Othello’s tragic flaw in the play “Othello” is not jealousy, but his desire to uphold his reputation and to become an insider to the Venetians.
In order for Othello to be jealous of Desdemona’s relationship with Cassio, Othello must truly love Desdemoma, which he does not. In act one scene three, Othello explains that he came to love Desdemoma because she pitied him. This is proof that Othello did not fall in love with Desdemoma because of her personality, but because of her pity. When Iago implies that Desdemoma slept with Cassio, Othello first reaction is how it will affect his reputation. Othello later addresses the betrayal, showing that his primary concern is his honor.
Othello’s relationship with Desdemoma is on a superficial level.
In order for Othello to be jealous of Desdemona’s relationship with Cassio, Othello must truly love Desdemoma, which he does not. In act one scene three, Othello explains that he came to love Desdemoma because she pitied him. This is proof that Othello did not fall in love with Desdemoma because of her personality, but because of her pity. When Iago implies that Desdemoma slept with Cassio, Othello first reaction is how it will affect his reputation. Othello later addresses the betrayal, showing that his primary concern is his honor.
Othello’s relationship with Desdemoma is on a superficial level.