Essay On Iago's Accusations In Othello
The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice.
Why is it that Othello places ultimate trust in Iago’s accusations instead of enquiring of Desdemona her “infidelity”? Is it Iago’s sadistic nature or does it, in fact, lie with Othello himself?
Obvious reasons are put forward to explain the above question: It was Iago’s malicious meanderings that overwhelmed Othello; it was Othello’s innocence, his brutish nature and lack of emotional intelligence that led to his tragic end.
I believe, by referring to the design of the play, that one person simply cannot be to blame. Without Iago there would be no Othello and vice versa. I see it that Othello’s demise can be attributed to both himself and Iago for they are the perfect pair; both proud men driven by their narcissism and desire to fit in. …show more content…
Iago panders to Othello’s narcissistic nature, giving Othello reason to trust him. Othello’s desire for an ‘idealized image’ in ‘Venetian Society’, together with his need to give pleasure to his ego, leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s malevolence and manipulation.
Othello’s ‘love of admission’ is noted on his return from battle with the Turks when he boasts to Desdemona his acceptance and “love” by the Cypriots, “Honey, you shall be well desir’d in Cyprus; I have found great love amongst them.” (II, i ; 208-209). Iago’s intelligence allows him to pick up on the insecurities within Othello and use them to his advantage, thus feeding his own narcissism; the egotistical boost he gets from deceit.
It is because of Iago’s insight into Othello’s insecurities that he has power over him, and the reason Othello confides in him. He displays this magnificently by torturing Othello when not allowing him access to his thoughts, making Othello doubt his own authority, “Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago…and mak’st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts.” (III, iii ; 142-143 and
Why is it that Othello places ultimate trust in Iago’s accusations instead of enquiring of Desdemona her “infidelity”? Is it Iago’s sadistic nature or does it, in fact, lie with Othello himself?
Obvious reasons are put forward to explain the above question: It was Iago’s malicious meanderings that overwhelmed Othello; it was Othello’s innocence, his brutish nature and lack of emotional intelligence that led to his tragic end.
I believe, by referring to the design of the play, that one person simply cannot be to blame. Without Iago there would be no Othello and vice versa. I see it that Othello’s demise can be attributed to both himself and Iago for they are the perfect pair; both proud men driven by their narcissism and desire to fit in. …show more content…
Iago panders to Othello’s narcissistic nature, giving Othello reason to trust him. Othello’s desire for an ‘idealized image’ in ‘Venetian Society’, together with his need to give pleasure to his ego, leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s malevolence and manipulation.
Othello’s ‘love of admission’ is noted on his return from battle with the Turks when he boasts to Desdemona his acceptance and “love” by the Cypriots, “Honey, you shall be well desir’d in Cyprus; I have found great love amongst them.” (II, i ; 208-209). Iago’s intelligence allows him to pick up on the insecurities within Othello and use them to his advantage, thus feeding his own narcissism; the egotistical boost he gets from deceit.
It is because of Iago’s insight into Othello’s insecurities that he has power over him, and the reason Othello confides in him. He displays this magnificently by torturing Othello when not allowing him access to his thoughts, making Othello doubt his own authority, “Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago…and mak’st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts.” (III, iii ; 142-143 and