Is Othello A Critical Thinker?

Is Othello a critical thinker? It has been debated for many decades. Othello is some one that is taken through twist and turns; when it comes to the manipulation of his mind by his close comrade Lago. Othello is a combination of brilliance and naivety. From the beginning Othello showed his strengths along with his weaknesses. Othello showed his strength when he was willing to state his case to the Venetian Council regarding stealing Desdemona; but does this qualify one as a critical thinker. Othello showed his ability to command when he led the Venetians against the Turkish yet does this make one a critical thinker? no it does not. As the play progresses some of these same characteristics end up being Othello’s down fall. Othello at a certain point in the play begins to let his emotions over rule him. When Othello hears Cassio speaking with Lago about Bianca; he practically is having a nervous breakdown

Bradley’s critique of Othello, critical thinker Othello is not. Bradley appears to agree with the idea that Othello has let his emotions get the best of him, and this is not the behavior of a critical thinker. Bradley states “Othello’s emotions are simple but overpowering, he is ruled by them”. Every decision he makes once the seed is planted by Lago is motivated by emotion. Bradley also states “In the first place, Othello’s mind, for all its poetry, is very simple. He is not observant. His nature tends outward. He is quite free from introspection and is not given to reflection. Emotion excites his imagination, but it confuses and dulls his intellect”. While Lago’s whole plan is playing out, he is taking advantage of Othello’s lack of control of his emotions. At times when Othello speaks he sounds almost like someone suffering from mental health issues. Othello states “I will chop her into messes. Cuckold me!” This is a very disturbing statement and with that he stepped into very dangerous territory; not at all the behavior of a critical