ACT 3, SCENE 3, LINES 163-215
The passage act 3, scene 3, lines 163-215, is a true reflection of many valid and evident themes throughout the play, Othello. A dialogue between the two characters, Othello and Iago, is shared, and through it, much revealed. With great ideas, and tentative use of setting, it is a passage which truly highlights Shakespeare's two characters.
Othello is a great, powerful man of Venice, who has recently acquired the hand of a young, highly sought after maiden named Desdemona. A strong character, Othello has great integrity, one that most everyone in the country holds at a very high regard. Othello is portrayed as a very noble character throughout the play, and in many ways, regarded by the audience, as somewhat of a hero. He has strong views on many things, and will not allow the country that he is governing to be led astray by a wrongdoer. However, when he is blinded by the malice of the tongue, he is none the wiser. Iago is quite the opposite of kind, good hearted Othello. A vulgar character, he is completely self-motivated, not having time for a single soul other than his own. Iago, although a terrible character, is clever nonetheless. He holds the key to a weapon that will cut down even the bravest warrior, or be the end to the holiest saint; a conniving tongue. Iago is able to make the strongest man fold under his hand, and believe near anything he says. Granted, it may take some time for his enemy to fold, but as reflected in the passage, Iago is patient.
From the beginning of the passage, Iago has planted the seed of doubt in Othello's mind. At first, it has little effect on Iago; "Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, for she had eyes and chose me. No, Iago, I'll se before I doubt." At this stage of the passage, Othello has stood his ground and not faltered in his belief of his wife's faithfulness. This is extremely reflective of Othello's character,