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What is Othello's fatal flaw?

Othello' tragic flaw has been the subject of much debate. Some scholars argue it is jealousy, and other scholars believe it is Othello's lack of self-esteem. I would argue that Othello's tragic flaw is his jealousy because Iago's deceitful mechanisms trigger perilous jealousy which consumes Othello, causing him to experience feelings of insecurity, doubt and rage.


Iago, who is manipulative and willing to destroy Othello because Othello promoted Cassio instead of him, devises a plan...

Othello' tragic flaw has been the subject of much debate. Some scholars argue it is jealousy, and other scholars believe it is Othello's lack of self-esteem. I would argue that Othello's tragic flaw is his jealousy because Iago's deceitful mechanisms trigger perilous jealousy which consumes Othello, causing him to experience feelings of insecurity, doubt and rage.


Iago, who is manipulative and willing to destroy Othello because Othello promoted Cassio instead of him, devises a plan by which he will manage to cause Othello's downfall. His main victims are Cassio and Othello's wife, Desdemona. Iago wants Othello to believe that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair, and he plants seeds of doubt in Othello's mind. For example, when Othello sees Cassio and Desdemona together, Iago says:



Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it,
That he would steal away so guilty-like,
Seeing you coming.



Although Iago does his best to make Othello descend into irrationality, Othello is to blame because of his gullibility and jealousy. He allows himself to be manipulated by Iago and does not rely on reason. He allows himself to be deceived by cunning Iago and stops trusting his wife, who loves him unconditionally.


His jealousy unleashed an uncontrollable amount of rage in him, which led to the death of Desdemona and his death as well.

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