Prompt: All of the characters who experience misfortune bring it upon themselves. Discuss the truth of this statement
William Shakespeare has written many tragic endings for characters in his plays, some of which are due to the character 's own weaknesses. A weakness is a quality that within a character that can be exploited to bring them to their downfall. This can clearly be seen in Othello, as Roderigo’s foolish trust and infatuation with Desdemona, Desdemona’s innocent naivety, and Othello’s personal doubts and trusting nature facilitate the manipulation of their individual characters, and lead them to their various deaths. The misfortunes of various characters can be described as the fault of their weaknesses, which …show more content…
Iago knows that Othello respects and trusts his word, as demonstrated, "A man he is of honesty and trust" (1.3.286). Therefore, as Iago gives an impression of reluctance, it engenders Othello 's curiosity, and makes Othello believe that Iago has his best wishes at heart. As Iago speaks of jealousy as well as Desdemona and Iago, Othello states "Give thy worst of thoughts/The worst of words" (3.3.132-133), demonstrating his curiosity, as well as preparing himself for the worse of Iago 's honesty. To Othello, by appearing to withhold information, Iago has his best wishes at heart because he fears to upset the General, and this makes Othello want to know more and trust Iago more. In this fashion, Iago molds the General 's way of thinking, but allows the General to shape his own opinions, all of which point to the infidelity of his wife. Furthermore, Venetian society of the time disapproved of the union of a black man and a white woman as demonstrated by Brabantio in Scene 3 of Act 1. Iago plays around with this as he tells Othello what wives often do to their husbands, "Is not to leave 't undone, but keep 't unknown" (3.3.204), whilst reminding him "She did deceive her father, marrying you" (3.3.206). This , instills doubt into Othello 's mind as he feels that he is not good enough for Desdemona, and eventually even he states "Haply, for I am black" (3.3.263), as he is wondering what could he have possibly done to drive her away. These reminders of his racial insecurities play to the idea that Desdemona is unfaithful, disintegrating Othello 's faith in her virtue, and thus, bring about the downfall of