Victim Blaming 

So often, it is expected that the evil one will be the perpetrator, but the victim can never be underestimated. Many people are not what they appear to be, even an amiable figure.

In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, who is to blame for the tragic ending? Othello or Iago? Before pointing one’s finger to either character, one needs to consider the background of the play. 

Throughout the play, the female characters are often succumb to male authority. Emilia states, “[Men] are all but stomachs and we all but food; [Men] eat us hungerly, and when they are full/ They belch us.” (57) During that time period, many men simply view women as an instrument to satisfy their desires, and when their desires are fulfilled, they neglect their women. Women does not have the same status as men, even though they share the same senses. It is no surprise that Othello does not trust Emilia when he asks her thoughts on Desdemona and Cassio’s affair. Rather, he trusts Iago’s words. Under the influence of gender inequality, Othello chooses to believe Iago, even though Emilia has a closer relationship with Desdemona than Iago.

Furthermore, the weak foundation of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship play a role to Othello’s downfall. Desdemona loves Othello for the dangers he had passed, and he loves her for her pity. What other traits do Desdemona has that enable Othello to like her? Desdemona once deceives her father in exchange her loyalty to Othello. However, her loyalty soon becomes her justification to betray Othello. If the foundation of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is strong, would Othello still chooses to believe Iago, instead of his beloved wife? If the foundation of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is strong, would Othello still chooses to kill Desdemona, instead of forgiving her?

Aside from the gender inequality during that time and the weak foundation of Othello and Desdemona’s relationship, Othello’s insecurity plays a significant role in the tragic ending. His insecurity derives from his race. Othello once states, “Haply, for I am black/ And have no those soft parts of conversations/ That Chamberes have…She’s gone.” (48) Othello’s race influences him to infer Desdemona would soon get tired of him and would devote herself to other white men. Although Othello is often described as valiant, he does not have enough confident to believe he is as good as other men. He does not have enough faith to believe Desdemona would continue to love him. He does not even know what other reasons that cause Desdemona to marry him. Othello’s race becomes Desdemona’s justification to betray him. The insecurity serves as a cause for Othello to  believe Iago’s words. Iago appears to be a negative influence that affect Othello's rationality, and Othello appears to be his victim. However, Othello is the one who causes the tragic ending by assailing Desdemona.

        With his evil visage, many would blame Iago for the tragic ending. However, was every event occurred in the play planned by Iago or just his luck come into his way? As Iago tries to persuade Othello to believe Desdemona and Cassio have an affair, the main evidence is the handkerchief. Although Iago steals the handkerchief and brings it in Cassio’s chamber, it is Bianco who decides to enter the scene and asks Cassio about the handkerchief in front of Othello. Also, when Iago decides to remove Cassio from his position in order to procure Othello’s trust, it is Cassio who chooses to take the drink. It is Iago’s luck that aided him, not his words.

   At the end of the play, it is Othello who decides to kill Desdemona. It is Othello who decides to listen to Iago. It is Othello who gives in to his insecurity. Even the amiable soldier in the play is not what he appears to be.