Iago's Doubts And Uncertainties In Othello

Throughout the entire play, Othello’s jealousy, rashness, and poor-judgement are shown; which ultimately leads to his dramatic demise. While Iago carried out his master plan, he caused Othello to become deranged. Since Iago was trying to ruin Othello’s life and take Othello’s position in the military hierarchy, Iago placed countless doubts and uncertainties in Othello’s mind. These include the idea that Desdemona is being unfaithful with Cassio, and that Cassio isn’t loyal.
Othello’s most fatal flaw is his jealousy. There are many instances in the play where Othello is convinced by Iago that something is true, when in reality it is far from it. The most important instance of these stands out when Othello forces Iago to tell him what he thinks about Cassio and Desdemona. At first, Othello has his doubts and points out that there is no proof. Othello stated, “For she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove, And on the proof there is no more but this: Away at once with love or jealousy!” (Othello 3.3.195). As any normal person would do,
There are many instances where Othello calls Iago an honest man and expresses his admiration for him. In Act Two, Cassio tells Othello that he will keep an eye on Iago, and Othello responded by saying, “Iago is most honest. Michael, good night.” (2.3.6) This statement showed Othello’s complete trust in Iago that was not reciprocated. At this time, Iago was in the beginning stages of his master plan to dethrone Othello take Desdemona for Roderigo. This scene may not seem vital to the storyline, but Othello reiterating his love and trust for Iago shows why Othello believed Iago when it came to Desdemona and was willing to take an observation to the extend of Othello killing his own wife. Without Othello verbally expressing trust in Iago, the play may not have taken the dramatic and dark route it