I Knew You Were Trouble (Remix)

“I knew you were trouble when you walked in

So shame on me now

Flew me to places I'd never been

Now I'm lying on the cold hard ground

Oh, oh, trouble, trouble, trouble”

The above lyrics are from the Taylor Swift song that Othello was most likely singing in his head when he found out that Iago was really a lying, deceitful snake. Well, either that song or possibly Bad Blood. Considering that Othello was made out to be such a humble character, it seems fair to say that he had, for the most part, blamed himself for the murder of Desdemona. However, I see things a bit differently . . .

Although Othello is definitely partially to blame for the horrific conundrum of Desdemona’s murder, Iago holds a greater deal of the blame. After all, without Iago’s beguiling character there would be no ghastly murder. I guess there would also be no play then, either, huh?

First off, Iago uses jealousy as a rational excuse to plot revenge against Othello. Iago is green with envy because Othello chose Michael Cassio, an arithmetician, over Iago to become Othello’s lieutenant. Additionally, Iago informs the audience that there is a rumor that Othello slept with his wife, Emilia. He goes on to say that he does not have to investigate this situation further, for the fact that it is merely a rumor is proof enough for him. Is it me or does Iago seem a bit vengeful? Here’s where Iago gets really evil: He deliberately tells Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair, knowing that this is false information and that it will cause Othello immense pain. To further his evil scheme and making him even more to blame for the murder of Desdemona, Iago gets possession of Desdemona’s handkerchief and strategically places it inside of Cassio’s chamber. This is not just any handkerchief though! This handkerchief was Othello’s mother’s and it is said to have been made with magic by a two-hundred-year-old witch. Pretty creepy stuff. This handkerchief was given to Desdemona by Othello as a symbol of their love, and if it is lost Othello will magically fall out of love with Desdemona. Nice going, Iago. But wait, there’s more: Iago makes Othello hide as he and Cassio discuss Cassio’s relationship with Bianca. However, Othello believes that Iago and Cassio are discussing Cassio’s relationship with Desdemona and Othello becomes extremely angered by all of Cassio’s laughing and passionate talk. Poor Othello.

I know what you’re all thinking: “But Othello was the one who did the killing!” You’re right and I do not disregard this fact. Let’s think about this differently, shall we? Say, a man starts a fire so that it might burn down a whole house. Who is to blame then? The fire itself or the man who set the fire? The man who intentionally set the fire, of course! In terms of Shakespeare’s play, Othello, the man is Iago, the fire is Othello, and the house is Desdemona. Ultimately, without the man to set the fire there would be no burnt-down house.