The Tragedy of The Othello Complex

"For I mine own gain'd knowledge should profane, If I would time expend with such a snipe, But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets. He hath done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He hold me well; The better shall my purpose work on him. Casio's a proper man: let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery-How, how?-Let's see:-After some time, to abuse Othello's ear That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make woman false. The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are. I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light."

Othello. A story beginning and ending in betrayal. A story of jealousy, passion and misplaced trust. The story begins with the warped plan of Iago, who is a confidant and companion of Othello, a moor, who is a ruler in Cyprus. Iago's hatred of Othello drives him to devise a master plan of betrayal with aim to destroy Othello and everyone in relation to him.

A Cliff Note Synopsis:
In Cyprus, Iago plots against Othello, planting the seed of doubt about Desdemona’s fidelity and implicating Cassio as her lover. Using Roderigo, Iago arranges a fight that ultimately results in Cassio’s demotion. Believing that his chances of reinstatement are better if he has Desdemona plead his case to her husband, Cassio, with Iago’s help, arranges for a private meeting with Desdemona, who promises to speak on his behalf to Othello until his reconciliation with Othello is achieved. As Cassio leaves, Iago and Othello appear. Othello notices Cassio’s speedy departure, and Iago quickly seizes the opportunity to point out that Cassio seems to be trying to avoid the Moor. Desdemona immediately and enthusiastically begins to beg Othello to pardon Cassio, as she promised, and will not stop her pleading until Othello, preoccupied with other thoughts, agrees. The moment Desdemona and Emilia leave, however, Iago begins to plant seeds of doubt and suspicion in Othello’s mind. Othello, beset by uncertainty and anxiety, later demands of Iago some proof that Desdemona is unfaithful. Using a handkerchief that Desdemona later innocently drops, Iago convinces Othello that she has been unfaithful, and he stages a conversation with the innocent Cassio that further hardens the Moor’s heart against his wife and her supposed lover. Convinced of his wife’s betrayal and enraged and grieving, Othello rushes into action, making an agreement with Iago that he, Othello, will kill Desdemona, and Iago will dispose of Cassio. Desdemona, true to her word to Cassio, continues to plead on his behalf, unknowingly confirming to Othello her unfaithfulness. He accuses her of falseness, and Desdemona, not knowing what she has done to offend, can only assure him that she loves him. Meanwhile, the gullible Roderigo has abandoned all hope of Desdemona, but Iago urges him to kill Cassio and rekindle his hopes. Late that night, they attack Cassio in the street, but it is Cassio who wounds Roderigo. Iago rushes out and stabs Cassio in the leg. Othello, hearing Cassio’s cries for help, believes that half of the revenge is completed and hastens to fulfil his undertaking. Desdemona is in bed when Othello enters. He tells her to pray a last prayer as he has no wish to kill her soul. Realizing that he plans to murder her, Desdemona protests her innocence of any wrongdoing. Knowing that he doesn’t believe her, she begs him to let her live just a little longer, but he smothers her with a pillow. Emilia, Desdemona’s servant and Iago’s wife, upon discovering the ruse, raises the alarm and declares Iago a liar before Montano and Gratiano. She explains how Desdemona’s handkerchief came into Cassio’s possession, and when she refuses to be quiet, Iago stabs her. Cassio, wounded, confirms Emilia’s story. A soldier to the last, Othello stands on his honor. Knowing that this is the end, he asks to be remembered as “one that loved not wisely but too well.” Then he stabs himself and falls on the bed beside his wife, where he dies.
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitNote/id-138.html

On the stage called life, the chief cast and persons in the key of Othello are simple:
Othello would be played by the average Joe Shmoe. Iago would be played by Lucifer. And last but not least, Desdemona. Quaint and innocent. All gendered rules would point elsewhere, but all signs lead to God. Sweet, innocent, Desdemona. Iago's motivation falls under the theme of jealousy and envy. Jealous at the rank and position of a measly moor, plagued by black skin, yet honored in a position Iago could have only dreamed to be in. "What is man that thou art mindful of him?" Iago's mission was enraged by this therefore his mission was ruthless. He schemed with dexterity, using love against Othello. Pretending to befriend him and to look out for his best interests. Using indirect means of deception through a supporting cast to gullibly influence Othello's suspicions. Making sure to leave no evidence behind. Constantly whispering thoughts into his ear. "For now I shall have reason to show the love and duty I bear you with franker spirit: therefore as I am bound, receive it from me." Who better than to exploit the passionate and prevailing love that comes from the covenant of marriage. A Covenant: One not meant to be broken, so when it is….ah, but when it is, the emotional pain it bears far exceeds any thing tangible that would dare call itself pain. Pain that would cause dear Othello to retort in hallucination and seizure. The pain of betrayal. Lies. Lies. Once absorbed Othello, You, Me, becomes relentless in avenging his betrayers, even the one with whom he is wed. After consumption Othello, You, Me, beings to take pleasure in the violence that awaits his betrayers. Bearing the same sadistic traits of the one falsely accused. Othello, You, Me, look at Desdemona through eyes of distrust. Hoodwinked!! Through the eyes of a stranger. Bamboozled!! As the one who played the harlot. Run a Muck!!!

"The Moor already changes with my poison: Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons, Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood, Burn like the mines of sulphur."

There is great tragedy in those who suffer The Othello Complex. The tragedy is in the near hopelessness of revival. Iago, our great foe, a master fraud, realizes the cyclic pitfall of the great God betrayal. In Othello's mind, it's pain exceeds hell's outcome of fire and brimstone.
What's worse is to watch one who is plagued by the complex. Watching them waste away on the grounds of deceit. Not even for a noble cause can one face hell for their life's plot of vengeance on God for not being who He said He was. I, myself, can only relate to the maidservant, who begged and pleaded with Othello for she was the only one who knew the truth. And too, like the maid, no one listens to me as I cry and decree the lies. Lies! They're all lies! I know Desdemona. I have labored and served Desdemona hand and foot. Yet, still. Othello looks at me and laughs. My experience is foolish to his learning…to his understanding. The Othello Complex is distressing and death is undoubtedly knocking on his door. Don't let him answer. I beg you, DON'T LET HIM ANSWER!!!