Othello's changing perceptions of Desdemona

A detailed Summary of Othello's changing perceptions of Desdemona

In Shakespeare's play Othello, Iago is the antagonist. That is, he is the villain in the play Othello. He is the person who causes an action to occur which affects the other characters in the play. This action may not necessarily be a good thing. Iago is the catalyst for Othello's change. He is the reason behind Othello's changing views of his wife Desdemona, which results in the deaths of many of the characters in this tragedy. In order to understand the role Iago plays in destroying Othello, it is important to understand how Iago uses other characters in Othello to set his devious plot into motion. Iago successfully manipulates the characters involved to further his evil plans. He does this in such a way that the majority of the characters' perceptions of each other change dramatically. Thus leading to Othello's transformation and Othello's changing views and behaviour towards his beloved wife Desdemona. Iago firstly uses Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman, in love with Desdemona and then Cassio in the process of annihilating Othello. Cassio is Othello's Lieutenant. Other characters Iago exploit include his own wife Emilia and Desdemona herself. Iago goes to a lot of trouble to conquer Othello. When Iago's interaction with the other

Othello continues to believe that Desdemona is a whore right up until after Desdemona's death. After Desdemona's death, Othello's perceptions of Desdemona changes once more when it is revealed that it was Iago who placed such destructive thoughts into his mind. Iago was the mastermind behind all the conflicts. Othello realises Desdemona's innocence. He cannot forgive himself for what he has done and so destroys his own life. "I kissed thee ere I killed thee: no way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss." (Act 5, Scene2, Line 354-355). Othello speaks his last words, as he dies. His death a sign of how much he was easily manipulated and deceived by a man whom he entrusted his life too.

As Iago continues to inform Othello of Desdemona and Cassio's supposed meetings, Othello begins to believe Iago's stories and his jealous nature is shown. Iago's next plan of action involves the beloved handkerchief, which was presented to Desdemona as one of Othello's first gifts to her in their days of wooing. This is a key feature in Othello's changing perceptions of Desdemona. "I will in Cassio's lodging lose this napkin And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ. This may do something. The Moor already changes with my poison..." (Act 3, Scene 3, Line 322-326). Here Iago tells of how wife Emilia has picked up the lost handkerchief and given it to Iago who has continually asked her to steal it from Desdemona. With this handkerchief, Iago sets up Cassio. Iago plans to place the handkerchief so that Cassio finds it and then tell Othello Desdemona has given the handkerchief to Cassio as a sign of her affection and love for him. Othello becomes enraged, overcome with grief and jealousy and vows revenge just as Iago had predicted. Iago has noticed the change in Othello and knows that it would not take much to push him over the edge. "Damn her, lewd minx! O, damn her, damn her!" (Act 3, Scene 4, Line 476). This is the reaction Iago wants from Othello. It shows how Othello's perceptions of Desdemona have changed. Through his sly and cunning ways Iago has dominated over Othello, has influenced him in such a dangerous way that now Desdemona's and Cassio's lives are in insecure.

Later that night, Othello questions Desdemona again of her adultery and Desdemona fears for her life. "And yet I fear you, for you're fatal then When your eyes roll so. Why I should not fear I know not. Since guiltiness I know not, but yet I feel fear." (Act 5, Scene 2, Line 37-39). Desdemona reveals her fear of Othello and informs that she is guilty of nothing. Othello does not believe her and kills her. This is what has become of Othello. His mind has been clouded by bad judgement due to Iago's corrupt plans.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Emilia Emilia, Desdemona Cassio's, Othello Iago, Othello Othello, Othello Desdemona, Desdemona's Cassio's, Iago Desdemona's, Brabantio Desdemona's, Desdemona Othello, Desdemona Lodovico, 3 line, scene 3, scene 3 line, 4 scene, act 4 scene, act 4, scene 1 line, act 3, 1 line, scene 1, perceptions desdemona, othello believes, 4 scene 1, 3 scene, act 3 scene,

Approximate Word count = 2825
Approximate Pages = 11 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English