Hello all,
In Act 3 of Othello, we see Iago "pouring pestilence" into Othello's ear by initially hinting at the possibility that Desdemona has been carrying on an affair with Cassio, Othello's former officer. Othello's soliloquy at roughly the midpoint of Act 3, scene 3 reveals that Othello himself sees his skin color, his lack of a Venetian education and his age (he's older than Desdemona by a significant number of years) are factors that would cause Desdemona to cheat on him. It's been established through class discussion that Othello is insecure.
Your assignment is to think about the origin of Othello's insecurity. The following are suggestions that could be the origin of Othello's insecurity. Select one of the suggestions and post a comment in which you discuss why this selected suggestion could be the origin of Othello's insecurity. Please refer to one SPECIFIC example from the play to support your response. Feel free to also refer to examples outside of the text but you must refer and discuss at least one example from the play.
The suggestions are:
A) Othello's relationship with Desdemona is his first relationship, which means his experience and interaction with women is very limited.
B) Othello is aware that Desdemona is very beautiful and questions why she chose him when there have been previous suitors and marriage proposals from other men who are more "appropriate" and proper.
C) Another suggestions of your choice.
Responses are due Sunday, April 10th by 7:00 PM.
Best,
Benitez
PS: Please "sign" your name at the bottom of your responses so I can easily credit who posted and who didn't (This because some of you chose creative user names that do not directly identify who you are). Thank you.
The origin of Othello's insecurity is that Othello is aware that Desdemona is very beautiful and questions why she chose him when there have been previous suitors and marriage proposals from other men who are more "appropriate" and proper.
ReplyDeleteIago paints a picture in Othello's mind that his wife Desdemona is seeing Cassio behind his back meaning that she is cheating on him. Othello tries to disagree with what Iago says but is quickly doubtful because he realizes that Desdemona is beautiful, young and white while Othello is black, old and non venetian. He also realizes that he stands no chance for Desdemona because she is to young. In act three scene three, Iago tells Othello to closely observe her with Cassio because he knows the ways of venetian women and they let only god see their secretes that they keep for their husbands. Iago also bring up the fact that Desdemona decieved her farther and that she will decieve Othello as well. Othello is quick to doubt because Iago brainwashes him into thinking that Desdemona is cheating on him. That is the origin because Iago says that Desdemona and Cassio are in love and Desdemona is only using Othello.
Othello is insecure only because he chooses to listen to Iago and not his wife, love of his life. Yes Desdemona had chances with other men but she chose Othello for who he is and for his stories. The origin of Othello's insecurity is his doubt. He doesnt confront Desdemona but instead waits for another man to tell him lies. Iago is "pouring pestilence" into Othello's mind only to fool him. Othello should have questioned Iago from the start. Othello is also nonsensical to think Desdemona is cheating on him.
ReplyDelete- Atif Bacchus
The origin of Othello's insecurity is that he is an outsider from the venetian town and different from the other venetian men. He isnt charming nor does he have "appealing" looks. He knows that hes old for Desdemona and he thinks that shes cheating on him because of these reasons. With Iago "pouring pestilence" inside othello's ear also amplifies the effect of these insecurities. Its known that Othello has a low self esteem because of these reasons. He thinks down upon himself.
ReplyDelete-Kevin A
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion the origin of Othellos insecurity comes from Iago.Othello became suspicious of his relationship with Desdemona after Iago began "whispering" pestilence in his ear. Othello never even thought about if Desdemona could possibly be cheating on him until what Iago told him. I think Othello actually had 100% trust in Desdemona and he was blinded by his love for her. But Iago destroyed that trust after saying that she had an affair with Cassio. All of these lies are what cause Othello to become insecure.-Juan "JESUS" Delgado
ReplyDeleteOthello is an assertive, strong-willed general who has seen war, and has seen many places. His insecurity can only derive from Iago's negative persuasion. If Iago did not exist, he would not have been a factor that placed a wedge between Othello and Desdemona. Othello was in fact in love with Desdemona. This can be seen when in Act 3, Scene 3, when Desdemona consistently pesters Othello about admitting Cassio back to his position. Othello becomes impatient with her and repeats that he "will deny thee nothing." This reveals that he is reluctantly willing to speak to Cassio on her behalf. However, I also believe that he says this to make her drop the subject and push it away from consideration. When Othello speaks, he speaks in short, quick responses, which reveals that he is not interested in discussing the topic. However, after the dialogue between them cease, Othello reveals that he loves, and will continue to love Desdemona, until the universe is again swallowed up in Chaos.
