Why Does Othello Believe Desdemona Committed Adultery In Text/Film?

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‘Othello’, a tragic story of love and how jealousy, madness and rage can quickly destroy it. Othello is the respected general of the Venetian army though he is a ‘Moor’ (as he is described throughout text and film, meaning North African). Othello has secretly married the daughter of the Venetian senator and by all appearances has only loyalty and love on his side. However, Othello is an insecure man. He is old and a “racial and cultural outsider”. His true nature makes him an easy target for Iago, his cast - aside, constantly jealous ensign, and his hatred. We will explore exactly what aspects and circumstances drove him to insanity in text and film and led to the demise of his relationship with Desdemona. An important scene to notice is that of Act 1, Scene 3. Othello, addressing the Duke and council members about Desdemona traveling with him, states “Vouch with me heaven; I therefore beg it not to please the palate of my appetite…In my defunct and proper satisfaction.” (Line 261-264). He is stating that he is much too old to be taking her along for his sexual satisfaction especially since his sexual urges are dead. Later on in both text and film, Iago, on more than one occasion, fills Othello with lies about Cassio, Othello’s second in command, and Desdemona. He claims that they have had sex. Iago is playing on Othello’s insecurities. As he mentioned before, he is an old man; Desdemona is still yet a young girl. He feels that she may have grown bored and wanted to move on to someone younger, more handsome. In Act 3, Scene 3, opportunity presents itself in tricky situations and Iago uses these moments to fuel Othello’s fire. Cassio and Desdemona are speaking but upon Othello’s entrance, Cassio decides to leave. Under normal circumstances, this would mean nothing but Iago convinces him that Cassio was sneaking away guiltily. When Desdemona leaves, in both text
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