Explain why othello does not investigate iago's accusations and also does not seek proof on his own of desdemona's betrayal?
Answers
One could argue that Othello does not investigate Iago's accusations and seek concrete evidence of his wife's infidelity for several reasons. The first reason Othello does not seek concrete evidence is that he completely trusts Iago. Othello and Iago are both military men who have risked their lives together in battle and were forced to rely on each other during the most perilous circumstances. Their military bond is the foundation of their relationship, and Othello's trust in his fellow soldier goes without saying. Othello even refers to Iago as the "most honest" and gullibly believes everything that comes out of his mouth. Despite overlooking Iago in favor of Michael Cassio, Othello never suspects that Iago would weave such a destructive scheme.
Another reason why Othello unquestionably accepts Iago's lies concerns his low self-esteem. As a dark-skinned foreigner living in Venice, Othello is a social outcast and extremely self-conscience. Othello is aware that he is much older than the beautiful, young Desdemona and knows that he is not as attractive as Michael Cassio. He is also aware that Desdemona's father is disgusted that she has chosen to marry him and logically believes that his wife would be more attracted to Cassio than himself. Othello's low self-esteem is the catalyst for his overwhelming jealousy, which completely blinds his ability to reason. Once Iago suggests that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, Othello's self-conscious feelings are confirmed, and he plausibly accepts this information from his trusted "friend."
The third reason Othello does not seek out his own proof of Desdemona's infidelity concerns Iago's masterful plan and capacity for dissembling. Iago presents seemingly logical, rational arguments that are easy for Othello to believe. Iago brings up the fact that Desdemona has already lied to her father, which means that she can very well lie to Othello. Iago also uses the handkerchief, which the audience recognizes as circumstantial evidence, as proof that Desdemona is having a relationship with Cassio. This "physical" evidence is all Othello needs to completely believe Iago. Iago also stages a conversation with Cassio and leads Othello to believe that he was talking about Desdemona. Additional proof that Desdemona is fond of Cassio is the fact that she continually begs her husband to reinstate him. It is Iago's ability to carefully mastermind his scheme and manipulate the main characters that prevents Othello from searching for hard evidence of Desdemona's infidelity.