Othello in Othello Essay

In the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Iago told Roderigo, O,sir, content you. I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him (I, i lines 38-9). Iago is saying, he only follows Othello to a point, and upon reaching it he will not follow him any longer. Iago has opened my eyes to see the real meaning of deceit. No matter what, Iago will try to take advantage of Othello any time and he will be easily lead to believe the lies of Iago.

The Moor, as many Venetians call him, is of strong character. He is very proud and in control of every move throughout the play. The control is not only of power but of the sense of his being who he is, a great warrior. In Act I, Othello has a scuffle with Brabantio, who has come to kill him, but before anything could happen Othello said, Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter (I, ii, lines 80-3). The power shown here is quite astounding.

The nature of Othellos character is of a dark man. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. He isnt observant and the schemes of Iago work well on him. Though he doesnt reflect too much on his past, except occasional ventures of wars fought, he does let his emotions run his life.

For all the dangers and encounters he has been involved in, this man is still naive of the corruptness of other individuals. Othello has a trusting nature in which he gives it all. He put all his trust in Iago during times of war and during Othellos marriage to Desdemona. This wasnt very bright of Othello, even if he wasnt trusting or more corrupt he still wouldnt realize Iago was lying. Everyone considered Iago as honest, and would be out of character for Othello to believe any different. For example, Othello had told the Duke, So please your grace, my ancient; A man he is of honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good grace shall think, To be sent after me (I, iii, lines 284-8).

The control over any situation is one Othellos strong characteristics. Through the whole first act you can picture a man so much power and natural leadership and when he changes you cannot believe it. For example, when Lodovico had witnessed Othello hit Desdemona, he said:

Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate

Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature

Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue

The shot of accident nor dart of chance

could neither graze nor pierce (IV, i, lines 264-8)?

While Iago, being the honest man he is, answers:

Hes that he is, I may not breathe my censure.

What he might be (if, what he might, he is not)

I would to heaven he were (IV, i, lines 270-2).

Another place where Shakespeare shows Othello taking control over a situation is when Cassio and Montano are fighting after Roderigo antagonized him. These words Othello said are important now, but they will be more important later when he is alone with Desdemona in their bedroom. He will say:

Now, by heaven,

My blood begins my safer guides to rule,

And passion, having my best judgement collied,

Assays to lead the way. If I once stir

Or do but lift this arm, the best of you