Othello Essay

By Edon Lindell



Shakespeare: Poet and Playwright, Semester 2 2014

Teacher: Zika Vuletic

Due Date: Friday 22
nd
August 2014

Edon Lindell, Othello Essay
Shakespeare: Poet and playwright
Semester 2 2014, Zika Vuletic
Othellos apparently noble and loving nature is transformed into a destructive and vengeful force
by the end of the play. Discuss which elements of his character and circumstances lead to his
downfall.

In the beginning of William Shakespeares tragedy, Othello, the main character, Othello is a kind,
gentle and loving man. However by the end of the play he has become vengeful and homicidal.
Othellos insecurity, his pride and his impulsiveness are major personality flaws that bring about this
transformation. It is these aspects of his character, along with the circumstances of the play and
Iagos Machiavellian manipulations, that ultimately bring about Othellos demise.
Othellos insecurity, in particular about his African origins and his relationship with Desdemona, is an
element of his character that contributes to his transformation from a noble, fair and loving man, to
a destructive and vengeful one. One of Othellos most obvious insecurities is in regards to his race
and why Desdemona would ever love a Moor. It is not until Act 1, Scene 3 that Othello is actually
referred to by his name instead of by such derogatory nicknames as thick lips, the Moor or an old
black ram. While Othello is an able and confident general and leader of men on the battlefield,
inwardly it would appear that Othello has internalized all of the racist comments that he is
constantly bombarded with and has begun to believe them. This is shown when, despite his
eloquence, he refers to himself as being: Rudein my speech And little blessed with the soft phrase
of peace (1.3.81-82). This quote demonstrates that whilst he may have a high opinion of himself as
a general he still believes he is inferior to white men. As well as this, Othello is in a new city,
unaccustomed to the ways of Venetians and feels like an outsider. Throughout the play Iago
manipulates Othellos insecurities so that when he tells Othello that In Venice they do let heaven
see the pranks they dare not show their husbands (3.3.202-03), Othello readily believes him.
Othello is also insecure in his relationship with Desdemona, because he significantly older than her,
he struggles to see why she would love him and he constantly has to reassure himself of her love
For she had eyes, and chose me (3.3.189). Throughout the play, seeds of doubt are planted in
Othellos mind about Desdemonas faith and loyalty. In the beginning of the play, Brabantio tells
Othello, Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She has deceived her father. And may thee
(1.3.292-93) and throughout the play, Iago inundates Othello with manipulative comments, Not to
affect many proposed matches Of her own clime, complexion, and degreeone may smell in such a
will most rank (3.3.230-33). These comments are constantly fed to him throughout the play, taking
advantage of his insecurities and making him question Desdemonas love for him even more, Haply,
for I am black And have not those soft parts of conversation or for I am declined Into the vale of
yearsShes gone (3.3.263-67).
Pride is another of Othellos flaws that slowly destroys him and those around him. As a General in
the Venetian army and having come from royalty, Othello holds a position of power in society and,
despite his insecurities about his personal qualities, he places great importance on his reputation
and is proud of his standing within the community. It is this strong sense of pride that causes Othello
to react so radically when he believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful. Instead of confronting
Desdemona about her infidelity, he keeps it to himself and lets the jealousy slowly consume him
until he resolves to kill her Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damnedI will chop her into
messes!(4.1.180-198). Othellos pride also stops him from believing Emilia and Desdemona when
they tell him that she is loyal, She says enough; yet shes a simple bawd That cannot say as much
(4.2.20-21). This quote shows that while Emilia, who is constantly by Desdemonas side, swears that
she is true to Othello, he will not back down from his claims because of his pride and possibly also
because of how little the opinions of women were valued in this time. Othello reacts so strongly to
Edon Lindell, Othello Essay
Shakespeare: Poet and playwright
Semester 2 2014, Zika Vuletic
Desdemonas betrayal because he feels that she has damaged his pride and honour, I had rather
be a toad And live upon the vapor of a dungeon Than keep a corner in the thing I love For others
uses (3.3.270-73). Even after he has murdered Desdemona he clings to his pride and reputation,
and tries to justify the murder of his innocent wife, An honourable murdererFor naught did I in
hate, but all in honour (5.2.294-95). Othellos pride clouds his judgement throughout the play and
ultimately causes both his and Desdemonas death.
The very qualities that make Othello a great General in the Venetian army are ultimately some of the
very same qualities that lead to his downfall. Othellos ability to act quickly and decisively in the
presence of a perceived enemy, be it an enemy on the battle fields or in the bedroom, means that
when he believes that Desdemona has betrayed him he does not hesitate to pronounce her guilty
and decide her punishment. This impulsivity means that Othello is impatient and often acts without
first collecting all of the evidence. He is quick to form an opinion and make a decision, to be once in
doubt, Is once to be resolved (3.3.179-80). Othello shows this flaw when he finds Cassio and
Montano in a brawl. He immediately assesses the situation and swiftly decides on a course of action.
Cassio I love thee; but never more be officer of mine (2.3.240-41). This intensity of purpose and
simplification of human nature comes from Othellos job as a soldier and is also seen in his love of
Desdemona. In the beginning of the play he is completely and totally in love with her. When he
suspects her of adultery, his hatred of her is equal in intensity to his love, Shes gone, I am abused,
and my relief must be to loathe her (3.3.267-68). It is this impulsivity and military mind-set that
makes him conclude Desdemonas guilt with very little proof and remain unswayed when she pleads
her innocence to him. Whilst this trait may make Othello a much revered soldier, it also causes him
to kill Desdemona with virtually no proof of her guilt and eventually leads to his own death.
Othellos personality flaws are explored by Shakespeare through the events of the play. Iago takes
advantage of Othellos personal insecurity, his honour and pride, and his impulsiveness. These flaws
cause Othello to undergo his transformation from gentle and kind, to a man who is overcome with
jealousy and vengeance. It is ultimately these flaws and personal circumstances that lead to
Othellos downfall as well as the death of his innocent wife, Desdemona.