Theme Of Responsibility In Othello

In Shakespeare's tragedy Othello, jealousy and gullibility creates the tragic downfall of the hero, Othello. Throughout this play, Othello, a moor who serves as a general in the army, experiences a great downfall caused by gullibility and jealousy. All tragedies have a hero with a tragic flaw. In this tragedy, the hero loves too well, and he lets the prejudice issues of others take their toll on him. He allows jealousy to rage in his heart. These characteristics are not necessarily bad, but when shown in the extreme levels can cause the downfall of a great leader. Throughout the play, we notice that his dramatic flaw sinks him deeper and deeper into a cloud of doubt, which eventually lead him to kill not only the love of his life but also himself.

The flaw is inborn to the person. He must have that flaw throughout his life and it will play a primary role in his downfall.” William Shakespeare uses the relationship between of appearance and reality to showcase the flaws of Othello himself and he often gives two sides of the character’s personality. The tragic plot of Othello links onto the ability of the villain, Iago, to mislead other characters, Roderigo and Othello in particular, by encouraging them to misinterpret what they see. Othello is susceptible to Iago's plots because he himself is so honest and straightforward. Iago states: "The moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are" (Shakespeare 2.1. 376-79). Here, Iago shares his plot to destroy Othello with the audience. Since Othello is so gullible, Iago will lead him "by the nose," making Othello believe that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. Iago plans to plant the seeds of jealousy in