Essay topics about Othello's downfall, his suicide, Desdemona, role of race, and jealousy: which topic is best?These are the topics: 1. write an...

I would be torn between answering questions 1 and 5. Each has some similar elements when discussing so I'll tell you what I think and you can decide which best fits your understanding.

The changes in Othello, directly related to his jealousy, are quick, violent, and drastic. The course of the play spans only a few weeks and when you consider this, that seems even more incredible.

When we first meet Othello he is well-spoken, calm, and assured in the reciprocal love between him and Desdemona. He stands up to her father, the Duke, and all of Venetian society to defend a marriage that would be considered taboo and scandalous had any other man tried it. If we are discussing flaws in his character it is obvious at this point that he is blissfully unaware of the bias that exists toward him (he is referred to as "thick-lips" and other obvious black imagery). He is a man who takes everyone around him at face value. At no time does he sit and wonder if maybe people are more than they seem on the surface. If he were at all astute he would realize how angry Iago is; Iago's personality is rather obvious to anyone paying attention.

Another major character flaw of Othello's is his inability to trust his own judgment. He allows his jealousy (his major flaw) to overwhelm his common sense. He is ruled entirely by his passions. Any good leader would be able to temper that intensity with rational thought. You would think that someone as successful in battle would be able to apply those same principles to life itself. Instead, he is a man ruled by physical emotions.

The jealousy is shown in a number of ways. The most obvious device Shakespeare uses is Othello's repeated "illness". These fits of his are evidence to the audience of the dangerous physical effects of the jealousy on Othello. They are conveniently placed at moments in the play when Othello's jealousy overtakes his common sense. They also obscure for him the obvious. He misses the handkerchief falling to the ground. He mis-hears the conversation between Cassio and Iago. He realizes his error when Emilia points out he has been duped.

Overall, Othello's flaws- his inability to look beyond surface appearances, his inability to trust his own judgment, and his overweening jealousy- are direct contributors to his downfall. These elements of his character allow Iago to successfully manipulate him to do the most awful thing imaginable.