The Paradox of Love and Downfall in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

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Introduction

“Loving too well but not wisely” aids in Othello’s downfall.
Iago uses love against Othello to manipulate him, in turn causing him to experience jealousy. The love that Othello has for Desdemona also brings about his downfall due to the way that he loves Iago and Desdemona.

Body

Love’s Blindness and Manipulation

At the start of the play, Iago remarks, ‘The Moor is of a loose and open nature.’ Everyone can see Othello’s sincere and open nature. Unlike Iago, Othello does not mask his intentions or control the ones around him. Othello is virtuous in this experience, as he does not manipulate others. In turn, Othello expects identical righteousness from others. He holds Iago in excessive regard, pointing out that he believes him to be a person of ‘honesty.’ Othello in no way doubts the credibility of Iago’s words, and he believes in Iago wholeheartedly. However, this naivety is Othello’s first mistake, as believing that the people around him are sincere, Othello puts himself at risk of the manipulation of Iago. The ‘loose and open nature’ that Othello has suggests that Othello loves Iago too much, and he does not doubt the things that Iago tells him.

The Destructive Power of Passion

The intense love that Othello holds towards Desdemona may also count for his reaction to her supposed disloyalty. The passion with which Othello loves Desdemona plays a key part in his collapse because it is the destructive power of passion that drives Othello to the killing of his wife and himself. The tragedy happens because of Othello’s weaknesses and his love for Desdemona. When he loves her, she is the focal point of his world. He describes her as ‘the fountain from which my current runs or else dries up.’

Whenever Othello speaks of his wife, it is with love and adoration. However, this caring and devoted view change drastically, with Iago “pouring poison in his ear.” She goes from being held in high esteem by her husband to being his ultimate enemy. The hatred that Othello feels for Desdemona is expressed when he declares that he will ‘tear her all to pieces.’ Othello lacks composure in his love for Desdemona. He both loves her and hates her with equal intensity. There is no doubt that Othello feels a strong love for Desdemona, and his hatred and jealousy stem from this intense love.

Insecurity and the Outsider Complex

Othello possesses a sense of insecurity that contributes to his dramatic fall. Although he is well respected for his achievements as a military general, he will remain an outsider. On a physical level, the color of skin sets him apart from Cassio. Cassio is seen as a better fit for Desdemona as he is not an outsider. His jealousy of Cassio causes him to cast aside the love he has for him. Othello is insecure in his relationship with Desdemona as he is an outsider, and she is a daughter of a well-to-do senator. Iago suggests it was ‘unnatural’ for Desdemona to marry someone like Othello and not a Venetian nobleman or someone ‘of her own complexion, clime, and degree,’ like Cassio.

Conclusion

The love that Othello has for Iago, Desdemona, and Cassio brings his downfall in different ways. He loves Iago so much that even though Desdemona is his wife whom he loves, he will only believe Iago. Othello loves Cassio, but because of Iago’s manipulation, he casts Cassio away from his life. Othello is a man who loves “not wisely, but too well,” which is why his love for these people aids in his downfall.

References

Shakespeare, William. “Othello.” The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Edited by Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen, Macmillan, 2007.
Pechter, Edward, editor. “Othello: A Norton Critical Edition.” W. W. Norton & Company, 2004.
Snyder, Susan, editor. “Othello: A Critical Reader.” Bloomsbury Academic, 2014.

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