After reading Othello by Shakespeare over about 3 times, I came to feel sorry for a man that I can easily say was gulled into tragedy by his own purity. I can see Othello as a man that could sit at the Round Table with King Arthur and rank among those wonderous knights of chivalry. At his end, he had nothing.
The Duke calls Othello Valiant Othello (1057) Othello also stands ready to face Brabantio, Iago tells him to run. Othello – Not I; I must be found. My parts, my title and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. (1054)
As grand as his internal characteristics are, he also stumbles with his own susceptibility to become betrayed. Othello also has no sense of grey. He sees things are either good or evil. To Cassio, Othello Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee, But never more be officer of mine (1078).
For his one transgression, Cassio is stripped of his rank and cast aside. Othello seems to place his trust in people that have not demonstrated a reason to be mistrusted. Iago at no time gives cause to be mistrusted. Othello had to see the reason, something tangible. The external pressures on Othello are partially due to his being black. Iago starts his scheming of destruction using Othellos color against him, when he beckons Barbanito to action. Iago Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Arise! Arise! (1051)
This prejudice may have damaged his self-esteem, where he believed he was unworthy of Desdemona. Iago drops doubt in his mind, Othello begs for the suspicious thoughts. Othello By heaven, Ill know thy thoughts. (1087) This opens the door to Iagos deceit. Iago O, beware my lord of jealousy! which doth mock. (1087) Othello Farewell, Farewell,. Set on thy wife to observe. Leave me, Iago. (1089) Here is where the splinter drives deeper.
From this point, there is more falls of the seal the fate of poor Othello. The mind bending Iago plants deep the seeds of wicked thoughts. Iago There are a kind of men so loose of soul that in their sleep will mutter their affairs. In sleep I heard him say Sweet Desdemona, let us be wary. (1094)
With the fully trusting nature and complete vulnerabilities inside of Othello, coupled with the horrid deception of Iago, the tragic flaw has been discovered. Othello By heaven, I saw the handkerchief in his hand (1121) Once the handkerchiefs seen in Cassios hand, its a time for killing.
