Examples Of Infidelity In Othello

However, while Othello was initially able to comprehend the love of others in Venice, his capacity to do so – in particular, in relation to Desdemona – rapidly declined as he begins to increasingly identify with “otherness.” This is apparent almost immediately after Iago planted the seeds of doubt in Othello. After Iago intimated that Desdemona’s potential infidelity may have been an inevitable result of his race – “though I may fear / Her will, recoiling to her better judgement, may fall to match you with her country forms / And happily repent” (3.3.235-238) – Othello does not defend the authenticity of his wife’s love for him, simply replying “farewell, farewell” (3.3.239). His reaction evinces a sensitivity to his otherness that interferes with his ability to appreciate Desdemona’s love. This discourse between Iago and Othello is particularly telling, as before Iago introduced racial undertones to the conversation,
That Othello was able to reverse his position in only 50 lines of dialogue suggests that the implication of “otherness” fundamentally compromised his conception of Desdemona’s love, which Othello previously characterized as indisputable.
As Othello’s capacity to appreciate Desdemona’s love deteriorated according to his sense of identity within the Venetian community, so too did his capacity for self-love. Indeed,