Illusory Infidelity in Othello

Love throughout history has been considered an enigma with an emphasis on emotions such as compassion and appreciation; nevertheless as with most beneficial substances it is subject to fundamental flaws. Modern society is abundant in gossip, scandal, and misconception, all factors that ruin a legitimate relationship. William Shakespeare’s, Othello is a typical and most perfect tragedy that depicts a prevailing relationship midst blood, violence and revenge. The protagonist, Othello undergoes a transformation from a happy man to a disturbed beast as suspicion of his wife’s faithfulness to lieutenant Cassio intensifies. False rumors intentionally sprouted by good, trusty friend Iago bring about catastrophe as Othello jumps to conclusion and mistakenly murders his wife Desdemona. His estimation of Iago, blinding honor, and excessive jealousy, ultimately bring about his defeat and evident death. Undoubtedly Othello feels justification and sufficient evidence for his actions, thus not requiring further investigation.

Trust and mutual affection are obvious and important qualities that exist between a leader and his loyal servants. Othello, a man of war is under the wrong idea that his servant Iago possesses these qualities, hailing him, “Iago is most honest (II, iii, 7).” Iago’s main focus is to betray and misinform his master in an attempt to bring about his downfall, while at the same time presenting a deceiving, innocent and reliable image, “I am not what I am (I, I, 66).”Othello’s central flaw is his belief in appearances, leading him to believe, and accept Iago’s accusations, “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 (I, iii, ...

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...ect such as a handkerchief, outraging both Othello’s personal sense of propriety and all his canons of probability (Levin Harry). Anger and a broken heart fuel Othello’s belief in the tangible evidence he witnesses.

Rumors and visual evidence of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, however false, ruin Othello to the point where he resists the mode of realization. Supreme confidences in honest Iago’s word, threat to his reputation, and ignorant jealousy force him to act quickly. Othello is supremely confident in that the evidence, which he attains, and believes it is irrefutable, thus not requiring further investigation. These external factors oblige Othello to take action, and therefore he brings about his own demise as he murders his wife Desdemona, and eventually himself. Thus does the unfortunate course of foul events support the coronation of Othello as a tragic hero?