Othello Is The Principal Agent Of His Own Downfall

'Othello is the principal agent of his own downfall'. Discuss this statement.

Othello is undoubtedly unfortunate to encounter a villian such as Iago, whose ingenuity and wicked nature enable him to manipulate a range of characters with a simplicity that comes natural to him. However, while the cunning and deceptive nature of Iago plays a central role in Othello's downfall, such a spectacular tragedy would not have been possible without the primary flaws that the Moor possesses. Iago's success is based on his ability to identify and exploit the weaknesses and insecurities that are already contained within Othello's character. Therefore, it cannot be denied that Othello is himself at fault for the tragedy that befalls him.

In the beginning of the play, Iago remarks that "the Moor is of a free and open nature". Othello's honest and open nature can be seen throughout the play. Unlike Iago, Othello does not mask his intentions or manipulate those around him. When giving his account of how he wooed Desdemona, Othello promises that he will deliver "a round unvarnished tale". Othello is virtuous in this sense as he does not hide behind illusions. In turn, Othello expects the same righteousness from others. He believes that "men should be as they seem". He holds Iago in high regard, stating that he believes him to be a man of "honesty and trust". Othello never once doubts the credibilty of Iago's word and he has faith in Iago whole-heartedly. However, it is this naivety that is the Moor's first and fateful error. In believing that the men around him are as honest and open as himself, Othello makes himself vulnerable to the manipulation of Iago. Iago is aware of Othello's trusting nature and he sees it as a weakness to be exploited for his own personal gain. This "free and open nature" is one of Othello's principal shortcomings that is in the end crucial to his almighty demise.

Iago deviously identifies many other weaknesses in Othello's character that he uses to his own advantage. One of said weaknesses is Othello's thirst for knowledge, a key trait of a tragic hero. Othello cannot bear uncertainty. This can be seen in the brawl scene, where Othello feels compelled to act quickly and decisively in response to what has happened. Impulsively, Othello tells Cassio "I love thee, but never more be officer of mine". Othello dismisses Cassio from his position based on the account of Iago alone. Othello fails to thoroughly investigate what happened, acting instead on impulse to get something done. Othello's impulsive side is shown again in the temptation scene, when Iago first reveals his suspicions about Cassio and Desdemona. It is in this scene that Iago first plants the seed of doubt in Othello's mind, and the "green-eyed monster" begins to rear its ugly head. Othello tells Iago "see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove". This shows that Othello cannot let things rest or come to fruition by themselves. The Moor possesses this innate desire to have clarity in all aspects of his life. He cannot cope with conflicting emotions, and now Othello's peace of mind has been destroyed. In one scene, he has gone from referring to his wife as "sweet Desdemona" - the object of his affection - to now doubting the love that they share. She eventually becomes nothing but a "lewd minx" in his mind. Othello gave way to Iago's manipulation and suspicions and Iago not only exploits this weakness, he now feeds on it. Something which would not have been possible without Othello's need to know everything.

The intense love that Othello holds towards Desdemona may also be held accountable for his reaction to her supposed disloyalty. The passion with which Othello loves Desdemona plays a key part in his collapse because it is the consuming and destructive power of passion that drives Othello to the ultimate sin of killing his wife and himself. The tragedy climaxes as a result of Othello's weaknesses and his love for Desdemona. The stereotypical 'fine line between love and hate' is seen clearly in Othello's view of Desdemona. When he loves her, she is the focal point of his world. He describes her as "the fountain from which my current runs or else dries up". Whenever Othello speaks of his wife, it is with love and adoration. She is his "sweet Desdemona". However this caring and devoted view changes drastically, with little warning or transition. She goes from being held in such high esteem by her husband to being his ultimate enemy. The hatred that Othello feels for Desdemona is expressed when he declares that he will "tear her all to pieces". Othello lacks composure in his love of Desdemona. He both loves her and hates her with equal intensity, and he is victim to these emotions. At the close of the play he describes himself as having "loved not wisely, but too well". There is no doubt that Othello did love Desdemona at one point and his hatred, jealousy and violence ultimately stems from this intense love.

Othello also possesses a deep rooted sense of insecurity which contributes to his dramatic fall. Othello is an outsider in Venetian society and although he is well respected in his achievements as a military general, he will remain an outsider. On a physical level, the colour of skin sets him apart with his constantly being referred to as "the Moor" and the "thick lips". Both Othello and those around him acknowledge this fact with Iago telling Brabantio that "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe", and Othello blatantly stating "I am black" and lack "those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have". Othello is constantly faced with the reminder that he is black in a noble, white society. Beyond this Othello is a foreigner in Venetian society and knows "little of this great world". Iago plays on this insecurity, and cleverly exploits it - leading to Othello's demise. Othello is insecure in his relationship with Desdemona as it is, him being an outsider and she being the daughter of a well to do senator. Iago suggests it was "unnatural" for Desdemona to marry someone like Othello and not a Venetian nobleman or someone "of her own complexion, clime and degree". Jealousy is rooted in insecurity, and this is clearly portrayed in Shakespeare's Othello. It cannot be doubted that Othello's insecurity is a primary factor in his downfall.

Othello's lack of trust in Desdemona may also be caused by his faulty concept of love. Othello is no doubt self-centred and he tends to assess situations in terms of himself and the affect it holds on his life. In Othello's account of how he and Desdemona fell in love he says "she loved me for the dangers that I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them". Othello does not acknowledge any other reasons why he loved Desdemona. There are no mentions of her strengths of character that Othello found loveable, other than her adoration. When Desdemona is brought into court to speak for herself in the matter of the marriage, she declares that she freely and lovingly takes Othello for her husband. Desdemona says she saw "Othello's visage in his mind, and to his honors and his valiant parts" she will devote herself. This suggests that she loves Othello for his reputation and his prestige. The couple did not know each other for a long time before they married, and their romance by all means appears to be somewhat of a whirlwind. Brabantio warns Othello saying that Desdemona "has deceived her father, and may thee". Othello however shows full faith in his bride replying "my life upon her faith". Their relationship is questionable as to whether or not they married in haste, and of course as a result of Othello's faulty and selfish concept of love.

The tragic hero tends to be a character of great moral fiber who makes a series of fatal errors, and realises these errors when it is too late. Othello possesses all of the qualities of the archetypal tragic hero, but fundamentally what makes Othello a tragic hero is that his downfall comes as a result of a combination of fatal flaws within his character. The Moor is virtuous and proud. He has the intense desire to know everything, and becomes obsessed with punishing Cassio and Desdemona. Othello is insecure, jealous, selfish and obsessive in his love of Desdemona. All of these traits are what lead to his demise, and like the typical tragic hero, he realises these flaws when it is too late and must bear ultimate responsibilty for his downfall.