What is wrong with Othello? Does Othello work as a play?
Because Othello is a tragic hero, his problem involves both his character traits and the situation that he finds himself in. There are many problems with Othello’s character. He is overly loyal, even to the extent of being gullible. He may also, to some extent, have insecurities about being black. These insecurities show themselves in the way he never truly thinks he was good enough for Desdemona, and is subsequently easily manipulated by Iago. He also lacks the talent for eloquent speech that is essential for living in his society, and subsequently feels beneath those who have this talent. However, his situation also leads to his problems. He is stuck with Iago, who has a talent for easily manipulating Othello. Iago has the ability to take the virtuous aspects of Othello and turn them against him. Othello also lives in a sexist society, which may have helped Iago (a man) turn him against Desdemona (a woman) because he was more inclined to believe a man. It takes Iago only one scene to
