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Othello - Think For Yourself

            
             It is the inherent tendencies of humans that can either control lives or be controlled. Let loose, these tendencies can cause both happiness and death without notice. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Othello's nature and personality make him an easy target for Iago's villainy.
             The nature of trust is the act of putting all faith in someone to provide truth. Othello puts all of his faith in Iago to provide truth, the one person looking to hurt him. Iago takes advantage of Othello's trusting nature to manipulate him. When Iago succeeds in getting Michael Cassio drunk, he changes the story of what happened during the fight to make Othello turn on Cassio saying:.
             Touch me not so near.
             I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth.
             Then it should do offence to Michael Cassio.
             Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth.
             Shall nothing wrong him. This it is, general (II, iii, 214-217).
             Shakespeare uses harsh, graphic images to naturally make Othello believe Iago. If someone is willing to have their tongue cut from their mouth, then they must be telling the truth. Shakespeare also uses some simple mind-play to get Othello to demote Michael Cassio. Iago pretends to be one of Cassio's beloved confidents and Othello replies:.
             .
             I know, Iago,.
             Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,.
             Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee.
             But nevermore be officer of mine. (II, iii, 240-242).
             Since Iago takes what Othello says as the truth, without getting a second opinion or thinking through the matter himself, Cassio is pulled from his rank as a lieutenant. This demonstrates how Othello can be easily manipulated to do what Iago wants him to do.
             Othello is a very narrow-minded individual and tends to believe the first truth thrown at him, regardless of what other truths may follow. His horrible ability to judge character is what makes him very vulnerable to Iago's villainy. It is ironic how Othello can put full trust in Iago, the one person trying to deceive him, and not believe his own wife with whom he took vows to honour each other's honesty and responsibility.


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1. Othello

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2. Iago - Othello

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4. Film - Dystopia in Children of Men

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6. Iago

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8. Shakespeare's Parallels

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