Oct 11, 2008

Othello | Why Does Othello Change His Mind About Desdemona's Fidelity?

Essay examining Othello's changing view throughout the play on Desdemona's fidelity—discusses the famous corruption scene and Othello's character.

Until the midpoint of Othello, the title character comports himself in a dignified manner and expresses unbounded faith in the transcendent love that he shares with Desdemona, a bond that reaches over differences in race, age, and social status. Nevertheless, Othello begins to change his mind about his young wife in the corruption scene of Act III, scene iii, and by the start of Act IV he literally collapses at Iago's feet in a babbling trance. From this point forward, Othello is completely preoccupied with the mission of avenging himself on Desdemona and Cassio for an adulterous...