Shakespeare's protagonist Othello, develops major changes in his character throughout the story. As Othello is manipulated deeper into Iago's web of deception causes Othello's character to change. Othello starts the play as a man devoted to his love and wife, Desdemona. Othello listens to Iago's false evidence concerning the unfaithfulness of Desdemona. This manipulation brings out Othello's tragic flaw, jealousy:
"Othello: Ay, let her rot and perish and be damned tonight, for she shall not live. No my heart is turned to
stone. I strike it, and it hurts my hand. O, the world hath not a sweeter creature. She might lie by an
emperor's side and command his tasks" (IV.I.200-204).
Clearly Othello is jealous. He believes Cassio to have usurped his wife's love. Othello's tragic flaw of jealousy creates passionate emotions within him. In his passionate rage he wishes his wife to "rot and perish", later on he insults her and says,
"Othello: Hang her, I do but say what she is! So delicate with her needle, an admirable musician-O she
will sing the savageness out of a bear! Of so high and plenteous wit and invention" (IV.I.20-209).
Othello's jealousy leads him to a passionate rage which then leads him to falsely accuse his fidelity filled wife of infidelity. This tragic flaw is all part of the hero's downfall. Othello is now a darker character. This is portrayed not only in his transition into jealousy, but also in his references. Before Othello often referenced Heaven. In his new darkened attitude, Othello references Hell and the devil. Othello is also abusive. Upon seeing his wife and hearing her defend Cassio, the man he suspects to be her lover, Othello proceeds to strike Desdemona and call her the devil. His rage is leading him into a darker and darker realm. In accordance with the tradition of tragedy, there is a foreshadowing of how his tragic flaw will lead to his downfall:
"Othello: I will chop her into messes" (IV.I.219).
This statement is made in reference to Desdemona. Othello plans to kill an innocent woman. This will most definitely be one of his biggest mistakes.
Though jealousy seems one of Othello's largest flaws, truly it is his being too trusting which leads to him being manipulated. Othello was once known as a solid man. In his trust of Iago he changes into a dark man. This change is recognized by others,
"Ludovico: Is this the noble Moor, whom our full senate call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature
Whom passion could not shake, whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance could
neither graze nor pierce" (IV.I.297-301).
Othello's change from his solid nature is truly extraordinary. Had he not been so trusting of Iago, he might have seen through Iago's false pretense and evaded the pit of jealousy set before him.
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