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Who Was Responsible For Othello's Downfall

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Who Was Responsible For Othello's Downfall
In the drama, Othello by William Shakespeare jealousy is the driving force behind the conflict between some of the characters. Othello was never a jealous person, until Iago planted the seed that Cassio and Desdemona were having an affair. This consequently led to Desdemona’s and also his own death. Roderigo was so desperately in love with Desdemona, he was jealous of Othello being the one she truly loved. Iago launched his plan against Othello because he was jealous that Cassio was made lieutenant instead of him. Jealousy greatly impacts the play by making one character plot against another, which eventually leads to the character’s downfall.
Othello was lead to become jealous by “Honest Iago”, unknowingly destroying his life forever. He believed the lies that Iago told him because he thought Iago was his very best ally. Blindly trusting that he was telling the truth about Cassio and Desdemona’s “affair”, Othello gave into believing the lies when “evidence” surfaced. Iago telling Othello that Desdemona gave her handkerchief to Cassio is the evidence and also Othello’s breaking …show more content…
It angered him that he was passed over for the position of lieutenant. He eventually gets Cassio fired but Othello became his main target because he was the one who chose Cassio over him. Iago knew Othello trusted him and valued his opinion, so he took advantage of it. “Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought” Iago turns Othello into a jealous person by putting thoughts in his head that make him question both Cassio and Desdemona’s loyalty. Iago also uses Roderigo’s jealousy to control him to get him to do anything he wants. He agrees to liquidate all his assets, start a fight with and kill Cassio. Roderigo does all this because Iago tells him lies that make him jealous of the relationships Desdemona has with other men. Iago uses jealousy to fulfill his revenge plot against other
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