Why does Othello choose to trust Iago rather than Desdemona?
In Shakespeare's Othello, the tragic hero, Othello falls prey to the ingenious Lucifer, Iago and willingly chooses to trust him rather than his wife, Desdemona, eventually working together to plot her death. This is mainly attributed to Othello's high regard of Iago as a friend, as well as Iago's manipulation of Othello's insecurities involving both his place in Venetian society and within his marriage. His didactic view of women also place further reason for Othello to trust Iago over Desdemona. Finally, it is the apparent "proof" that Iago provides Othello with concerning the alleged affair of Cassio and Desdemona that unequivocally sways all of Othello's trust from Desdemona and into the vicious hands of Iago.From Act 1, Othello's implicit trust towards Iago is made clear. He holds firm belief and reliability in Iago's statements and thoughts, confiding in him regularly. Like many others characters in the play, Othello is unable to see past the "Janus" of Iago's character, referring to him as "good Iago" and holding great faith in "thy (Iago's) honesty and love" trusting his prized jewel, Desdemona to him. "I assign my wife to thee". Furthermore, the two had known each other for many years, having fought many battles
Iago tells Othello that there are many women who "cuckold" their husbands as Desdemona allegedly has. He cleverly directs these insecurities, connecting them to Othello's marriage. This is Othello's first experience with love. He is also much older than Desdemona. Again, Iago is able to prey on these insecurities, telling Othello that Desdemona is likely to crave some "of her own clime, complexion and degree." Iago's manipulation and targeting of Othello's insecurities allows him to gain Othello's trust, simultaneously leading them away from Desdemona. In particular, the misconception that Iago is speaking out of concern further allows him to accomplish this. Throughout the play, Shakespeare provides many indications that Othello willingly places his trust with Iago rather than with his wife Desdemona. The most obvious is Othello's plot with Iago to murder his wife. This is apparent for several reasons. However, the main revolve around Iago's manipulation of Othello's insecurities both about his place in Venetian society and within his marriage and the fact that Othello's relationship with Iago holds a stronger foundation than that with Desdemona. Shakespeare is questioning such patriarchal societies and the fate of women under them. Once he is presented with what appears to be "ocular proof" from Iago that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, he holds explicit trust for Iago, despite Desdemona's declaration of innocence prior to her death.
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Approximate Word count = 1008
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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