1.

How does this scene relate to Othello and hubris (excessive pride part of the tragic elements)? How might Othello's pride mean he is more
concerned by Iago's suggestions about his wife's possible infidelity?
Consider:
1.
How he reacts to Iago's suggestions once Iago has left, and what
he says about Desdemona (262-281)
2.
How Othello may feel, knowing that Iago seems to be holding
back information about Desdemona - it seems like Iago knows something
he does not

Throughout the Classical Tragedy, Othellos hubris begins to show when suggestions from Iago about
his wifes possible infidelity emerge. He does not want to appear as if he believes Iago however
when Iago has left, Othellos true emotions are displayed to the audience. The fact that Tis destiny
unshunnable, like death suggests that Othello has no control over his emotions which relates to the
stereotype that moors are uncontrollable and changeable as he began by not believing Iagos
accusations. It is implied that Othellos hubris is displayed here as he will not let Desdemona live if
Iagos suggestions are proven to be true as Othello, as a general of high rank, could not be
dishonoured in this way as to have an infidel wife. He states that this forked plague is fated to us
which may suggest the stereotype of black men, such as Othello, being uncontrollable which may
lead to his hubris engulfing him and him being unable to stop the fate of Desdemona being tragic if
Iagos suggestions are proven to be as honest.
The idea that Iago may know something about Desdemona that Othello does not has a huge impact
on his hubris and stereotypical lack of control over his raw emotions. Othello can see that Iago is
supposedly hiding something as some horrible conceit implies that Othello wants to know to settle
his embedded doubt. Due to his difference, Othello feels doubt towards Desdemonas love for him
as he states that I am abused suggesting that he is older than her. Therefore as Iago plants another
seed of doubt in his mind about his wifes infidelity, Othello becomes increasingly suspicious as his
hubris takes over. Othello plies Iago with if thou dost love me, show me thy thought. This is
Othellos way of incising Iago to share his supposed secret about Desdemona. Also it suggests the
Othellos hubris is beginning to become more important than the truth meaning the more Iago
prolongs his false secret the more likely Othello is to believe its honest and as he is portrayed
stereotypically black, his uncontrollable emotions and hubris will result in his tragic downfall.