DRJ #3

           My initial reaction to this act was that Iago is really starting to stir things up and kick his plan into the next gear. He reminds me of a young kid who starts a rumor about someone, only this is much deeper. Kids will start different rumors about different people just like Iago does in this act.

            Throughout the whole act I kept wondering what was going on in Othello’s mind that would allow him to sincerely believe the ideas that Iago was putting into his head. He has a tremendous flaw in how gullible he is. Instead of communicating with his wife or Casio about the situation, he allows Iago to tear him apart. There is little evidence in the story that actually proves anything could have happened between Cassion and Desdemona, but he allows his greatest fears get the best of him. He allows Iago to tap into his most vulnerable spots and begins believing in the things he is being told instead of looking into it himself.

            The theme that kept coming back in this act is insecurity. Othello’s guile and insecurity are what really enable Iago’s plan to be effective. This act is where Iago’s plan is really beginning to take a toll on Othello. In 3.3.430-450 is when Iago begins giving Othello the “proof” that he is looking for in demonstrating Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. He planted the strawberry handkerchief in Cassio’s home and while there is a very simple explanation for what happened, Othello lets his fear take over in place of his common sense. His insecurity, which really began by his questioning of the manner in which Desdemona left her father’s home, shines through when Iago begins to play with these insecurities.