In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the titular character is presented as a victim in several ways. His victimhood is shaped by his race, his relationship with Iago, and his own personal flaws. Through these elements, Shakespeare explores themes of jealousy, manipulation, and discrimination, illustrating how Othello’s tragic end is the result of both external forces and internal weaknesses.

1. Othello’s Race and Alienation

Othello’s racial identity plays a significant role in his victimization. As a Moor in predominantly white Venice, Othello is constantly reminded of his otherness. His race makes him a target of prejudice, which is evident from the very beginning of the play. Iago and Roderigo use racist language to describe Othello, reflecting the societal attitudes toward him. Iago refers to Othello with derogatory terms like “the thicklips” (Act 1, Scene 1), which highlight how his race sets him apart and fuels the conflict.

Othello’s status as an outsider makes him more vulnerable to manipulation. He is aware of the prejudices against him, which contributes to his insecurities. This is evident when he speaks about his own insecurities in a conversation with Desdemona: “Haply for I am black / And

have not those soft parts of conversation / That chamberers have” (Act 3, Scene 3). Othello fears that his race makes him less attractive and less worthy, which Iago exploits to drive a wedge between him and Desdemona.

2. Iago’s Manipulation

Iago is the primary antagonist in the play, and his manipulation of Othello

is central to the theme of victimhood. Iago carefully crafts his deceitful plan to exploit Othello’s vulnerabilities. He knows that Othello’s insecurities about his race and his marriage make him susceptible to jealousy and doubt.

One of the most significant ways Iago manipulates Othello is by planting the seed of doubt about Desdemona’s fidelity. Iago uses insinuations and half-truths to make Othello believe that Desdemona is unfaithful. He says, “I have a weapon / In this unfeeling world” (Act 1, Scene 3), referring to his ability to manipulate Othello’s emotions. Iago’s deceit is evident when he

falsely suggests that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair: “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio” (Act 3, Scene 3). Iago’s manipulative tactics play on Othello’s fears and insecurities, making him believe in a lie.

Othello’s trust in Iago and his inability to see through the deception are key aspects of his victimization. Othello views Iago as honest and trustworthy, calling him “honest Iago” repeatedly. This misplaced trust makes Othello an easy target for Iago’s schemes. Iago’s manipulation leads Othello to doubt Desdemona and act irrationally, demonstrating how victimhood is compounded by deceit.

3. Jealousy and Personal Flaws

Othello’s own personal flaws contribute to his victimization. His excessive jealousy and pride are central to his downfall. Iago’s manipulation

exacerbates these flaws, leading Othello to make tragic decisions. The theme of jealousy is crucial in understanding Othello’s victimhood. Iago’s insinuations about Desdemona’s fidelity ignite Othello’s jealousy, which consumes him and clouds his judgment.

Othello’s jealousy is evident when he says, “I do believe ’twas in himself” (Act 3, Scene 3), expressing his belief in Iago’s lies. His jealousy makes him see Desdemona’s actions as evidence of infidelity, even though there is no

real proof. Othello’s inability to control his jealousy and his tendency to believe Iago’s deceit show how his personal flaws make him a victim.

Pride is another significant flaw that contributes to Othello’s victimization. His pride in his reputation as a soldier and his status in Venice makes him sensitive to perceived slights and betrayals. Iago’s manipulation plays on

Othello’s pride, leading him to act out of a sense of wounded honor. This is evident when Othello says, “I will withdraw / To furnish me with some swift means of death” (Act 3, Scene 3), indicating his resolve to take drastic action based on his jealousy and pride.

4. The Tragic Consequences

Othello’s victimhood culminates in a tragic ending, highlighting the impact of Iago’s manipulation and Othello’s personal flaws. Believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful, Othello takes the drastic step of

murdering her. His victimization reaches its peak when he realizes the truth too late. After killing Desdemona, Othello discovers Iago’s deceit and understands that he has been a victim of manipulation and his own flaws. He says, “I have done the state some service, and they know’t” (Act 5, Scene 2), reflecting on his actions and the tragic outcome of his victimization.

Othello’s death is a result of both external manipulation and his internal weaknesses. He is a victim of Iago’s cunning and his own jealousy and

pride. The tragedy of Othello’s story lies in how his victimization leads to his downfall and death, underscoring the destructive power of manipulation and personal flaws.

In Othello, Shakespeare presents Othello as a victim through his race, his relationship with Iago, and his personal flaws. Othello’s racial identity makes him an outsider, vulnerable to prejudice and manipulation. Iago’s

deceitful manipulation exploits Othello’s insecurities and jealousy, leading him to make tragic decisions. Othello’s own flaws, including jealousy and pride, compound his victimization and contribute to his downfall. Ultimately, Othello’s story is a powerful exploration of how victimhood is shaped by both external forces and internal weaknesses, leading to a tragic and devastating end.

4o mini