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.