Murder of the Sleepless Soul by the Society: Madness and the Theoretical Suicide in William Shakespeare’s Othello

ABSTRACT: This article concentrates on the character, Othello, who is driven mad in William Shakespeare’s Othello, and endeavours to reveal the ins and outs behind his destruction by Iago. He becomes successful in making Othello doubt and murder his chaste wife Desdemona. Hence, Iago tries to poison Othello’s mind by providing false information about Desdemona. For instance, the plot of the handkerchief and his reference about Cassio that he dreamt where he had talked about his emotions for Desdemona. Unfortunately, Othello somewhat believes Iago’s words. Nonetheless, it must also be stated that Iago is the one who is entirely responsible for igniting the spark of jealousy in Othello’s mind. The Moor would not lose his sanity and murder Desdemona and take his own life away if Iago did not deceive him so cunningly. As Iago is the main cause of Othello’s downfall, he can also be regarded as a ‘killer’ because Iago himself leads Othello and Desdemona towards the path of devastation.
KEYWORDS : Desdemona, Iago, Madness, Murder Committed by Using Words and Gestures, Othello,Suicide