Iago, however, aids in Othello’s downfall through manipulation. Othello senses the truth behind Emilia’s words, but dismisses them, calling Emilia “a simple bawd” and Desdemona “a subtle whore”. The play begins with an argument between Iago and Roderigo. It is a reminder that we should always act with grace and understand our own flaws and fallibility. We also see that Iago has an honest reputation, acknowledged by everyone and uses it to its full advantage, mixing just enough truth with his lies to make the situations believable. Are You on a Short Deadline? Othello admits freely that he is "rude . The best quotes from Othello by William Shakespeare - organized by theme, including book location and character - with an explanation to help you understand! Using, Othello as the main character discussed he poses some strengths and weaknesses. In building up Othello’s jealousy, Iago starts with the believable, advising Othello to wear his eye neither jealous nor secure and reminds him of how easily Desdemona deceived her father to elope with Othello. Iago has planned Cassio's downfall, and in a soliloquy he says that Cassio will share guard duty with three Cypriots "That hold their honours in a wary distance" (2.3.56). His shallowness allows him to trust Iago as he does to the exclusion of anyone else. Othello’s lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. Most people have heard the phrase “pride comes before a fall”. who he appears to be. This conflict gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come. He should be the master of his own mind because he governs what he does and he always had the chance to evaluate the validity of Iago’s claims. Chris Butler as Othello and Danforth Comins as Iago in "Othello" at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge, Mass. Othello’s character seems to be a cool, calm, brave, and strong minded. One main point of this play could be that though it may appear that a person is solely responsible for his own demise, there is usually someone behind them, appearing to be helping, but actually aiding their own downfall. Desdemona, Envy, Othello 842  Words | Oedipus and Othello were both honorable and heroic men that became the victims of two tragic downfalls that can be compared and contrasted with each other. What Othello should have taught us That everyone is capable of evil That it's all down to the choices you make And not to give Othello in the play appears to be strong and brave. “Othello” is the most famous literary work by Shakespeare that focuses on the dangers of jealousy. 3  Pages. The proverb is a warning against excessive confidence because it will lead to terrible failure and shame. Othello’s downfall is a result of Iago’s psychotic scheming, motivated by his thirst for revenge and jealousy and the exploitation of Othello’s trusting and confident nature. Instant PDF downloads. Othello is a true tragic character for he inspires us without any jeopardy and sensational deeds. 3  Pages. Iago’s skillful manipulation of protagonist, Othello, eventually leads Othello to self destruct. Once he gets the handkerchief, he escalates his proof, climaxing with the description of Cassio’s erotic dream, so that when all he can produce as evidence of her infidelity in the missing handkerchief, it’s enough. Iago is able to make the most of his pre-built reputation by telling just enough of the truth to make his false, inaccurate stories believable. Premium Refine any search. " Othello has told Cassio he has made a mistake and he believes he has not had an affair with his wife and hasn't give Othello a reason to hate him. From early in the play we learn that he is a trusted soldier and a loving husband who remains calm under pressure and … Premium The Defeat of Othello In the play ‘, own…what if this is compromised? Othello and Iago Iago’s hatred of Othello is profound; he does not employ him as his lieutenant and there is a suggestion that he bedded Emilia previous to his relationship with Desdemona. These relationships can either bring great joy or can become the very cause of human frailty. Othello is self-conscious and defensive about his difference from other Venetians. He hates Othello and abuses his trust by conceiving a plot to bring around Othellos downfall. However, I do not believe that Othello is entirely responsible for what happens to him. He treats his wife with … Here Iago explains how Roderigo can help him. Famous Quotes A list of quotes from Othello, Shakespeare's well-known tragedy about jealousy and deception. How about receiving a customized one? Iago believes that because these three hold their honor so dear, any show of disrespect from Cassio will get him into trouble. In this essay I will be discussing the reasons for and against Othello being responsible for his downfall through looking at critical interpretations of his character and actions. All rights reserved, Othello's downfall. Shakespeare’s Othello consists of the themes betrayal, love and dishonesty. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1386 titles we cover. