Othello or Iago: Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe

Hey Iago, I have one question:

I'm sure we've all heard about lies and how, when believed, they can prompt people to react irrationally. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago's evil pursuit to bring about Othello's downfall spurs him to disperse various lies. However, it is Othello's insecurity, gullible nature and overpowering jealousy that is to blame for for the outcome of this tragedy. 

In the play, Iago first reveals that he hates Othello because he was named his ancient rather than his lieutenant. His fury stems from the fact that Cassio, an arithmetician, was given the position over somebody with abundant war experience. Later on, Iago adds to our knowledge by exposing the rumored belief that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia. Off the bat, we know that Othello was the sole root of Iago's cunning plan. Perhaps if he had given Iago the position in the first place, none of this would have occurred. But, this is Shakespeare's work. What fun would that be?

Throughout the play, Othello never once thought of questioning Iago’s virtue until it was eventually exposed by Emilia. Therefore, it did not occur to him that the "honest" Iago was harboring heaps of animosity. When Othello ironically stated that "Iago is most honest" (29), he showcased how he was placing reliance and honor onto the name of a manipulative liar. Othello's trust ultimately enables Iago to place him into "a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure" (28). He does so by planting seeds into Othello's mind. After Iago raises Othello’s suspicions about his wife’s fidelity, Othello begins to ponder about the state of his marriage. Rather than confronting Desdemona or Cassio, he becomes a gullible fool. A prime example is when Iago's words seeped into Othello's mind and prompted him to endure a trance. Although there was no concrete evidence that supported Iago's accusations, Othello allowed himself to become vulnerable.

This vulnerability is in part because of Othello's insecurity. As an old black man, he acknowledges a stark contrast between him and his beautiful white wife. Although, Othello is undeniably in love with Desdemona, he never seems to accept the fact that he is worthy of her choice. As evidence, he stated, “Haply for I am black, And have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have…” (48). He makes it clear how he deduces that the color of his own flesh prevents him from showcasing the same elegance as others. These insecurities prompt Othello to suspect that Desdemona could one day cheat on him with someone more appealing to the eye. And who other than Cassio? A handsome Florentine who is educated in the arts of courtesy and eloquence. It's clear why such thoughts drove Othello mad.

Equally important is the fact that at the very end of the tragedy Othello claims how he was "one that loved not wisely but too well" (91). This showcases his own admission of fault. He enabled his deep love for Desdemona to poison him with a fatal dose of jealously. In fact, it is Othello who ends up killing himself--figuratively and literally. Shakespeare showcases how lies can be easily disguised as truths, but how it is our own responsibility to decipher between the two. Failure to do so is a failure we bring upon ourselves. For this reason, Othello is the one to blame.

Amidst all the drama, I'm sure even Maury agrees with my decision.