Two Examples Of Paranoia In Othello

The effects paranoia has on people in positions of power

We see paranoia in many different ways throughout literature and history. It is important to study this mental condition because it can drastically change the personality of a perfectly sane person into someone who suddenly becomes destructive and acts without thinking. Ivan IV, the Russian tzar, and William Shakespeare’s Othello are two examples of a historical leader and a literary figure who were affected by paranoia. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the main character, Othello, becomes paranoid once his lieutenant Iago falsely implies that his wife, Desdemona, is cheating on him. Iago’s manipulative words affect Othello greatly, making his paranoia grow more and more. Eventually, Othello

According to Cleveland, “Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a mental health condition marked by a long-term pattern of distrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason to be suspicious (paranoia). People with PPD often believe that others are trying to demean, harm or threaten them” (Cleveland). This article provides a clear explanation of paranoia, showing that people with paranoia have distrust in others and are afraid that people are out to harm them. Paranoia can change someone from a rational human being to someone who is prone to violence and

Othello was so paranoid that he ignored reason and assumed the worst. Not only that, but Othello did become angrier the more Desdemona tried to convince him it wasn’t true, and Othello let this anger and paranoia control his actions. Othello verbally and physically abused Desdemona, by calling her disrespectful names which represented how Othello’s paranoia made him see people differently. Iago’s words and actions completely changed Othello’s mental state. Othello then plots to kill Desdemona and succeeds by strangling her to death (Othello). Paranoia eventually took over Othello’s personality and made him believe that his wife was a liar and unfaithful towards