The Mood of Othello

The Mood of Othello Othello is a play that evokes many

emotions from a reader’s mind. The mood is changing, yet

throughout, it demands a lot of contempt for the villain, Iago.

Beginning with act one, there is an immediate setting for

suspicion which will remain characteristic throughout the

whole story. There is a touch of happiness for the

newlyweds, Othello and Desdemona, which quickly

disintegrates with the mighty villains lies and deceit. There is

a feeling of empathy for Othello when his extreme, yet falsely

founded jealousy causes him to lose his mind, and his

beloved wife. The mood is sad and frustrating when poor

innocent Desdemona is being punished for a crime she didn’t

commit. And at the end there is a slight feeling of satisfaction

that Iago’s plan was revealed, yet the mood is

overwhelmingly depressing because Othello and Desdemona

both suffered severely and died. Iago introduces suspicion in

the very first scene. He is discussing how he hates Othello,

yet he must feign loyalty for his position. This is already a

clue to the reader that Iago cannot be trusted. This feeling of

mistrust is vital in the mood of the play because it is most

ironic that Othello trusts Iago as much as to murder his own

wife. This ironic plot creates a frustrating feeling for the

reader which is felt throughout the play. The mood is tense

when we find out that Brabantio is angry that Othello has

taken his daughter. He is determined that Othello must have

tricked Desdemona into loving him. Othello defends his love

for her, and she in turn vows her love for him. This situation

of a forbidden relationship is romantic, it makes the reader

feel a great deal of respect and happiness for their mutual

love. When Iago begins poisoning Othello’s mind with false

suspicion of Desdemona’s fidelity, the mood is extremely

frustrating. The reader is aware of Iago’s lies, yet Othello is

being easily led to believe them. This also evokes anger

towards Iago, he is evil in his constant lying, yet he is

referred to by Othello as kind and honest. This irony is

painful to the reader because it is so blatant. Othello’s

extreme jealousy causes the reader a combination of

emotions. Jealousy is a very painful emotion, and the reader

sympathizes with Othello. Yet, since the reader is aware of

the falseness in the roots of the jealousy, they feel a little

disgusted by how easily Othello is being tricked. He is

introduced as such a rational and strong man, yet the evil

Iago is so easily deceiving him. The mood is tragic when we

see that Iago’s plan has worked and the poor Desdemona is

his unknowing victim. She is lovingly faithful to Othello, and

is confused and hurt by his false accusations. This makes the

reader begin to dislike Othello for his irrational, cruel

persecution of his loving wife. Still, we know the blame

belongs to Iago, and our hostile feelings towards him are

stronger than ever. As well as Desdemona, Cassio and

Roderigo are also unexpecting victims to Iago’s schemes.