The analogy of a person shooting (killing with a gun) another person, clearly describes who held the responsibility of Othello's downfall in the play Othello by William Shakespeare. In this situation, there is no doubt, as to who is responsible for the death - the person who pulled the trigger, or the person who was shot. No matter how foolishly the victim acts, the trigger, in the end is pulled by the murderer. Similarly, despite the fact that Othello trusted Iago too much, didn't consider Desdemona's and Emilia's pleadings, and looked at "proofs" with a biased mind, Iago was ultimately the person most responsible, as it was his plan and words that in the end led to Othello's downfall.Throughout the play, we see Iago plotting to bring about Othello's downfall. We see this mainly in his soliloquies and it is clear from the very start, that it is his intention to bring about the fall of Othello."For whiles this honest fool [Cassio] Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes, And she for him pleas strongly to the Moor, I'll pour this pestilence into his ear: That she repeals him for her body's lust; And by how much she strives to do him good, She shall undo her credit with the Moor. So will I turn her virtue into pitch, And out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all"(pg 87, 330). This is a clear example of Iago's plotting to ruin Othello as he talks out his plan to make Othello suspicious of Desdemona being unfaithful with Cassio. "Two things are to be done. My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress - I'll set her on. Myself the while to draw the Moor apart, And bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife."(pg 89,347). This quote shows Iago clearly has a plan to ruin Othello by how he lists the number of things that need to be done next in his plan. Like these, there are several other instances where Iago tells the audience of his plans to ruin Othello, so it is clear that he is behind the downfall of Othello.In the play, we also see how Iago plays with Othello's mind, and how eventually, he starts ruining Othello's life by making him suspicious. This is clearly shown by the quotes "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" (pg 119, 326). This clearly shows us that Iago likens his words with poison - slowly changing Othello's mind towards suspicion, and that this 'poison', although slow in effect in the beginning will come to totally take control of Othello. Another example of this is "Work on, My medicine, work!" (pg 147, 42). Iago also plays with Othello's mind using many different techniques, such as repeated, hesitant questioning/echoing "Indeed?...Honest, my lord?...Think my lord?"(pg 103, 100), understatement "For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest...Why then I think Cassio's an honest man"(pg 105, 125) and suggestion...
