Shakespeare's Othello. Othello is responsible for his own actions. His Research Paper

Shakespeare's Othello. Othello is responsible for his own actions. His actions alone determined his fate - Research Paper Example Even though, Iago’s revenge plays a vital role in leading Othello to his tragedy, one cannot ignore the reason for that revenge. The root causes of Iago’s revenge are vested in Othello’s actions, such as, Othello’s act of having pushed him secondary and appoint Casio to the post of Lieutenant, Othello’s illegal affection (as Iago suspects) with Iago’s wife Emilia and finally his assumption that he is in love with Desdemona. The story of the play is dedicated to Iago’s peaceful effort to make Othello jealous of his beautiful wife Desdemona. This single mistake or character flaw brings Othello to ruin and he suffers a dramatic fall from extreme grace. Even though, there is a character flaw and the complications of external forces working against him, Othello is responsible for his miseries and his actions alone determined his fate. The play has split in to five acts which clearly presented the traditional Elizabethan style and the crisis between Othello and Iago begins in first act. Othello ignores the words of authorities and sidelined Iago from the selection procedure of lieutenant ship. Iago’s intentions make known the depth of his revenge against Othello and others. Iago put forward three complaints against Othello. They are Othello’s act of having pushed him less important and promoted Casio to the post of lieutenant, Iago’s misgiving is that Othello has been making love to his wife Emilia, and finally Othello’s supposition that he is in love with Desdemona. Based on theses three complains Iago weaved his plot against Othello. The calamity begins with Othello’s decisions to take on Cassio as his lieutenant. Iago feels disappointment and shame and he cleverly put away the marriage between Othello and Desdemona and decides to attack Desdemona’s father Brabantio. Here reader can find Othello paved the way for Iago to clear his way for revenge. As H. S. Toshack comments; à ¢â‚¬Å"Whatever those reasons, he takes the first step towards achieving his objective when he persuades Roderigo to stir up against Othello† (Toshack 8). Othello’s decision is final in Iago’s issue regarding the position of lieutenant and Iago believes that there is a conscious effort from Othello’s end behind his expulsion. Here it is easy for a reader to comprehend the fact that Othello’s thoughts and actions alone determined his tragic end. Othello’s illegal relationship with Emilia acts as a catalyst in Iago’s increasing revenge against his General. Iago feels ashamed and his doubts about his wife’s loyalty changed him a revengeful beast. Therefore, he says, â€Å"I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets He has done my office.† (Act 1 scene 3) It is significant for the reader to think that Iago becomes helpless and he fails to react against his General’s illegal relationship towards his w ife. It hurts him deeply and his pain gradually transformed into revenge and he chooses Desdemona for his plot against Othello. Iago cleverly motivates Othello to suspect his wife Desdemona and in a moment of extreme madness Othello strangles his wife Desdemona. Later he kills himself realizing his follies of blindly believing Iago’s words and killing his innocent wife. Here one cannot avoid the role of reason behind Iago’s revenge. Rebecca W. Bushnell underlines this view by saying; â€Å"