Othello Essay free essay sample

I believe, by referring to the design of the play, that one person simply cannot be to blame. Without Iago there would be no Othello and vice versa. I see it that Othello’s demise can be attributed to both himself and Iago for they are the perfect pair; both proud men driven by their narcissism and desire to fit in. This is the core reason why Othello does not investigate Iago’s accusations. Iago panders to Othello’s narcissistic nature, giving Othello reason to trust him. Othello’s desire for an ‘idealized image’ in ‘Venetian Society’, together with his need to give pleasure to his ego, leaves him vulnerable to Iago’s malevolence and manipulation. Othello’s ‘love of admission’ is noted on his return from battle with the Turks when he boasts to Desdemona his acceptance and â€Å"love† by the Cypriots, â€Å"Honey, you shall be well desir’d in Cyprus; I have found great love amongst them. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † (II, i ; 208-209). Iago’s intelligence allows him to pick up on the insecurities within Othello and use them to his advantage, thus feeding his own narcissism; the egotistical boost he gets from deceit. It is because of Iago’s insight into Othello’s insecurities that he has power over him, and the reason Othello confides in him. He displays this magnificently by torturing Othello when not allowing him access to his thoughts, making Othello doubt his own authority, â€Å"Thou dost conspire against thy friend, Iago†¦and mak’st his ear a stranger to thy thoughts. (III, iii ; 142-143 and 144-146) Therefore, I reason, it is due to the mutualistic bond between Othello and Iago’s narcissism that causes him to seek no proof regarding Desdemona’s ‘betrayal’. To enquire of her would place a dent in his ‘image’ that he so adores, thus he opts to confide in Iago to keep his insecurities safe and feed his ego. Pride, narcissism, the need to b elong and ultimately, power, are the elements that drive the motives and thoughts within Othello. Even in death he and Iago cling to these elements, leaving many questions and thus holding power over all†¦