Psychology And Othello

There are a number of perspectives that a critic can use to interpret a work of literature. One perspective, the psychological approach, deals with interpreting the text by using what is known about psychology. Some critics will try and understand the writers while, "still other critics employ methods of Freudian psychoanalysis to understand not only the writers themselves such as Shakespeare but the literary characters they create" (DiYanni 635). In Shakespeare 's play, "The Tragedy of Othello," a critic might want to use the psychoanalytic approach to help understand Iago. To do this, one might look at the characters and their wants, needs, and desires. The will also look at the character relationships to help come up with a psycho-analysis
Iago is also aware of Othello 's downfalls and personal needs. Iago uses Othello 's own psychology to manipulate him, and in response, Othello falls easily to Iago 's suggestions. Because of Othello 's need for affection and love, Iago puts special attention on this emotion. Iago knows he can enrage Othello by telling him of Desdemona 's unfaithfulness. Knowing that Othello had given Desdemona the handkerchief, Iago acts ignorant and tells Othello, "I know not that; but such a handkerchief- I am sure it was your wife 's- did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with" (III.iii. 434-46). Iago knows that picturing the sacred handkerchief in Cassio 's hands will set Othello into rage. Also Iago gives Othello love and affection to make Othello believe him and to receive Othello 's love in return. Iago tells Othello, "I am your own forever" (III.iii. 476). Othello is also insecure about his heritage, so Iago is sure to play Othello 's "blackness" up when shouting outside Barbantio 's house. Iago also is aware of Othello 's "outside" feeling. Othello feels he is an outsider because of his background and is used to this. Knowing this, Iago keeps Othello outside and acts as a messenger "manipulating messages" to get the response he wants from his prey, Othello. Through Iago 's conscious and unconscious motives he takes action to completely manipulate