ReplyDeleteConnecting this back to Othello's insecurity, clearly he was annoyed with Desdemona at this instance. However, he still loved her immensely. When Iago begins to slowly approach the topic of Cassio and Desdemona, he does it in a way that draws Othello's suspicion, and begins to throw tiny hints and anomalies that convinces him that Desdemona is having an affair. At first Othello doesn't believe him; he denies to believe Desdemona's disloyalty. However, Iago is a persuasive "mastermind" who was able to use the events that occurred and bend them into some horrific nightmare that makes Othello second guess his love. Othello would not have ever considered any disloyalty from Desdemona because he said himself that she chose him with her own eyes. Iago was able to counter this by bringing up the fact that she deceived her father. Therefore, in Othello's mind, he's probably considering this and what Brabantio told him. Othello's insecurity begins to arise because of what Iago tells him. If Iago was not around, the "Tragedy of Othello" would not exist, and Othello and Desdemona would have lived "happily ever after."
-Kevin C. Veerasammy
Othello's insecurity comes from Iago. Iago manipulates and brain washes Othello because he is gullable. When he got married to Desdemona he was deeply in love with her and didn't have anything to worry about. Othello always had a low self esteem but with Desdemona by his side he felt happy. When Iago started dropping hints Othello believed this right away because he thinks its true. If we look at the handkercheif secene we see that Desdemona lost her handerchief and Iago says he saw Csssio with it. Everytime Iago drops hints Cassio looks guilty. If we look at the scene when Iago exits he looked guilty after the talk with Desdemona. Iago's allegations seem real to Othello. Though they are not true we see that the scene with Cassio exiting with guilt and Desdemona loses Othello's handkerchief. This makes Othello parooid and have a low self esteem. His insecurity comes from Iago's allegations.
ReplyDelete-Mehreen Khalique
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ReplyDeleteOthello’s origin of insecurity was always there, but it is hidden. The idea of his insecurity about Desdemona originated from Iago’s negative attitude. Iago was dropping hints to suggest to Othello that he should keep an extra eye on Desdemona. If Iago did not hint to Othello ideas then no climax would emerge or no problems would stir up between Desdemona and Othello’s marriage. The villain, being Iago is trying to get back at Othello for what he did. On the other hand, It is shown that Othello is madly in love with Desdemona and this can be shown in the beginning of the play in which he expresses his love for her. I also feel Desdemona is in love with Othello’s stories and his character not because of his features of age. He is also insecure because Iago is trying to convince Othello that Desdemona and Cassio is having an affair. During Scene 3, where Cassio goes to her and he decides to leave before Othello shows up, Iago told Othello he is leaving because he is guilty. Another thing that was said is that Iago shared a bed with Cassio and Cassio was having a dream about Desdemona. The dream was so sweet that he kissed Iago. As the readers may know, this is not true, but in Othello’s eyes it is very much true. Desdemona beauty maybe his insecurity because everyone was telling Othello that she can do better, she deserves better. Soon, he starts to believe this idea because he realizes he is an old moor in which she can do better. He is also insecure because he feels she can find better suitors and because that someone told him previously that she probably will leave him when she is all tired out with him, furthermore, Othello is insecure because he has low self esteem about himself. He does not give himself as much credit as Desdemona gives him. I feel Desdemona looks at him in a respectful tone because she showed her love to him by marrying him regardless of what her father may think. Iago is the true reason for everything else to come about because he is proposing wrong ideas to Othello. What makes Iago so sneaky is that he has lies to cover up every lie that he is saying Iago is the reason why Othello became secure and he is making Othello believe that she is having an affair with Cassio. With Iago’s twisted mine who know what is going to happen?
