Deaths in Othello - Essay Example

The four characters are involved in different relationships throughout the play. Conflict is a dominant occurrence that contributes to the separate deaths of the characters. Although death is a natural tragedy that can happen at any time, Iago is blamed for influencing the deaths of other characters.

Iago contributed to the deaths of the other characters by spreading rumors against them, which leads to mistrust and conflict. He accomplishes this by maintaining close relationships with all characters and playing on their flaws to create conflict and hatred (Bradley 81).  For instance, Iago is the main cause of the death of Desdemona because he told Othello that Desdemona was engaging in immoral activities with Cassio. This makes Othello angry and he plans to kill Cassio but returns home to Desdemona. Desdemona consoles Othello not to her by saying,

“O, banish me, my lord, but kill me not! … Kill me tomorrow: let me live tonight! (Shakespeare, Act V, Scene I, P. 56).”

On the other hand, Iago convinces Roderigo to kill Cassio to enable him to woo Desdemona with romantic intentions. This causes conflict between Roderigo and Cassio, which later leads to the death of Roderigo. 

Alternatively, Othello finds Desdemona on the bed and smothers her using a pillow. This is an indication that the death of Roderigo and Desdemona is because of the gimmicks directed by Iago. Meanwhile, Emilia exposed Iago’s gimmicks and how Cassio possessed Desdemona’s handkerchief. Emilia says,

“I must needs to report the truth… I know thou didst not, thou'rt not such a villain (Shakespeare, Act V, Scene II, P.78).”

Upon hearing Emilia’s revelations and realizing his mistakes, Othello commits suicide by stabbing himself. Iago is also terrified by Emilia’s revelations because Cassio confirmed that those were the true situation that took place. This makes Iago stab Emilia and kill her before she exposes everything.

Iago is also directly blamed for Roderigo because he is the one who stabbed Roderigo. This happened when he insisted that Roderigo should not lose hope of seducing Desdemona. He does this by coming up with a plan of killing Cassio who is also after the beautiful Desdemona. However, when Cassio and Roderigo are involved in a fight, Iago stabs Roderigo to death and escapes from the scene. The circle of deaths revolves around Iago as the main schemer who is out to kill everyone for his selfish gains like killing Cassio and assuming his position of lieutenant, destroying Othello, and dishonoring Desdemona's virtue. He uses the other characters' weaknesses to plot revenge for missed chances to achieve his ends. For instance, Iago capitalizes on Othello's pride in being the best warrior, Cassio's impaired decision while drunk, and Roderigo’s motivation to marry Desdemona (Bradley 79).