Examples Of Cruelty In Othello

Cruelty in the Eye of the Beholder
Cruelty is often associated with words like torture or abuse. Sometimes the cruelty inflicted upon others isn’t committed with the goal to harm others, but more as a defense mechanism. Whether in the form of manipulation or murder, cruelty often is present in the reaction of the perpetrator. In the play Othello by WIlliam Shakespeare, Othello and Iago show that cruelty is fueled by self preservation, pride, and lack of trust.
Iago exemplifies the self preservation that invokes cruelty through his meddling, lies, and manipulation of other people for his own personal gain. For example, he advises Roderigo, who was in love and distraught over the recently married Desdemona, to sell all of his land and follow