Self-Deception In Shakespeare's Othello

What would life be without thrills? More often than not, people tend to be captivated by emotions. When unexpected events occur, practicality is thrown out the window and feelings assume control. This concept is nothing new; it has been repeated throughout human history. Shakespeare’s Othello clearly displays the timelessness of this idea, and indicates that human nature selects emotions over logic, evading all senses of reality. In the play, it doesn’t take very long for this concept to be apparent. When Roderigo and Iago tell Brabantio of his daughter’s secret marriage, Brabantio characterizes Othello as “..thou foul thief…” (1.2.80). While the audience knows this is an inaccurate claim, Brabantio accepts the information he’s been given

Othello easily believes that “...these steps of thine fright me.../They’re close dilations working from the heart/That passion cannot rule/” (3.3.139-143). Othello is attached to Iago’s thoughts not because they’re logical, but because they’re suspenseful. All that Othello is operating off of is information from Iago. Yes, Othello has no reason to doubt Iago, but why doesn’t he directly talk to his very own wife to broaden support for his suspicions? Why doesn’t he talk to Cassio and learn his side of the story? Similar to other characters in the play, Othello fears that the truth could be much more boring. Desdemona appears to feel the same way. She asks Iago, “What shall I do to win my lord again?” (4.2.176). The question she should be asking is “what did I do wrong?” Desdemona doesn’t even know if she did anything wrong to begin with. Nevertheless, logic is disregarded and emotions consume her. They paint this imaginary picture in her head and make not even the smallest amount of

During Desdemona’s final interrogation by Othello, she begs her husband to ask Cassio directly about the handkerchief (5.2.61-64). He doesn’t refuse the request: he ignores it, causing Othello to miss an opportunity to save his innocent wife from murder. At that point, he wouldn't have wanted to know the truth given the extent he went to thus far. Instead, Desdemona dies at the hands of her husband because of a lie. It wasn’t just any lie though: this one could’ve been proven wrong easily. While his wife’s death is not linked to a lie, Iago murders his wife out of anger rather than logic (5.2.282). He does so in front of several different characters including Lodovico, who will be reporting back to Rome. Iago’s actions immediately obliterate any chance he have had of holding a military role and foil the entirety of his plans. Iago clearly does not demonstrate any logical methods at this point in his