Esteban Pareja
Othello’s Downfall
I think that Othello’s downfall in Shakespeare’s play Othello was not caused by Iago, but
it was caused by Othello himself. Iago caused Othello to have a doubt in his mind. Othello
caused his own downfall and deterioration of character by believing everything that Iago told
him.
Othello was first introduced in the play by the term “Moor.” The Duke of Venice, who
highly respected Othello, always addressed him by his name, rather than “Moor.” Brabantio and
Iago, his enemies, constantly referred to him as “The Moor.” They used this term referring to his
dark skinned appearance. Many called him “Moor” because he was a Muslim from northwestern
Africa.
Othello was a brave warrior and a hero in battle. He was always in control and knew how
to handle every situation. Othello showed his control in Act 1, Scene 2 when Brabantio,
Roderigo, and the officers came to attack him. Brabantio was angry because Iago and Roderigo
had informed him that Othello had stolen his daughter Desdemona. Brabantio accused Othello of
bewitching his daughter. They all drew their swords, ready to attack Othello, but he stayed calm
and settled everything with words instead of his sword. In lines 76 through 79, Othello says to
Brabantio and his men, “Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them. Good signior,
you shall more command with years than your weapons.” Then, he spoke with Brabantio in front
of the Duke and had Desdemona testify her love for him. Desdemona told her father in lines 208
through 218 of Act 1, Scene 3, “My noble father, I do perceive here a divided duty. To you I am
bound for life and education. My life and education both do learn me how to respect you. You
Esteban Pareja
are the lord of duty. I am hitherto your daughter. But here’s my husband. And so much duty as
my mother showed to you, preferring you before her father, so much I challenge that I may
profess due to the Moor my lord.”
The deterioration of Othello’s character began in Act 3, Scene 3 when Iago told Othello
that Cassio was having an affair with Desdemona. Othello believed this without even questioning
Iago. In lines 227 through 229, Iago told Othello, “I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife;
observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.” Othello should have
asked for evidence before believing anything. I would have thought that Othello, being a military
general, would be wiser and more cautious about the things he is told.
After Iago plants the seed of doubt in Othello’s mind, we can see the character of Othello
deteriorate from Act 3 through Act 5. Throughout the story, Othello goes from being a confident
and calm admired military general with self-control to being a doubtful and jealous husband and
finally ending up as a murderer. His character, judgment, and morals were all affected by his
decision to believe Iago’s lies. He became hostile, violent, and disrespectful to those around him.
Othello’s character change can be seen by looking at Act 3 and Act 4. In Act 3, Scene 3
Othello declared his love for Desdemona forever. Ironically, he calls her “Devil” and hits her in
Act 4, Scene 1.
In Act 4, Scene 2 Othello talked to Desdemona about her loyalty. She responded to him
saying that she’s innocent but he refused to believe her. Othello accuses her in line 48, saying
“Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell.” I would say that Othello does not really love
Desdemona, but he is rather obsessed with her. If he really loved her, he would choose to believe
her over Iago’s unproven accusations.
Esteban Pareja
Even though he was tough, Othello was emotionally vulnerable. After he began doubting
Desdemona’s loyalty, he reacted to everything with his ego rather than with his head.
It is clear that Othello was responsible for his own downfall and the degradation of his
personality. Iago established the made up accusations in Othello’s mind about Desdemona and
had no proof for them. Othello could have asked Iago for evidence before believing his lies
instead of simply accepting everything he said. In the story, Othello made many important
decisions like choosing to stand up to Desdemona’s father and to remove Cassio from his
military position as a lieutenant. His worst decision was to let himself be convinced by Iago’s
words.