partially responsible for the tragedy in “Othello.” (2018)
“Othello” is a tragedy of love, jealousy, and deception by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Desdemona is one of the most lovable heroines in English literature. Yet, though she is a victim of Iago’s evil plot, she is not entirely faultless. Her innocence, simplicity, and insistent nature partly lead to her downfall. Her inability to understand Othello’s feelings and her childlike trust in others help Iago’s plan succeed. Thus, Desdemona is partially responsible for the tragedy.
Innocent but Overtrusting: Desdemona is very innocent and believes that everyone around her is good. She cannot think that Iago, whom she calls “honest Iago,” could ever deceive her. Her pure heart and simple faith make her an easy target of Iago’s tricks. Othello says,
“She loved me for the dangers I had passed.”
Her love is based on sympathy rather than wisdom. This childlike innocence blinds her to evil and makes her helpless in a world of lies and jealousy.
Unwise Interference for Cassio: Desdemona’s repeated requests to Othello for Cassio’s return to his post create the main misunderstanding. She continues to plead for Cassio, unaware of how her actions appear to her husband. In Act III, Scene III, she insists again and again that Othello should forgive Cassio. Iago says,
“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.”
Iago’s words and Desdemona’s persistence make Othello think she loves Cassio. Her unwise insistence, though innocent, gives Iago’s lies a chance to grow.
Lack of Judgment and Experience: Desdemona is young and inexperienced in life. She does not understand Othello’s jealous nature or his insecurities as a husband and soldier. When Othello becomes angry, she still talks about Cassio and ignores his questions about the handkerchief. Her simple honesty cannot match Othello’s suspicious mood. Even when he shows his anger, she only says,
“I have not deserved this.”
Her lack of judgment and failure to see danger increase Othello’s doubts and speed up the tragic end.
Disobedience to Her Father: At the beginning, Desdemona boldly disobeys her father, Brabantio, and secretly marries Othello. Though her love is pure, her act of rebellion shows her emotional nature. Brabantio warns Othello. He said she might deceive her husband as she had deceived her father. He warns,
“She has deceived her father, and may thee.”
These words later echo in Othello’s mind. This early act of disobedience creates the seed of suspicion. It helps Iago’s wicked lies find a place in Othello’s heart.
Her Passive Nature in the End: At the end of the play, Desdemona accepts death without resistance. Even when Othello smothers her, she says,
“Nobody, I myself.”
Her forgiveness shows her purity, but also her weakness. She cannot fight for her life or defend her innocence strongly. This calm submission makes her a tragic victim. It also shows that she cannot act to save herself. Her silence and passivity complete Iago’s cruel success and make the tragedy unavoidable.
In short, Desdemona is one of Shakespeare’s most innocent heroines. However, her simplicity and lack of understanding help Iago’s intrigue succeed. She means no harm, yet her overtrusting nature and unwise behavior bring ruin. Othello’s jealousy and Iago’s evil cause the tragedy, but Desdemona’s gentle weakness helps it grow. Thus, she remains both an innocent sufferer and a partial cause of her own tragic fate.
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