Othello's Nature Analysis

An aspect of Othello’s nature is that he is far too trustful and lacks in judgement of human beings. By choosing to believe Iago, who serves him in his army, over his own wife is in his own doing which causes Othello’s downfall. The critic, AC Bradley suggests that ‘Othello’s nature is all of one piece. His trust, where he trusts, is absolute. Hesitation is almost impossible to him. He is extremely self-reliant, and decides and acts instantaneously.” This supports my hypothesis as it is obvious that Iago abuses Othello’s trusting nature and Othello’s gullibility and trust led to him killing both Desdemona, and himself. I agree with Bradley’s criticism as Othello does not hesitate or stop to think about the situation- he acts straight away and

If he had truly loved Desdemona, he would have taken more thought and consideration before killing her without question. We can also see this at the start of the play, Othello states ‘And I loved her that she did pity them’. Othello only claims to ‘love’ Desdemona because she pities his hardships inn war. That is not true, ever-lasting love. .Overall, Critic F.R Leavis states that it is not merely Iago’s devilish tricks which cause the tragedy in Othello, It was Othello himself was essentially faulty. This idea supports my hypothesis as Othello’s own lack of judgment causes his downfall in that he chooses to trust Iago- if Othello was not so naïve and had confronted Desdemona about the situation, Iago would not have been able to succeed in poisoning Othello’s mind. Othello then opens up to Iago and exposes his vulnerability, giving Iago a great opportunity to damage Othello. Othello believes Iago, and finds it easier to trust his own man who has served for him, as he believes his own men are more honest than his own