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Othello is a general in the Venetian defence forces, although he
is a foreigner from Africa he has won this position by excellence
in the field of war.
He has courage, intelligence, the skill of command and the
respect of his troops.
On the battlefield Othello is skilled and triumphant.
Othello is very articulate. In front of the Duke, he gives an
inspiring speech when recounting the story of how he wooed
Desdemona.
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Othello feels at this moment in time his marriage is at the
pinnacle of his life. This hero is at his greatest moment as he is
triumphant in both war and love.
Act 2 scene 1 line (175-187)
“It gives me wonder great as my content to see you here before me.
O my soul’s joy!... ‘Twere now to be most happy; for I fear my
soul hath her content so absoloute..” - Othello
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Othello’s view towards women is very different when compared
to Iago’s view on women. Othello sees Desdemona as an equal
as he calls her “..my fair warrior!”
When Iago starts questioning Desdemona’s loyalty, Othello is
not easily moved.
Act 3 scene3 Line 220-225
“I do not think but Desdemona’s honest” -Othello
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Othello is very easily manipulated by Iago. Iago expresses his
love for Othello and his duty to serve him, thus leading Othello
into believing that Iago is loyal and honest.
Although Othello is very experienced on the battle field, he is
inexperienced at love. His inexperience undermines his
confidence, therefore Iago finds it easy to lead Othello into
thinking that Desdemona is committing adultery.
Othello’s insecurities are so close to the surface that a few words
of hint and innuendo from Iago can completely alter his
disposition.
Act 3 scene 3 line 205
“She did deceive her father, marrying you…”
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One of Othello’s insecurities is his complexion. He is referred
to as “The Moor”. It is when Iago mentions Othello’s
complexion that he starts to feel like even more of an outsider
and start to doubt himself and his worthiness. He even starts to
question why he married. Act 3 scene 3 Line 240
With his very crafted words, Iago destroys the confident exterior
of Othello to expose his fears, and tendency to violence. It is not
long before Othello is convinced of Desdemona’s “infidelity”
Othello does not confront Desdemona about cheating on him,
instead he takes a military approach to the situation and makes a
rash decision on the spot to kill Desdemona.
Act 3 scene 3 Line 339-447
“ Now do I see ‘tis true. Look here, Iago- all my fond love thus do I
blow to heaven: ‘tis gone.” –Othello
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“O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green- eyed monster, which doth
mock the meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss who, certain of his
fate, loves not his wronger…” - Iago
This is the seed of jealousy that Iago plants in Othello’s mind. Iago is
basically telling Othello to not get jealous as it will consume him and turn him
into a monster which in turn will to him destroying himself and others around
him. Iago does not directly say that Desdemona is cheating on Othello, Othello
is only led to believe it.
“Trifles light as air”
Jelousy is one of the main reasons leading to Othello’s downfall. This
is because when Othello becomes consumed with doubt and jealousy,
every meaningless action or word seems to justify his suspicions of
Desdemona’s “infidelity” An example of this is the handkerchief and also
hearing Iago and Cassio speak of Bianca.
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Closer to the end of the play we start to see the great qualities of Othello
deteriorate.
His speech
Othello starts to fill his speech with interrogatives. This once confident
hero is now filled with uncertainty therefore asks a lot of
questions. Act 3 scene 3 “What dost thou say?”.. “Who is’t you
mean?.. “Went he hence now?”
Othello’s well crafted speeches have now turned into short statements
along with great use of animal imagery (like Iago) and also dark
imagery. Act 3 scene 3 Line 444-500
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His view towards women:
Othello starts to succumb that woman are beneath men. He hits
Desdemona in front of This is suggested as Othello does not actually ask
Desdemona if she had been cheating on him until it is too late. Even when she
denies cheating on him he still believes Iago word. (A man’s word over a woman.)
He also hits Desdemona in Act 4 scene 1 in front of Lodovico. Lodovico is
shocked as this is not the same Othello that he saw in front of the senate. “What! Strike
his wife!... I am sorry that I am deceived in him”- Lodovico
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His career
In the first scene, when Othello is in front of the senate he assures
the senators that he won’t let his marriage get in the way of his career. This
changes as when he believes that Desdemona has cheated on him he declares,
“Farewell the plumed troops and the big wars that make ambition virtue…
Farewell! Othello’s occupation’s gone.”
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What led to the downfall of Othello?
His free and open nature
His trust in Iago
Inexperience when it comes to love
Letting himself be easily manipulated
His insecurities such as his race, colour, background, being an
outsider.
 He let his military ways take control
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There are many factors which led to the downfall of Othello. In the
last scene he admits to having been manipulated and deceived by
Iago. “Of one that not easily jealous, but being wrought, perplexed
in the extreme.” This final soliloquy reveals a bit of Othello’s
former greatness, his military glory and his loyalty to Venice. It
shows the intensity of his love for Desdemona and he realises that
by killing her he has ultimately destroyed the best in himself.