Othello

Othello The poisoning of Othello's mind by Iago was done with great care and ingenuity on the part of Iago. He intricately set Othello up for his tragic conclusion. He deceived Othello and everyone else, for that matter, so well that they even called him "Honest Iago." However, some characteristics of Othello and bad circumstances of other characters aided Iago in his quest for vengeance.

Iago wants revenge for Othello appointing Michael Cassio as lieutenant instead of himself, even though he has more experience than Cassio. Iago first attempts to ruin Othello was set forth by his telling Brabantio, the father of Othello's new wife, Desdemona, about their secret marriage. Brabantio is extremely upset about this and immediately brings this event to the notice of the senate, accusing Othello of witchcraft in order to attain Desdemona's love. However, Desdemona explains the situation to her father telling him that her mother went against the advice of her parents in order to marry him as well.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

Othello and Desdemona in Venice, 1850, oil on wood...

He agrees and acknowledges the wedding, but not before stating on lines 297-298 of act one-scene three, "Look to her Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee." This statement will later play a major role in the belief of Othello that Desdemona is having an affair.

Iago's next attempt at deceiving Othello occurs with Cassio. Iago gets him drunk and into a fight with Montano. Iago informs Othello about the situation, benefiting him of course, and Othello immediately relieves Cassio of command. This event puts doubt into Othello's mind about Cassio and will later take its toll. Iago then appeals to Cassio, not remembering what exactly occurred that night, telling him that he should beg Desdemona for Othello's forgiveness.

Iago then puts...