The diction used, and the indirect characterization that we can draw from the actions in this passage, illustrate Othello’s tragic fall. Iago has successfully established an intense jealousy within Othello, by abusing his tragic flaw. Othello has digressed from a sane state of mind and has allowed this jealousy to dominate him. In this passage he slaps Desdemona, then continues to abuse her through his diction. These actions are nothing like Othello’s usual manner, and exemplify the way Iago has changed him. As Lodovico states, “My lord, this would not be believed in Venice” (line 225), no one would have expected these transpiring from Othello, and is very unlike his usual manner. Desdemona, through all of this, remains obedient to Othello, “I will not stay to offend you” (line 233). Through this quote and also through her confusion at the beginning of the passage, “ I have not deserved this” (line 224), point to the fact that Desdemona is not at fault. The fact that she has truly not committed any treacherous act, demonstrates once more Iago’s abuse of Othello’s tragic flaw, that he trusts men too much.
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