ReplyDelete~ Aminah K. Baksh :-)
Othello's insecurity is brought out by Iago's pouring of pestilence but it has always been there. Othello's not made insecure only by Iago's words, but instead he is made insecure by a multitude of reasons. One of which is his skin color, and it is also one of the obvious reasons. Othello's mindset is that if everyone sees his obvious flaws, then why wouldn't Desdemona see them as well. He is being less grateful for having her then he is questioning her feelings. Another reason for his insecurity is his resentment for Desdemona. Othello's resentment lies with how his relationship with Desdemona started. At first Desdemona didn't like Othello and it was said by Iago in the quote "And when she seem'd to shake and fear your looks,She loved them most." He speaks of how when Desdemona didn't like Othello's looks, (which is what happened at first) and how she seemed to like them after getting used to him. This period in which Desdemona didn't like Othello provided Othello with resentment for her because he'll always have the thought on his mind. If she didn't like me before, then what is stopping her from disliking me again.
ReplyDeleteOh and thats George ^
ReplyDeleteOthellos' insecurity comes from lack of confidence in himself. He is fully aware of his skin color and his lack of a Venetian education. Not only does he see himself as unfit for Desdemona, but almost inferior to her and everyone else in the play regardless of his military position. This can be seen in Act 1 scene 3 when Othello delivers his little monologue to the Council as to how he won Desdemona's heart. Iago pouring pestilence into Othello's ear only adds on to Othello's already existing insecurity. Iago is smart, he knows what he wants and how he's going to obtain it, so it's safe to say Othello never stood a chance against such a vengeful foe. It is because of these factors that Othello doubts Desdemona's love because he feels that he's not good enough for her or ever will be. Overall, Othello's insecurity derives from the fact that he's aware of skin color and different upbringing from everyone else in the play. Iago only helps in bringing these feelings out even more using Othello's weakness, which is Desdemona.
ReplyDelete-Julieta <(^_^<)
Othello's insecurity starts with with a mix of choice A and B. Othello has no confindence in himself. Othello is blinded by the love for Desdemona that he can't see the bad side to her. He never thought that Desdemona would go against him. Iago is put these images in Othellos mind of Desdemona cheating. Othello hasnt been in a real realtionship before so he doenst know anything about them. Since Iago is married he trust him in his advice. Another fact is that since she is beautiful and young wehy would she want and old, black, and nonvenetian man. Othello doesnt want to lose Desdemona beacuse he most likely feels that he will never get another women like her.
ReplyDeleteI think the origin of Othello's insecurities is himself. He is low in confidence so that means his self esteem is low. He says that he can't satisfy/comfort Desdemona as a royal person can because hes no where close to royal. This shows that his self confidence is low. Othello gave into his insecurities because Iago started to fill his head up with false assumptions about Cassio and Desdemona. Othello is looked down upon by society while Desdemona is looked up upon by society. This would make Othello feel like he isn't good enough for Desdemona or that Desdemona is too good for him. He must feel accomplished that he got her, but at the same times hes scared that he won't be able to keep her. Desdemona went against her fathers wishes and married othello but Desdemona could be redeeming herself by leaving Othello for Cassio.Desdemona stuck up for Cassio, so he can have his job back and that made Othello more paranoid. Cassio is a white man with royal habits and he can comfort Desdemona in ways Othello can't. Every obstacle that Othello and Desdemona faced, is making Othello second guess things because if Desdemona was with Cassio, she wouldn't be going through all these things.
ReplyDeleteThe origin of Othello's insecurity is Iago. Desdemona was urging Othello to get on good terms with Cassio and give him back his job. Iago reminded Othello about how Cassio used to deliver messages between him and Desdemona during their courtship. When Iago told Othello that Cassio was talking in his sleep about being with Desdemona and put his leg over him Othello became enraged. Iago reminded Othello that Desdemona deceived her own father, her own blood, so she could deceive him too. All of these pieces put together led Othello think that Desdemona was having affair with Cassio and led him to become insecure.
