Insecurity In Othello

In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the characters response to betrayal are violent and unjustified. Othello and Iago both have large insecurities, and believe their honor is more important than living. Othello is an emotion and unsure character, and therefore is easily controlled by the overflowing self-confidence of Iago.
Othello and Desdemona are a newly married couple now living in a new country. Their first moths of marriage they spent apart on ships. Now that they are together, Othello cannot help but speculate that Desdemona was and still is being unfaithful. Thoughts like this are in his mind planted by Iago, who’s determined for revenge against Othello. After only seeing only briefly the Venetian Cassio part from his wife, Othello’s imagination
Iago has his honor, in his opinion, irreversibly damaged. Thus the antagonist arrives, determined for revenge. Unnaturally paranoid, Iago is assuming that not only has Othello gone against him and not promoted him, but that Othello has probably slept with his wife, Emilia as well. Though it is known he does not have much love for his wife, she is a part of his honor as well. However, Iago has a unique approach to betrayal and revenge. Iago takes his place beside Othello and strengthens his relationship with him, giving him the oppritunity to make bold and inappropriate statements that worsens his initial jealousy. At the same time, Iago would retreat back on his words and act unsure, making him seem more trustworthy and humble. “I do not like the office… and then cry “cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!”” (418-433.3.3) Many times Iago is ironically described as honorable, honest and trustworthy by Othello and Cassio – the two people he is manipulating the
Though this is nearly impossible, for Iago’s words have been chosen carefully to never be forgotten by the emotional Moor. Even if only spare conversation is had, Iago excelled in saying the correct things that make Othello’s mind run and force him look much farther into Iago’s words than are actually spoken. Evidence is what Othello decides he needs, so he demands evidence of the affair, hoping to catch Iago in his lie and have this situation put to rest. Othello never wanted to fight with his love or assume wrong of her, but it is known he has been consumed by the green eyed monster that is jealousy. Using his wife, Iago obtains Othello’s heirloom handkerchief, which has also been displayed as a symbol of Othello’s and Desdemona’s love for each other. “I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin… Burn like the mines of sulfur.” (329-337.3.3). after having evidence presented to him, Othello becomes enraged and begins the slaughter of his love, the death of Rodrigo and Emilia, and the suicide and downfall of Othello.
A man is only as strong as his Achilles heel. In Shakespeare’s play Othello, both Iago and Othello are strong and respected men, but they both have crippling weaknesses. Even the Mastermind behind the down fall of almost the entire cast, Iago has extreme paranoia and trust issues. On the other hand, Othello’s extreme emotions and