Othello Argument

Othello In the play Othello, William Shakespeare helps portray the idea that Othello’s temperament has lead to his own downfall. Othello, a Moorish general in the Venetian army, constantly shows how he is too trusting throughout the play. For example, he willingly states “My life upon her faith” (1.3, 335). Othello says this to Brabantio after he explains how Desdemona has deceived her own father, meaning it could happen to Othello as well. By declaring this, Othello is staking his life on Desdemona. Meanwhile, Iago is out to destroy Desdemona’s credibility, which would then contribute to the descent of Othello. This idea is further expressed when Othello adds, “Iago is most honest” (2.3, 7). Othello says this to Cassio when speaking of self-restraint and the party later that night. He too requires Cassio to keep an eye on Iago and the guards. It is made clear that Othello is too trusting because as he believes Iago is a trustworthy noble, Iago is meticulously planning to take him down. Similarly, Othello explains “For know, Iago, But that I love the gentle Desdemona, I would not my unhoused free condition…” (1.2, 27-29). In this passage, Othello is sharing his deep love that he shares with Desdemona thinking that he can trust Iago with this information. In reality, Iago takes advantage of Othello’s gullibility and accuses Roderigo that all he has for Desdemona is lust, and not love. This creates conflict, because Iago is manipulating Roderigo to try and eventually win Desdemona over Othello. Othello holds firm belief and reliability in Iago’s statements and thoughts. Overall, Othello’s credulous state of mind slowly guided him into his collapse.