Shakespeare’s tragedies are usually due to a multitude of factors. Many people are to blame for the tragedy of Othello. However, some people – for instance Iago – are more responsible than others. The Fault in Our Iago When it comes down to it, Iago is ultimately responsible for the tragedy of Othello. Everyone is responsible for their own actions. Iago – through his scheming and plots – moves the plot forward toward the bloody ending. | |
is the steam locomotive thrusting the characters toward their inevitable demise. He was a manipulative character who never let anyone in on his plan. He didn’t even tell his wife that what she was doing would end up in the death of her best friend and Othello’s wife Desdemona. When she found out she was appalled and defied her husband saying “She give it Cassio! No, alas! I found it, and I did give’t my husband” (5.2.228-229). This displays Iago’s manipulation of the people close to him. Without Iago the manipulation and the events leading up to the tragedy would not have occurred.
Although most of the blame is placed on Iago, he had his reasons for his schemes. Many scholars today believe that Iago may have gay. In Shakespeare’s day homosexuality was a very taboo subject that he may not have wanted to face it head on. Many scholars point toward Iago’s indifference to his wife Emelia as evidence of his homosexuality. When Emelia steals the handkerchief from Desdemona she goes to tell Iago. What she is met with, however, is a sense of indifference when she arrives. Emelia says that she has a thing for him and his response was “it is a common thing— to have a foolish wife” (3.3.303-305). His tone shifted only after she told him it was the handkerchief. He also makes comments about women in general and not only his wife. He calls them “foolish” (4.1.178) and “whores” (5.2.227) which further characterize him as have a distain for woman. Furthermore, it is believed that Iago could have been in love with Othello. From a biological standpoint the center of the brain that processes love – the Amygdala – also processes fear and anger. This is how – in the case of Iago – love can transform into a burning hatred. Iago may very well have professed his love to Othello when he states “I am your own forever” (3.3.480). This goes past a military tie and could hint at a romantic interest.
Iago’s actions are still his responsibility; however, his plot was an act of passion. His burning desire to be with Othello and his eventual rejection for a promotion could have led to the tragedy. Shakespeare writes a ‘villain’ that people can sympathize with and even relate to. He is driven by a deep passion that some think is love for Othello.
Why It’s Othello’s Fault
As with Iago – and anyone for that matter – a person is responsible for their own actions. Othello is no exception. Othello eventually murders his wife Desdemona after Iago tells him to “strangle her in her bed” (4.1.209). However, Othello is the one who is ultimately responsible for her death because he killed her. Although Iago planted the seed and told him to do it he was not the one who carried out the deed himself. Othello realized this at the end of the play which resulted in his suicide.
Why It’s Desdemona’s Fault
It’s never right to blame the victim but in this case Desdemona could have prevented her own murder. Clearly she could see that something was bothering her husband Othello. Othello’s anger manifested itself in physical violence in the form of a slap. One thing could have prevented her murder: communication. This goes both ways with her and Othello. He should have asked her about Cassio and – when she realized something was wrong – she should have ask him.
Why It’s Emilia’s Fault
Emilia contributes to the tragedy of Othello in many ways. She steals the handkerchief which ends of being the damning evidence that convinces Othello of Desdemona’s adultery. She does this to seek approval from her husband Iago. Her marriage problems lead to her cynicism toward marriage. This is evident in the way she discusses men saying “Tis not a year or two shows us a man: they are all but stomachs, and we all but food” (3.4.104). She is a tragic character that draws in your sympathy.
Although most of the blame is placed on Iago, he had his reasons for his schemes. Many scholars today believe that Iago may have gay. In Shakespeare’s day homosexuality was a very taboo subject that he may not have wanted to face it head on. Many scholars point toward Iago’s indifference to his wife Emelia as evidence of his homosexuality. When Emelia steals the handkerchief from Desdemona she goes to tell Iago. What she is met with, however, is a sense of indifference when she arrives. Emelia says that she has a thing for him and his response was “it is a common thing— to have a foolish wife” (3.3.303-305). His tone shifted only after she told him it was the handkerchief. He also makes comments about women in general and not only his wife. He calls them “foolish” (4.1.178) and “whores” (5.2.227) which further characterize him as have a distain for woman. Furthermore, it is believed that Iago could have been in love with Othello. From a biological standpoint the center of the brain that processes love – the Amygdala – also processes fear and anger. This is how – in the case of Iago – love can transform into a burning hatred. Iago may very well have professed his love to Othello when he states “I am your own forever” (3.3.480). This goes past a military tie and could hint at a romantic interest.
Iago’s actions are still his responsibility; however, his plot was an act of passion. His burning desire to be with Othello and his eventual rejection for a promotion could have led to the tragedy. Shakespeare writes a ‘villain’ that people can sympathize with and even relate to. He is driven by a deep passion that some think is love for Othello.
Why It’s Othello’s Fault
As with Iago – and anyone for that matter – a person is responsible for their own actions. Othello is no exception. Othello eventually murders his wife Desdemona after Iago tells him to “strangle her in her bed” (4.1.209). However, Othello is the one who is ultimately responsible for her death because he killed her. Although Iago planted the seed and told him to do it he was not the one who carried out the deed himself. Othello realized this at the end of the play which resulted in his suicide.
Why It’s Desdemona’s Fault
It’s never right to blame the victim but in this case Desdemona could have prevented her own murder. Clearly she could see that something was bothering her husband Othello. Othello’s anger manifested itself in physical violence in the form of a slap. One thing could have prevented her murder: communication. This goes both ways with her and Othello. He should have asked her about Cassio and – when she realized something was wrong – she should have ask him.
Why It’s Emilia’s Fault
Emilia contributes to the tragedy of Othello in many ways. She steals the handkerchief which ends of being the damning evidence that convinces Othello of Desdemona’s adultery. She does this to seek approval from her husband Iago. Her marriage problems lead to her cynicism toward marriage. This is evident in the way she discusses men saying “Tis not a year or two shows us a man: they are all but stomachs, and we all but food” (3.4.104). She is a tragic character that draws in your sympathy.