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. (Courtesy Natasha Moustache) This article is … Detailed quotes explanations with page numbers for every important quote on the site. Othello is of strong character. "I have charged thee not not haunt about my doors." But I believe it is Othello’s insecurity in personal affairs. While the average reader might be quick to blame Iago for this tragedy, in this essay I will show you how Othello was actually responsible for his downfall for a variety of reasons. (2016, Jul 24). However, Othello’s faith in Desdemona also opens the door for Iago to give Othello seeming “proof” of Desdemona’s infidelity. Othello is blinded by his lack of judgment which causes him to trust what Iago says and no one else. / Arise, I say!" Iago plants suspicion in Othello’s mind through the manipulation of situations such as the one with Cassio described above. This acknowledgment is not limited to people that know him socially, but is accepted among his personal relationships also. Discuss the Downfall of Othello William Shakespeare For Aristotle a tragedy is to be serious having dignity and a protagonist of high esteem that experiences a reversal of fortune. Shakespeare uses the technique of foreshadowing to help the reader predict the misfortunes that will befall the characters in the play... relationships can either bring great joy or can become the very cause of human frailty. Quote : “O, beware, my lord of jealousy; / It is the green-ey’d monster which doth mock / … 4  Pages. He is a general in the Venetian defense forces, and, although a foreigner from Africa, he has won this post by excellence in the field of war. 5  Pages. Audience: Rodrigo Roderigo, Desdemona, Thou 445  Words | Your job is to decide how much of either is true. The once “noble and valiant moor” is transformed into the “blacker devil” as he kills his beloved Desdemona due to her supposed infidelity with lieutenant Cassio. Othello’s lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago, even to the exclusion of others. This conflict gives the reader a glimpse of what is to come. "I am not what I am." Othello's downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. Hayley Scott Shakespeare and Film July 11th, 2012 Othello’s Downfall Iago is the primary cause of Othello’s downfall. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. Speaker: Brabantio Imagine no longer having control of your thoughts and never feeling secure and stable; the same way Othello felt after being controlled by Iago. Roderigo, Brabantio, Desdemona 1144  Words | Therefore, Othello’s downfall is a consequence of the actions of those around him. Othello’s downfall is set into motion when the jealous Iago begins planting seeds of doubt into Othello’s already insecure mind. Audience: Rodrigo . Iago’s manipulative words convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful; from then on he begins to lose his noble traits. "I have charged thee not not haunt about my doors." A Flair for the Dramatic/Selfish Machines by Pierce the Veil. Iago’s skillful manipulation of protagonist, Othello, eventually leads Othello to self destruct. Othello’s downfall is caused by his lack of character judgment, but it is also made possible by the villain Iago through his manipulative ways, his pre-built reputation, and his use of that reputation. The other way Iago helps bring Othello’s downfall is by making use of his pre-built reputation. He accomplishes this by altering and adopting situations to fit his purposes in deceiving Othello. In the play’s first scene, Roderigo makes reference to Othello’s stereotypical facial features, reducing the entire man to calling him “the thick-lips” (I.i.65). Othello never confronts Cassio with his suspicions. Hi there, would you like to get such a paper? It is clear in the play that the contriving actions of others enable his weaknesses to be preyed upon and used as a tool of annihilation, but it is through the beguilement of others that seals him to his treacherous fate. If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport. As if picking up a cue, in the very next speech, Iago foretells Othello’s downfall, saying the Moor’s “joy…may lose some color” (I.i.72). And when we are about to praise him for his good luck and fame, he finishes it all for once and all partly by his own blindness and jealousy and partly by the tricky cunningness of evil Iago. Othello’s downfall is caused by his lack of character judgment, but it is also made possible by the villain Iago through his manipulative ways, his pre-built reputation, and his use of that reputation. / Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, / Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. In the play of Othello by William Shakespeare, the character Iago shows his abilities of understanding the mind of Othello, leading him to his downfall. Iago is not what he appears to be, making his reputation very useful. Iago absolutely hates Othello. Audience: Rodrigo The easy answer would be the “green eyed monster,” jealousy. Compare and Contrast Essay: The Downfalls of Oedipus and Othello - is clearly kind here and shows his devotion towards her - 'haste-post-haste' ... Othello - Act 1, scene 1 key quotes. Othello Act 1, Sc, 1 Quotes tiff1799. Shakespeare present Othello as being responsible for his own downfall? Look, Tragedy in dramatic terms has rules, dating all the way back to Aristotle. Iago has a reputation of honesty and trustworthiness that is acknowledged by everyone he knows. “To fall in love with what she feared to look on!… Against all rules of nature” Duke of Venice to Brabantio in Act1;3 “Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” Othello using his race when referring to his wife’s supposed immorality in A3;S3 “As Dian’s visage, is … 313. ) Iago is a type of character known as a “machiaval”, a character that takes the teachings of the philosopher Machiavelli to the nth degree. One such character is the one for which Shakespeare names his play. Arise, arise! The Downfall of Othello This will eventually lead to many problems ultimately including the downfall of Othello. Explication: Brabantio wants Rodrigo to leave. He is a competent soldier of advanced years and many look up to him despite him being a moor. 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