Othello's Tragic Flaw

Othello’s Tragic Flaw In classic tragedies, a character’s flaw or weakness leads to their downfall. In the play Othello, the main character is brought down by allegations about Desdemona. Throughout the tragedy Othello is told by a “friend”, Iago that his dearest love Desdemona has committed adultery with Cassio who is Othello’s lieutenant. This all takes place after they had all left Venice to go fight the battle in Cyprus, which signifies a loss of innocence. As Desdemona tries to help Othello who contracted a headache, she drops her handkerchief that had been given to Othello's mother by his father. Emilia steals the handkerchief and brings it to her love Iago. Iago devises a plan to plant the handkerchief in the room

As Iago explains all of the terrible things Desdemona has done to betray her husband, Othello takes his word for it. Othello does not ask to see proof or ask how Iago knows this, but he continues to think of the worst thing they may have done together. “Naked in bed and not intend to do anything wrong? It’s a devilish sham!” (IV, I). Othello is thinking that Desdemona and Cassio have slept together but did nothing more. Othello is also blind to the truth when it comes to Iago. Throughout the play Iago acts as if he truly cares for Othello’s happiness but in reality he despises Othello. When Othello faints due to stress, Iago leans over him and shows who he really is. "This is how gullible fools are tricked, and many good and faithful wives, although innocent, are accused.” (IV, I). Iago shows his true intentions when Othello can not hear him, this is an example of dramatic

He planned to have Cassio killed by Iago. Othello was going to kill Desdemona on his own by strangling her. “I wouldn't want to kill you before you have confessed… I wouldn't want to kill your soul.” (V, II). Othello continues to believe what he has been told by Iago enough to kill his lover. After Othello kills Desdemona Emilia is the first to find what has happened, and then the others follow. Emilia tries to tell everyone that Iago is a villain and he is the reason this has happened. “I told him what I thought, and it was nothing more than he himself found to be believable and true. (V, II). Iago tries to bring Emilia into the problem but she refuses to be caught up in his plan again. Emilia then tells the truth about what they had planned to prove Iago is the one to blame. “You thought she gave it to Cassio? No, alas, I found it and gave it to my husband!” (V, II). This leaves Othello conflicted between feeling ashamed at what he has done but happy with what he has done. Othello then kills himself, and Iago refuses to talk or confess anymore than he