Exploring the Themes of Fate and Free Will in Shakespeare's Othello

This essay delves into the complex themes of fate and free will within Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello. It examines the character of Othello, exploring his initial nobility and the factors that contribute to his tragic downfall. The essay analyzes the influence of Iago, highlighting his manipulative nature and the role he plays in shaping Othello's actions and perceptions. It also discusses the 'handkerchief episode' and how it contributes to the plot. The analysis considers whether Othello's fate was predetermined or a result of his free will and choices. It concludes by emphasizing the interplay of passion, jealousy, and manipulation, ultimately leading to Othello's demise and the play's tragic outcome. The essay provides a comprehensive overview of the critical themes and characters, offering insights into the play's enduring relevance.

Running head: FATE AND FREE WILL OTHELLO
FATE AND FREE WILL OTHELLO
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As the audience agrees with the fact that ‘Othello the Moor of Venice’ is one of the
great tragedies of Shakespeare where the protagonist faces fateful undoing due to his flaw
and suspicion. The tragic hero as the researchers convey, a man with great honour and
flawless intension finally meets his doom. There the question arises that if Othello was free
from malicious feature, then why did he suffered? There are ample evidences that support
Othello as a ruthless and suspicious man by nature, but evidences also convey that he was
completely deceived by Iago’ treachery and ambition.
As the play opens the audience finds Othello to be a virtuous and dedicated Moor,
who was deeply passionate for Desdemona. He wins whatever he desires, whether it is battle
or Desdemona’s heart. He is not only an army general representing his valour but also
respected by his contemporaries. The audience finds no guilt in him to shoulder and he has
nothing to hide. He says, “I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall
manifest me rightly”. Othello handles all the matters with nobility as well as forthrightness
even when he was accused of abducting Desdemona. He explains his every actions and
convinces the audience as well as the court that without any magical power or using drug, he
has won over his beloved. Desdemona’s own accounts have supported his innocence and
unadulterated love. She recounts, “Othello's visage in his mind, and to his honours and his
valiant parts did I my soul and fortunes consecrate". To the analysts, Othello's innocence has
made him gullible and susceptible therefore, he is easily entrapped in Iago’s treachery.
On the contrary, the antagonist Iago is a snake hidden in the grass. He is the catalyst
who sets the innocent Othello into the downward spiral of rage, jealousy, suspicion and
finally violence. Iago’s hatred of Othello’s reputation resulted to vengeance. He masked his
evil intention behind manipulation and false rhetoric. The audience will agree that this
deceitful man could choose anyone and use him as pawn. He actually sought vengeance to
Othello but played with each and every character that came near him. He manipulates Othello

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and defames Cassio as he replaces Iago in position. Again he manipulates Cassio to win back
Othello through Desdemona.
Now the question arises that if Othello was so innocent in his nature and loves her
lady love Desdemona unconditionally, then why he distrusts her and is beguiled by the
treacherous Iago. The analysts say it is the free choice of Othello that he has believed Iago
instead of his wife. He was manipulated that Desdemona is not loyal to him. He feels abused
therefore questions Desdemona’s double dealing. He is enraged with passion and overcome
with sorrow. He says, “O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours, and
not their appetites!"
The fatalists convey the idea that Othello was not solely responsible for his doom but
it was the play of fate that compelled him to act such a way. Fate and chance are levers that
designed the actions. It is the Iago’s jealousy that causes transition in the character of Othello.
The role of fate in “handkerchief episode” is one of the most important evidence as it
provides Iago’s conspiracy a final shape. The fate of Othello creates room for Iago and he
utilizes the opportunity full hand. To these researchers, the destiny of Othello has turned his
heart into stone and throughout the play cannot realise his flaw. What fate and Iago have
shown him, he has seen and cannot perceive beyond that. His madness is the direct result of
the manipulation of fate and chance which ultimately convinced him to murder Desdemona
in bloody passion. Only at the end of the drama, Othello realises his fault and blames himself
for own demise. Having reached the rock bottom, Othello ultimately commits suicide in
grief.
With the unfolding of the play, the audience cannot draw a clear line between fate and
will. It of the same passion that makes Othello a great general as well as a noble husband and
ignites his jealousy that led him to fall. His consequence is like Adam and Eve in paradise,

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who were manipulated by the serpent and chose the path of their free will, ultimately fall for
their own action. Othello is not an evil person but innately a noble, honest man. It is the
passion that made him great and is responsible for his fatal consequence.