Shakespeare had deprived [Othello] of any common ground with Desdemona on which he can stand to fight back- not only to facilitate Iago's deception, but to heighten the tragic paradox of human love, individuals dependent on each other but unalterably separate and mysterious to one another in their separateness... Iago is an envious, insecure human being who functions as a perverted magician-manipulator, cunningly altering reality for Othello. But he is also the catalyst who activates destructive forces not of his own creation, forces present in the love itself. (164-265).

Shakespeare creates two vastly different characters in Othello and Desdemona. They come from different backgrounds, cultures and are of different ethnicity. Although Othello is intelligent and respected as a General, he is also seen as alien to Venetian ways. Othello and Desdemona have no true common ground. Their relationship is based solely on their differences. Othello's exotic tales draws Desdemona into a love affair with him. It is through these exotic differences that a common love was found

Those closest to the couple view their relationship as unnatural. Brabantio states upon hearing the news of the elopement: " ...in spite of nature, / Of years, of country, credit, everything- / To fall in love with what she feared to look on!" (1.3.96-98). By scene 3, Iago's seed of disgust has began to blossom. The

Through his manipulations, Iago is able to magnify and vilify the differences between Desdemona and Othello. Iago is able to plant the seed of disgust in Brabantio by making the marriage seem unnatural and beast like: "... an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe" (1.1.87-88). It is through negative views that the differences are no longer exotic and beautiful, but rather a force that is able to tear a loving relationship apart.

Iago's manipulations are completed. Othello's jealousy takes over his actions. His differences with Desdemona have been magnified to the point that they are unable to communicate with each other. Desdemona's pleads of innocence are not heard by Othello: "Desdemona: ...never did/ Offend you in my life; never loved Cassio..." (5.2.58-59). Othello has so been convinced of Desdemona's guilt that he chooses

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Approximate Word count = 779
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)