In William Shakespeare's "Othello, the Moor of Venice", Othello descends rapidly into murderous jealousy against his wife. There are three important factors that contributed to this horrible, unnecessary act of violence, which include, Desdemona's friendship with Cassio, Iago's psychological manipulation, and the magical handkerchief.
The first factor that led to Othello's downfall was Desdemona's friendship with Cassio. Desdemona was a very loyal friend. If she made a promise, she kept it. By Iago's suggestion, Cassio went to Desdemona seeking help to be reinstated as lieutenant. Desdemona then made a fatal statement to Cassio:.
"Do not doubt that: before Emilia here.
I give warrant of thy place: assure thee,.
If I do vow a friendship, I"ll perform it.
To the last article: my lord shall never rest;.
I"ll watch him tame and talk him out of patience;.
His bed shall seem a school, his board a shrift;.
I"ll intermingle every thing he does.
With Cassio's suit: therefore be merry, Cassio;.
For thy solicitor shall rather die.
Than give thy cause away." (3.3.19-28).
In this statement, Desdemona swore to Cassio that she would do everything in her power to get Cassio reinstated. Unknown to either, this was a major move in Iago's game. Away from everyone, Iago dropped hints to Othello that Desdemona was cheating with Cassio. Since Desdemona kept her word, every time she saw Othello she would talk about Cassio's reinstatement. For example, Desdemona said to Othello, "pray you, let Cassio be receiv"d again. / You"ll never meet a more sufficient man. / I pray, talk me of Cassio." (3.4.82-86). With Iago telling lies to Othello, mixed with Desdemona repeatedly bringing up Cassio, Othello obviously started doubting Desdemona.
The next factor was Iago's psychological manipulation. Throughout the entire play, Iago made certain comments to Othello, which alluded to the fact that Desdemona was unfaithful. For example, Iago told Othello "she did deceive her father, marrying you;" (3.