Othello-Accomplice to Tragedy

Othello Essay- Accomplice to Tragedy?

The genre of tragedy is known and expected to end in misfortune, and often death, with the most part owing to a villainous character. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the villain is the wily Iago, but as cunning and sly as he is, it is questionable whether or not he is held solely responsible for the “success” of his devious plans. Can the other characters in this play also be held partially responsible for their own downfall and/or the downfall of others? I hope to examine this question, and determine whether Iago is the sole culprit in causing chaos, or if he is merely the catalyser and promoter of misfortune.

Primarily, it is unawareness and naivety that blinds some of the characters in this play to the evil schemes of their friend Iago. Many times they merit him as being their trustworthy, honest friend. Othello pronounces, “Iago is most honest” (II, iii, 7), and Desdemona says, “Oh, that’s an honest fellow”(III, iii, 4). The characters are oblivious to the unfolding plans of Iago, and yet, they seem to unknowingly aid the events leading up to the final tragedy. Iago’s first real success is when he is able to get Cassio drunk and th

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He has virtually everyone fooled, and is successful in this way. Iago seems to kick start the trouble, while Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia and others, build on it, due to their own blindness. First of all, by a stroke of luck and a bit of negligence on the part of Desdemona, the handkerchief is left on the ground.

Cassio, a handsome, refined gentleman, is eager to gain back his position, and believes that Iago intends to advise him honestly in how to go about doing so. (III, iv, 86-89) She also puts Othello into a rage by stating that she would do anything to reconcile Cassio, because of the love she has for him. By walking into the trap set by Iago, these characters are partially responsible for their own downfall or the downfall of others, causing the tragedy of Othello. Bianca storms in at the perfect time, loudly exclaiming that she is sure the handkerchief belonged to some other lady friend of his. ” (IV, i, 108) Cassio is a charmer with the ladies, and gladly takes this advice.

Iago is certainly the primary wrongdoer of Othello, and it is because of the control Iago has that he is able to create chaos. When Desdemona loses her handkerchief and Othello demands to see it, she seems not to see the seriousness of what he is asking, and lightly changes the subject, to what worse than Cassio! Othello demands, “Fech’t, let me see’t!”, and she replies, “Why, so I can; but I will not now, this is a trick to put me from my suit; pray you let Cassio be received again”.

One could say that Desdemona’s flaw is sheer innocence, and a refusal to believe that Othello would ever be jealous. From that point on, events seem to unfold favourably for Iago, due in part to the various willing, yet unknowing actions of some of the other characters themselves. (IV, i, 33) Through continual talk of Cassio and her naivety towards her husband’s emotions, she herself makes it appear that there may be something going on between her and Cassio. He exclaims, “You advise me well”(II, iii, 326).

The handkerchief plays a big role in helping along Iago’s scheme.

Approximate Word count = 909
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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