ReplyDelete- Devya Boodram
The origin of Othello's insecurity if Brabantio. Brabantio is the father of Desdemona who was angry that Desdemona married Othello without his consent or him knowing. He tells Othello "She has deceived her father, and may thee" before leaving them. Brabantio is saying that Desdemona might deceive him(Othello) just like she deceived himself. This is where the first seeds of insecurity. Not only that but the fact he Othello has such low self esteem because of his age difference towards Desdemona and that he is black. The insecurity further deepens when Iago says that Desdemona might deceive him just like what Brabantio said in Act 1. These insecrities allow Othello to fall easily into Iago's plan.
ReplyDeleteBy the way that was Aleem
ReplyDelete- camper was here
I feel that Othello's insecurities come from many different places. I feel the thing that makes him the most in secure is the fact that desdemona had turned her back on her father. Desdemona is different from the typical woman in venice. SHe is very outspoken & independent. I feel that desdemona's personality & the fact that iagoo coniutously makes situation look worst than what they are is making Otherllo question himself & the love that Desdemona has for him. He is starting to believe her father who said earlier in the play that she would decieve him as she did to her own father.Th fact the iagoo is coniuously "pouring pestilence" in Othello's ear make othello even more nsecure with himself.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the origin of Othello's insecurity comes from what Iago keeps telling him about Desdemona. Othello never doubted that Desdemona loved him before until Iago starts telling him that Desdemona might be cheating on him with Cassio. Othello never doubted what Desdemona felt about him because she told him herself that she fell in love with him because if the stories that he told her before they got married.
ReplyDelete- Bharat B.
Othello is aware that Desdemona is very beautiful and questions why she chose him when there have been previous suitors and marriage proposals from other men who are more "appropriate" and proper. Othello realizes that Desdemona is young and that she may only liked him for a short period also he found it strange that of all the possible men she could be with, she chose him. He believe that She can find better suitors like Cassio who is younger and no colored.
ReplyDeletePaul m
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ReplyDeleteI think Othello’s origin of insecurity comes from everything Iago is telling him. All Iago is doing is piercing Othello’s ear with bad thoughts of Desdemona which is horrible because Othello is already thinking it is because of the way he looks. Othello shouldn’t let anything get to him because since the starting of the play he and Desdemona are truly in love for who they really are. If Iago would have never came and made Othello second think himself none of this would have happened. If you think about it why wouldn’t Othello feel insecure? Iago is telling Othello to keep an eye on Desdemona because he thinks Cassio and Desdemona have something going on. Cassio is white and educated from the books, Othello is black. I think that in the setting that all these characters are in, which is England, there was not a lot of black people at that time, and because of that when white people did see them they saw them as animals. For example, Othello was called a black ram. So, knowing that Desdemona is pretty and knowing she is white and other men want her, it makes Othello feel insecure because everyone else is white and people get jealous. I also think that people are jealous of Othello because he is a general. So I think that there is a lot of jealously throughout this whole story. Desdemona in the other hand she doesn’t even know whats happening and she loves Othello, especially that she went behinds her fathers back and did what she wanted. This shows that she loves Othello because if you go behind your fathers back to do something, that means that whatever you are doing must be worth it.
ReplyDelete-Christine Espinal.
I believe that Othello and Desdemona are truly in love and that Desdemona wouldn't have an affair. I strongly believe that Othello's origin of insecurities is created by what Iago tells him privately. Although Iago doesn't provide proof of Desdemona cheating on Othello he does say it indirectly and throws a lot of hints which causes Othello to doubt Desdemona. For example, Iago tells Othello to keep an eye out for Desdemona because Venetian women are known to cheat and keep it from their husbands. This gives Othello crazy ideas about Desdemona. Iago also mentions that he should be mindful of Cassio because he might be after her. I believe this is the main source because if this is true, Othello will have competition. Othello knows he is black and older than Desdemona and having heard that Cassio might be after her makes him wonder why she chose him. He feels as though she will soon get tired of him and leave him for someone white who is also young. All in all, his origin of insecurities comes from Iago's mouth. If Iago were to keep his mouth shut, Othello and Desdemona would be happy living doubtlessly. I also feel as though Othello shouldn't be stressing it because she went through all the trouble to go against her fathers words and marry him.
