What are the dramatic ironies in Othello?

Answer

 What are the dramatic ironies in Othello?

Dramatic irony is a literary technique where the audience or reader is aware of crucial information that the characters in a story are not. Othello (1622) is a masterpiece of William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In Shakespeare’s Othello, dramatic irony is prevalent throughout the play, where the audience knows something that the characters do not. 

Othello’s Trust in Iago: The audience knows from the start that Iago is a deceitful and manipulative character who is plotting against Othello. Othello trusts Iago completely. He is unaware that Iago is conspiring against him. This creates tension for the audience, who can see Iago’s deception. For instance, when Othello says, 

“I know, Iago,

Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter.”

Othello is expressing complete faith in Iago, not realizing that Iago is manipulating him.

Desdemona’s Innocence: The audience knows that Desdemona is innocent. But Iago proves her as unfaithful using deception. Iago’s manipulations convince Othello. He plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, making him believe that Desdemona is unfaithful.

“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.”

Towards the end, Othello kills Desdemona by the influence of Iago. When everything becomes clear to him after killing Desdemona, he commits suicide.

Cassio’s Involvement: Cassio’s reputation as an honourable and trustworthy soldier is well-known to the audience. Iago convinces Othello that Cassio is involved with Desdemona, but the audience knows that Cassio is innocent. There is no relationship between them. However, Iago becomes successful in this regard by manipulating Othello. He uses the handkerchief as a tool of manipulation, and Othello believes him blindly. 

The Handkerchief: The handkerchief that Othello gives to Desdemona holds great significance, but Othello is unaware of its importance until it’s too late. He’s unaware that its disappearance will be used against Desdemona later. The handkerchief, a significant symbol in the play, is used by Iago to deceive Othello. Othello believes that the handkerchief is proof of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness, as Iago has led him to believe. He says,

“That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee 

Thou gavest to Cassio”

However, the audience knows that the handkerchief was planted by Iago, and its presence in Cassio’s possession is innocent.

These instances of dramatic irony contribute to the complexity and suspense of “Othello”. The audience is constantly aware of the characters’ misunderstandings and misjudgments. It leads to the tragic outcomes of the play.