To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall

A tragedy is the story of an individual whose downfall is brought about by specific defects in his character, tragic flaws. The play, Othello, is a twisted tale of deceit and revenge. Iago creates an alternate world filled with lies, that unfortunately consumes the trusting and naive Othello. Othellos downfall comes about due to a combination of the influence of Iago and the fatal character flaws of the otherwise virtuous Othello. Iago absolutely hates Othello. He is angry with Othello for promoting Michael Cassio, an officer with no real battle experience, to lieutenant over him. Once Iago comes up with a plan for revenge it does not take very long for him to set it into motion. Iagos plan is to cause Michael Cassio to fall out of†¦show more content†¦Desdemona would never even think of cheating on Othello, and confirms this in Act 4, Scene 3 when she says, Beshrew me if I would do such a wrong for the whole world. Even though Desdemona is a virtuous and innocent creature Othello still comes to believe that she is a whore who has slept with Cassio while married to him. Othello doesnt show himself to be a jealous person at the beginning but through Iagos manipulation, we see the emotion work at full force. Deceived by Iagos skillful lies and convincing techniques, Othello must face emotions he cant handle. Whenever he thinks of Cassio or his wife, an image of the two making love to each other in Othellos bed appears. His jealousy literally drives him mad. Othello becomes so enraged with the thought and even the sight of her that in Act 4, Scene 1 he calls her devil and strikes her in public. In fact he becomes so enraged with her that in Act 5, Scene 2 he states, Yet she must die, else shell betray more men. Later in that scene he proceeds to smother her to death. 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