2008 Othello Question

2008 Othello Question
“Othello’s foolishness rather than Iago’s cleverness leads to the tragedy of Shakespeare’s Othello”
Discuss this statement supporting your answer with the aid of suitable reference to the text.

At the start of the play Othello seems to be prudent, impeccable and unduly romantic. Othello and Desdemona were clearly passionately in love, we see this when Desdemona and Othello elope and Desdemona stands up to her father stating that she is “hitherto” his daughter. The couple are willing to wait for Brabantio’s blessing of the marriage before they consummate it, this shows us that Othello is kind and that he respects Desdemona’s father and Desdemona. Othello is a true gentleman, with an exquisite way of speaking. Othello know his place and ranking, he speaks with respect to those both above and below him “Most potent, grave and reverend signiors”. Othello's character is first shown as a hero of war and a man of great pride, valour and courage: “I must be found. / My parts, my title, and my perfect soul, / Shall manifest me rightly:” and “Valiant Othello, we must straight employ you”. Othello is a man who has suffered, survived and succeeded in his life. He went through slavery and all sorts of trials, to end up as the Venetian Armies general: “…the story of my life/ From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes, / That I have passed.” In the beginning of the play there is little indication that Othello is an asinine character which could lead to the catastrophe of the play, in fact we view him as a champion who can win every battle.
Othello’s character changed dramatically throughout the play. My view of Othello morphed for the duration of the play, he transformed from a vigilant, immaculate, congenial and amorous man to naïve, imprudent, rash and violent man blinded by envy. Othello allows himself to be “led by the nose” when he believes that “honest Iago” would never lie to him.

Iago’s character stayed constant throughout the play. My opinion of Iago changed very little throughout the play, his duplicitousness, astuteness and villainy are apparent characteristics from the beginning.
Othello is moronic to believe that Desdemona was unfaithful and to put his faith in such circumstantial evidence of an affair.
Iago is a master manipulator. He has moulded all the characters into thinking that he is “honest, honest Iago”, this allows him to appear as innocent who would never do any wrong by Othello. Iago orchestrates his rise to power and Othello’s fall
“The Green Eyed Monster” is another factor that allows the unfortunate end to the play.
Othello’s jealous nature is much more to blame than Iago’s wit is.