iago the handkerchief that was so important to Desdemona and Othello, she completely shifted the dynamic of the play. With the visual proof that Emilia supplied to Iago she helped Othello to see the most untrustworthy character as honest, and the most loving character as a "whore." Emilia's low self-esteem brought ... ...

• Word Count: 1300
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• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... , I'll know your thoughts. " Iago says, " I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason to show the love and duty I bear to you My Lord; I speak not yet of proof Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio" "(Shakespeare 827). Othello is very unsettled by Iago's accusations, he remains stable but he is constantly contemplating in his mind, his ... ...

• Word Count: 1320
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... makes it sound like Cassio is talking about Desdemona when he really is talking about Bianca. Add to the conversation that Cassio has Desdemona's handkerchief and Othello has all the proof that he needs and decides that both Cassio and Desdemona will die. Iago, knowing that Othello will soon kill Desdemona, sets out to murder Cassio and hoping to kill both ... ...

• Word Count: 1422
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• Grade Level: High School

... wants to tell O, but rather something he must tell as a friend. O stops his advance upon hearing Iago's words, and carefully rests his body on the window ledge to hear what proof Iago is going to reveal. Confident that Iago has O's attention, he immediately begins the tactical speech regarding the relationship he has with C. O, initially shocked to hear about Iago's sexual relationship ... ...

• Word Count: 1693
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• Grade Level: High School

... . In every scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deceptive manner. Iago tricks Othello into believing that his own wife is having an affair, without any concrete proof at the beginning. Othello is so caught up in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies the whole thing. Much credit must be given to Iago ... ...

• Word Count: 2346
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School