Othello #6 Sh*t goes dooooooown

Othello is overcome with emotion as he talks to Desdemona. He is no longer the strong, valiant, general from the beginning of the play. Although he receives no direct evidence of Desdemona's unfaithfulness, he still continues to slander her name. He calls her a whore, a strumpet and completely believes Iago's wild accusations. Othello no longer uses reason or logic. He lets his overwhelming emotions drive his decisions and actions. Yet, Iago is still able to completely manipulate not only Othello but the rest of the characters as well. Emilia has inclinations to believe that there is villain behind Othello's sudden distrust of Desdemona. However, Iago makes sure to chime in, claiming that this could not be the case. The characters are blinded by Iago's kind demeanor. He portrays himself as an honest and genuine gentleman but on the inside he is a heartless devil. Iago's aside in Act 5 scene 1 lines 12-17, embraces dramatic irony: "Now whether [Roderigo] kill Cassio, or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, every way makes my gain" (5.1.13-15). The characters remain clueless to Iago's ruthless plot. Yet the final steps to Iago's plan are in motion. He seems to be unaffected by Roderigo and Cassio's potential death and continues his manipulation. Iago seems to not care about Roderigo's death because Roderigo was beginning to suspect Iago of wrongdoing. In Iago's mind, Roderigo was an obstacle that needed to be taken out. Even though some people have suspicions of Iago's evil, he is able to persuade them into believing otherwise. However, Iago realizes what is at stake: "This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quite" (5.1.150-151). This brief aside further demonstrates dramatic irony and highlights Iago's wickedness. He is completely amoral and feels no remorse for the evils that he has committed