“Othello does not kill Desdemona in jealousy, but in a conviction forced upon him by the almost superhuman art of Iago.” - Samuel Coleridge. In the light of this view, discuss the extent to which Othello is responsible for Desdemona's death.

Look in Othello at the themes of jealousy, manhood, and appearance vs reality. Othello demands that Iago provide "ocular proof" of Desdemona's infidelity. But Iago instead sets up evidence through his manipulation in the presentation of the handkerchief, which Othello's downfall is in part his trust in Iago and he accepts the handkerchief as a substitute for "ocular proof." Othello's jealousy impedes his character which has been described as intelligent and diligent. Iago uses Othello's insecurities of being subject to prejudice from other characters, such as Brabantio, who denigrate Othello as an animal or a beast based on his race, yet Othello's obvious intelligence and prestige makes these attacks unfair. However as Iago gains control over Othello's emotions in Cyrus the predictions and prejudices of the Venetian court do come true due to his jealousy. Othello becomes beast-like and falls into a fit that robs him even more of his power and transfers or enables the superhuman act of Iago to continue.Though military exploits are one way for men to build their honour, as the war is won by natural forces before even arriving to Cyprus, Othello defines his honour through his new wife and the faithfulness of his woman. Therefore, Othello feels especially spited by accusations that Desdemona, who he has married against her father (and society's) wishes may have made him a 'horned man'. Iago knows how to manipulate Othello's sense of manhood by making him doubt whether he has possession of Desdemona. As this is the thing which confirms Othello's status above the prejudices of the court.Iago manipulates the naivety of both Othello and Desdemona to drive the action of the play, however there must be consideration of the extent to which Iago controls the events and the extent to which Othello's tragic downfall, the tragic genre and other character's (including Desdemona herself) can also be responsible for Desdemona's death.