In order for Iago to get revenge on Othello for promoting Cassio to lieutenant instead of him, he must devise a plan that will turn Othello against his wife and friends. Iago uses Othello’s insecurity of his skin color to make him believe he’s not good enough for Desdemona and that she gives love to another man. After Iago makes allegations of Desdemona’s infidelity Othello immediately refutes the claim saying “Where virtue is, these are more virtuous. / Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw / The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt, / For she had eyes, and chose me” (3.3.187-189). However, Iago mentions the fact that Desdemona was deceptive with her father and that it is likely she is doing the same to Othello. Once Othello begins to believe Iago he blames himself for Desdemona’s possible infidelity, he also tries to reason why she would be with another man. The belief that he is not good enough for his wife starts a downward spiral of his self-esteem causing Othello to overanalyze his flaws and read to deeply into situations so that he can find connections that aren't there. “Haply, for I am black / And have not those soft parts of conversation / That chambers, or for I am declined / Into the vale of years - yet that's not much- / She's gone. I am abused, and my relief / Must be to loathe her” (3.3.262-267). Although there is no proof that Desdemona is with …show more content…
Iago claims that Cassio speaks about his affair with Desdemona in his sleep “In sleep I heard him say, ‘Sweet Desdemona, / Let us be wary, let us hide our loves!’” (3.3.416-417). Furthermore, Iago mentions Cassio has the handkerchief that Othello once gave to Desdemona as a gift. Sadly, the handkerchief has been stolen from Desdemona, so when Othello prods and asks to see the family heirloom Desdemona is unable to provide him with it, which in Othello’s mind is confirmation that Desdemona is cheating, and that Cassio has it. Since, Desdemona cheating has become real in Othello’s mind, he becomes aggressive when questioning about the handkerchief and demands Desdemona to show it to him, although he knows she doesn't have it. Othello’s actions become brash and ill-advised due to his sense of betrayal causing him to act on