Othello Test

Othello, the tragic hero, is partly responsible for the tragedy. However, without the other characters, their human weaknesses, and their interactions with Othello, the tragedy would never have come about. Because of their relationships with Othello and their respective personalities, the tragedy inevitably occurs. Reacting to Othello, Iago and Roderigo are fueled by jealousy and the need for revenge. Their subsequent actions cause Othello to suffer constantly from jealousy, thus beginning the tragedy. Fueled by jealousy and hatred, Othello and several of the characters are blinded to their unwise decisions. Other characters are motivated by kindness and love, but also suffer by their relationship with Othello.

Iago, the brilliant villain, manipulates most of the characters including the almighty Othello. Outraged by being dismissed by Othello, Iago relentlessly seeks revenge by making Othello jealous of his wife. “Till I am even’d with him, wife for wife,/ Or failing so, yet that I put the Moor/ At least into a jealousy so strong/ That judgment cannot cure.” Often called “honest Iago,” he cleverly controls others and creates a circle of jealousy. Iago is evil and easily understands human weakness. He realizes that Othello’s soul is so “enfetter’d to her love,/ That she may make, unmake, do what she list…With his weak function.” Because Iago recognizes Othello's weakness for Desdemona, Iago falsely convinces Othello that Desdemona has been unfaithful.

Roderigo is the most foolish person in the play. His heart is sad and his judgment is severely impaired because Othello has married Desdemona. Because of this marriage, Roderigo is eager to get revenge. Jealous of Othello, Roderigo feels helpless and relies on Iago for advice. Roderigo suffers because all his efforts to win Desdemona are in vain. His money is spent and he becomes severely depressed. “I will incontinently drown myself.” Roderigo’s decision to carry out Iago’s evil plans eventually lead to his tragic death.

Desdemona suffers from Othello’s actions because she is charged for sins she has not committed. She longs for Othello’s love, but Othello, blinded by his false jealousy does not return the affection. Othello’s trust for Desdemona slowly fades. The honest and kind Desdemona suffers harsh treatment from Othello. Even though she is mistreated, she stays loyal to Othello. “I never did/ Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio/ But with such general warranty of heaven/ As I might love: I never game him token.” Othello never acknowledged her innocence and calls her a whore. Desdemona’s life was tragic because her kindness inevitably led her to death. Othello’s jealousy ultimately causes the good fall of Desdemona. While she dies, she exclaims that nobody killed her but herself “Nobody; I myself. Farewell/ Commend me to my kind lord: O, farewell!”

“Tis frailty that thus errs?” The human weakness of each character and their relationship to Othello contributed to the unfolding of the tragedy. Because of Iago’s lies, Othello mistakenly believes Desdemona is unfaithful and murders her. Even though Desdemona was honest and tried to care for Othello, her very innocence ended up fulfilling Iago’s horrific plan for revenge. “And out of her own goodness make the net/ That shall enmesh them all.” The irony of the play is both deep and unforgiving.