Why was Othello duped so easily by Iago William Shakespeare - shows a strong man made weak Othello is great in war But love and doubt shake him Iago studies these soft parts He speaks slowly and wisely Othello trusts the mask not the man Thus the trap closes fast Outsider Insecurity Othello feels like an outsider and alone in Venice He fears he is unfit for love He says Haply for I am black That fear bites his heart Iago touches that fear Doubt then rises like smoke Love bends under that weight Blind Trust in Iago All call Iago honest and trustworthy Othello believes the same praise He says This fellow s of exceeding honesty So warnings feel like pure care He thinks Iago loves his good He never tests the speaker Trust becomes a sharp knife Soldier s Habit of Obedience Othello s mind is trained by