In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago carefully deceives Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. He is capable of doing this through a series of hints and suggestions that persuade and insert thoughts images into Othello’s head that lead him to his own death. Adding to all this chaos, Iago tries to entice Othello into murdering his own wife Desdemona, which would give Iago much satisfaction for revenge. The motive for Iago’s devious plan is initially made clear in the first of three major soliloquies, in which he declares that Othello has had an affair with his wife, Emilia. The only thing about this declaration is that it is an assumption. On page 25, it states, “And it is thought abroad that t’wixt my sheets he’s done my office.
I know not if’t be true but I, for mere suspicion in that kind; will do as if for surety (act I, Scene 3:381-385).
Iagos anger is so strong that it causes him to convince Othello that Desdemona has had an affair; causing him to have the desire to terminate her existence. At the same time, Iago composed a devious plan to obtain Cassio’s position as lieutenant. He bring shame on Cassio by provolking him to strike Roderigo. Othello then removes Cassio of his Lieutenancy. Since Cassio’s reputation was then ruined, Iago then began to take advantage of Cassio because he realized that Cassio would do anything to obtain his job position again. He is given the suggestion by Iago to go to Desdemona for help, thinking that she would be able to find a way to talk Othello into giving Cassio his job back. In the meantime, Iago is filling Othellos head with thoughts of his wife cheating with Cassio.
The more Desdemona talks to Othello regarding Cassios reinstatement, the more he believes the lies that Iago has told him. In the end, Emilia is the one who reveals the whole truth about Iagos plan, but unfortunately it is too late. Othello had already taken the life of Desdemona. The play concludes with Othello wounding Iago and then later on killing himself. I have never truly been a fan of Shakespeare. The majority of his plays end with a tragedy. Shakespeare seemed to drag out the story in this particular play.
I felt that the deaths that occurred were inevitable. The writing style of Shakespeare was followed in this play, causing it to be predictable. Even though predictable, I felt that it was stressed in a way that made it still be enjoyable for the reader.
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