Othello Essay

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In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, we see a black man marrying a wealthy young white woman named Desdemona. The black man named Othello serves the Italian government, as a general, this man is a very a loyal and trusting person. Othello is easily persuaded as stated by Iago, his ancient, who wrights this passage about him ““The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by the nose As asses are. (Act 1, 3,405.)“ This shows us the kind of man Othello is a trusting man, and thinks that everyone is telling the truth. This opens Othello, to believe on the lies that Iago, is telling him. However, Othello is not a stupid man, he is a general after all, and must be shown proof when people put up arguments especially against his own wife, cheating on him. Now the question is why did Othello not look for his own proof of the acquisition laid up against his wife cheating. He surly is not stupid, considering that he has such a high position. In this essay, I will explain why, Othello does not look for more proof, of his wife’s affairs and merely believes Iago.

Now, when Othello and Desdemona, get the hesitant approval of their marriage by Desdemona’s father by blessing their marriage, the Father of Desdemona says “She has deceived her father, and may thee (Act 1, 3, 294).” This may not at first give Othello concern that his wife might cheat on him, but later with the help of Iago’s lies, this line becomes more relevant to Othello, giving him the idea that Desdemona may not always stay loyal. Now here Othello has some proof, of Desdemona’s betrayal but it is not very strong proof, at lest not enough to go to the extreme the Othello went to. Now, Iago also makes h...

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...ng about Desdemona. In addition, to the confession by Cassio, to what Othello believes to be an affair, Othello really does not need anymore proof of the interaction. However, if Othello needed more proof, he believes that Iago is honest, as stated in this passage “My life upon her faith! Honest Iago,
My Desdemona must I leave to thee: I prithee, let thy wife attend on her: And bring them after in the best advantage. Come, Desdemona: I have but an hour Of love, of worldly matters and direction, 300 To spend with thee: we must obey the time. ( act 1,3.195-301) This proves that Othello, trusts Iago, a lot more then he should.

In conclusion, Othello put too much trust into his friend and dishonest friend, which caused Othello his life. Furthermore, Iago, seemed to have thought ahead of Othello, by planting seeds of jealousy into Othello’s mind. Furthermore,

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