Iago's Downfall In Othello

“A man’s pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others for

support and guidance.” (bear grylls). In Othello we saw Othello have a downfall, his personality

changes, he gets angry easier, and he is manipulated by Iago. Othello gets so deep into Iago’s

manipulation that he won’t listen to his loved ones, and only believes what he is told. Othello’s

downfall throughout the play is strictly the result of Iago. Iago plans to tell Desdemona’s father

about Othello and her sleeping together and being married. In Act two Iago shows that he has no

respect for women. What he is doing isn’t going to phase him if he has no respect. Iago is a liar.

He does admit that he may have over exadurated things about Cassio

“Am I [to put] our

Cassio in some action that may offend the isle. (Line 60-61). Iago tells Montano that Cassio

drinks all the time. He says “I feat the trust Othello put him in, on some odd time of his infirmity,

will shake this island.” (Line 126-128). He’s saying that he doesn’t think that Othello should be

putting this must trust in Cassio because he is a drunk and his actions can’t be controlled. Othello

soon comes in and ask what is going on. “What is the matter, masters? Honest Iago, that looks

dead with grieving, speak: who began this? On thy love, I charge thee!” (Line 176-178). Iago

says “I don’t know.” (Line 179). This conflict strips Cassio of his promotion, and makes Othello

think bad of him.

In act three scene three Iago starts to perusing his plan further. Othello ask Iago “Was not

that Cassio parted from my wife?” Iago says “Cassio my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it, that he

would steal away so guilty-like seeing you coming.” (Lines 36-39). Iago is saying that is funny

that Cassio just walks away like he was guilty when he saw you coming.

Othello asks Iago is he is keeping something from him about Cassio and Desdemona.

Othello is asking

him to tell him more about what he is think about Cassio and Desdemona. Iago tell Othello

“Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vild and false, as where’s that palace where into foul

things sometimes intrude not?” (Line 136-138). He’s saying thoughts could be wrong and

doesn’t want to say anything if it’s not true. Othello says “If thou but think’st him wrong’d and

mak’st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts.” (Line 143-144). Iago admits he may have over

exaggerated things about Cassio and Desdemona sleeping together.

“Villain be sure thou prove my love a whore; Be sure of it. Give me the Ocular proof,”

Othello says this because he wants proof, proof that he can see with his own eyes that

Desdemona is a cheater. This gives Iago the chance to add to his plan that Desdemona is a

cheater. Iago tell Othello that Cassia was saying stuff about Desdemona in his sleep, and

pretending Iago was Desdemona. “In sleep I heard him say, ‘sweet Desdemona let us be wary,

let us hide our loves’;” (Lines 419-420). Othello believes Iago. This just helps Iago’s plan.

Iago gets deeper in his plan by placing a stolen handkerchief in Cassio’s chamber.