Othello: A TBT to Middle School Drama

We've all been there. A supposed friend lies to another friend and that other friend ends up doing something that they regret based on that lie. In situations like this, we're either that "friend", the other "friend", or one of those bystanders sitting on the side lines with a bag of popcorn enjoying the show. Anyone who's ever attended Middle School has been through this scenario one way or another. Even though I'm now a senior in High School, I still witness this cycle of treachery, though not in the same way. My latest read was Shakespeare's Othello, which I'll admit sounds strange since it's a play. But I've always found it very surprising how plays can be so entertaining even if your receiving it through paper. So much is left to your imagination! If you haven't read Othello, give it a go! I understand Shakespeare may not be for everyone due to his elaborate use of the english language. If you've had trouble in the past with old Willy, I highly recommend Spark Notes' No Fear Shakespeare version, which places the original text side-by-side with a plain english translation. For those who haven't read it yet, beware of spoilers ahead!

In the play, Othello is lied to so much, he's convinced that his wife, Desdemona, is unfaithful. Dun dun duuuuuuuuun! Since this is Shakespeare, it's only natural that the wife in question is killed by none other than....pause for dramatic effect....her husband! A tragic violin theme begins to play and quality soap opera drama ensues. In the play, both the lier, Iago,  and the victim, Othello, face consequences. Iago is punished for his treachery and Othello is convicted for the murder. But who is truly to blame? Well it'd certainly be easy to say that both are to blame. But where's the fun in that?

Let's take a look at everyone's favorite "treacherous dog", Iago. It becomes clear very early in the play that Iago is the master puppeteer of this story. If it weren't for him cutting, tying, and pulling the strings of all the other character's, we'd have no plot other than Othello and Desdemona's elopement. Heck, if Iago hadn't brought the marriage to Brabantio's attention there wouldn't have even been that glorious scene in Act One where Othello testifies to the Duke. So it's very clear that Iago is responsible for....like....everything, right? Hmmmm, not quite.

Iago - "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on" (III.iii.195-197)

Let me take this opportunity to alter the phrasing of the big question. Is the death of Desdemona the fault of Iago or the fault of Othello's jealousy? Even though Iago set his actions in motion, it is Othello's jealous nature that got him in the end. Othello could have easily trusted in his wife and approached the situation in a more reasonable manner rather than jump to conclusions like he did. His quickness to hate Cassio (Desdemona's supposed lover) over a mere accusation is solid proof of that very nature. If a dog scares a cat and that cat, in response, scratches the dog, should one blame the dog's foolish behavior or the cat's fearful and defensive nature?

Believe it or not, I side with the cat. While Iago is responsible for blaming Desdemona of adultery, thus sparking Othello's maddening jealousy, he is not responsible for the murder itself. Had it not been for Othello's jealousy, his wife could still be breathing and Iago behind bars. Likewise, even though that guy in Middle School told me my crush thought I was cute, I was naive enough to believe him. Therefore, I was responsible for my own embarrassment when the whole class laughed after I asked her out. Fortunately for me, I am not a Shakespeare character, so I survived the ordeal, learned my lesson, and lived to see another day!