Don't blame your behavior on someone else.

You are 100% responsible no matter how bad you

are feeling or what's happening in your life.the multiple award-winning author Bohdi Sanders
once said. In Shakespeares tragedy Othello, the heros tragic fall from grace is not merely a result
of Iagos manipulation, but also caused by his own hamartias, which are his gulliable nature,
insecurities, and obsession with reputation.

Othellos first tragic flaw is his gullible nature, which leads him into blindly trusting Iagos lies.
Despite having experienced the tragedies of war and slavery, Othello still has an innocent,
trusting nature. Othello is of a free and open nature(Iago, Act 1 Scene 3, Line 391), and will as
tenderly be led by the nose(Iago, Act 1 Scene 3, Line 391) by those he give misplaced trust to.
Since Othello is an honest man himself, he does not realize it when other people are being
dishonest. Instead of seeing through Iagos mask, Othello is completely fooled by Iagos disguise
and consider Iago to be afellow of exceeding honesty(Act 3 Scene 3 Line 258). His idealistic
view of people is shown when he reveals his view thatmen should be what they seem (Act 3
Scene 3 Line 134), a view on life that would eventually lead to his tragic suicide.

Othellos insecurity and self-doubt is the second reason for his tragic downfall. He feels
undeserving of Desdemonas love because of his race and his lack of upper class manners(which
reflects his low birth), and might feel somewhat inferior to other Venetian men in terms of appeal
because of their race, manners and class. When he is told of Desdemonas alleged affair with
Cassio, Othello immediately goes into an emotional, trance like state because of his fear of not
being able to live up to Desdemonas-a white womans- expectations. He demonstrates his hatred
and insecurity of his color in Act 3 Scene 3, when he saysher name, that was as fresh as Dian's
visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face. (3.3.441-443) In this quote, Othello
compares his wifes soiled reputation to his begrimed and black face, which shows how he
despises his own black skin, which he considers to be something dirty and stained. This could
suggest that Othello is afraid his relationship would soil Desdemona because of his black color.
Furthermore, Othello feels unable to satisify Desdemona because of his lack ofthose soft parts
of conversation(a refined way of speaking) that chamberers have" (3.3.263-267).

Othellos final weakness is his obsession with his ego and high rank.
When Othello is fully convinced of Desdemonas infidelity, his first response isFarewell! Othello's
occupation's gone! (3.3.397-409). Othellos reaction shows that one major reason for his
intense anger toward Desdemona is because he thinks Desdemonas adultery would damage his
own reputation and occupation, making him seem unable to fulfill Desdemonas needs.
Therefore,it can be said that Othellos intense hatred of Desdemona largely stems from his
obssession with keeping his good reputation and rank. Another example of Othellos third tragic
flaw is in Act 1, Scene 3. When the senators tell him to slubber the gloss of (his) new
fortunes(1.3.262-272) and go to war, Othello agrees to leaving his wife behind, assuring the
senators that he wont let his personal life get in the way of his professional career, which seems
to suggest that he values his occupation more than his wife. Another aspect is the catalyst for
Desdemonas love of Othello is her apperication for Othellos lifestory as a soldier, therefore,
Desdemonas alleged unfaithfulness would be considered by Othello to be an attack on the
impressiveness of his lifestory and achievements, which he holds dear because of his self-
obsession. So, Othellos brutal murder of Desdemona could be partially caused by his desire to
defend his ego (his idea of his own self worth).

In conclusion, Othellos own personal flaws were the most important cause for his tragic end.
Even though it is undeniable Othello is manipulated by Iago through out the play, Iagos plan
would never work if Othello was not naive, insecure, and self-obsessed. Despite this, Othello
failed to recognize his own faults at the end of the play, and blamed his downfall on Iago alone.
He fancies himself a tragic hero(which he is not) and takes his own life cowardly instead of living
and facing the dire consequences of his own actions.