Who Is Responsible For Othello's Downfall

Othello’s character seems to be a cool, calm, brave, and strong minded. He is a competent soldier of advanced years and many look up to him despite him being a moor. Although he has these positive traits at times he may portray other traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. This is why Iago, to get his rewards and revenge, uses him as a scapegoat because Othello chose Cassio over him to be lieutenant. This will eventually lead to many problems ultimately including the downfall of Othello. It is obvious that Iago had a large influence on Othello’s downfall but we are all responsible for our actions therefore it could be that Othello’s flaws in his nature led him to his own downfall and eventually to be held responsible for his own demise.

Othello is of strong character. He is very proud and in control of every move throughout the play. The control is not only of power but of the sense of his being who he is, a great warrior. He should be the master of his own mind because he governs what he does and he always had the chance to evaluate the validity of Iago’s claims. Initially with no proof
His shallowness allows him to trust Iago as he does to the exclusion of anyone else. He has no reason to suppose that Desdemona is unfaithful, only Iago's innuendos and lies. Othello never confronts Cassio with his suspicions. He does make some effort to learn the truth from Desdemona's perspective by questioning Emilia, who tells Othello that Desdemona is faithful. Othello senses the truth behind Emilia's words, but dismisses them, calling Emilia “a simple bawd” and Desdemona “a subtle whore”. Just before Othello kills Desdemona, he finally explains the reason behind his assumption: Cassio's possession of her handkerchief. Othello is blinded by his lack of judgment which causes him to trust what Iago says and no one