ReplyDelete-Edwin Perez.
Othello's insecurity is rooted from the fact that he lacks self-esteem for himself. This is because of his skin color, as well as not having the same manners as other Venetians. His flaws are for all to see, and yet Desdemona accepted him, despite all the previous suitors and proposals she received, making Othello question why Desdemona chose him. Othello does not feel he can ever truly belong with Desdemona because of their differences in status, despite being a general, and in race. These insecurities are what will make it all the more simple to have Othello believe in Iago's pestilence.
ReplyDelete-Tareen Ahsan
Othellos insecurities come from his surroundings. He is constantly reminded my people around him that Desdemona is too good for him because of his skin color. He isnt too sure of Desdemonas love because she chose to marry him over everyone else even though he is black. this was look down upon at that time.Othello is probably still holding on to Barbantios last words to him . Barbantio said that if she betrayed her father she will be her husband too. Othello even admits that he knows hes old and Desdemona would probably want a younger man. With the doubt already in Othello it was easy for Iago to convince him that Desdemona is cheating on him.
ReplyDeleteOthello's insecurities come from various sources. Othello is mailny insecure because he is a black man living amongst white men. The seccond source of Othellos insecurity comes from his wife, Desdemona. Since Desdemona didnt like Othello at first, he dosnt feel to sure that Desdemona loves him truley. Along with that, Barbantio mentions that she betrayed him and she might do the same to Othello.
ReplyDeleteOthello becomes insecure when Iago begins to put thoughts into Othello's mind that Desdemona is being unfaithful. Othello is already insercure about his skin color, age, and social background. So when Iago gives him further reason to believe Desdemona is cheating he becomes even more insecure. Othello's staus as a general is really the only thing that gives him a sense of confidence. Desdemoa's actions also contribute to Othello's insecurities. Desdemona continually asks Othello to give Cassio his job back. This shows that Desdemona may not be on Othello's side. Othello is suffering from an internal conflict which makes him very vulnerable to fall into Iago's trap.
ReplyDeleteI think Othello's insecurity originates from the the fact that his relationship with Desdemona is his first relationship. Firstly, he isn't even from Venice, which makes him different and unexpected. Secondly, the fact that he's older (both that it makes him unattractive and that he is perhaps too old for Desdemona) and the fact that he's black contributes to this, because it creates a low self-esteem for himself. Thirdly, Iago "pours pestilence" by hinting at Desdemona's possible affair with Cassio . This makes him think that Desdemona is cheating on him.
ReplyDeleteIm sorry for being late. I had told a friend to send in my opinions but i guess he forgot. In my opinion i think that there are many people who had played a role into leading Othello to think and do what he does. People who i think that made him think this were Barbantio, Iago, and himself. During the beginning of the play Barbantio told Othello to watch out for her because she had betrayed and went against him that had a significant role in hat he thinks. As Iago was "pouring pestilence" into Othello's ear, he made him think and do what he wanted him to and instead of asking the right people he asks him to help him find proof. The last person i thought that made him do what he did was himself because even thought he loved her unconditionally he told Iago to help him instead of asking her himself. He also thinks that he's cheating on him because he is of a darker color and he is much older then her and he is aware of her past refusals and relationships.
ReplyDelete-Gurpreet
Othello is a quite old and mature man who has just married a young beautiful girl whom which is his first relationship. Due to his age difference and the question of doubt on their relationship, he is bound to have insecurities of his marriage. It is questionable if Othello originally had doubts on Desdemona's love for him. Iago has a great impact on his insecurities certainly since his plan is to draw doubts and implicate that Desdemona is committing adultery. Iago designs his plan to show as he isn't intentionally making accusations by drawing questions and polluting Othello's mind with imaginations. Because Othello has a limited experience with women, he ultimately processes what Iago is talking about. For a great military figure, Othello does fall short on self esteem and pretty much is frightened when the evidence planted by Iago starts to come together.
ReplyDeleteBY: Kevin "JAIRAM"