Othello 5 (Act 4 Scene 1)

               Iago's cruel manipulation of Othello has caused such a dramatic fall for the once confident and powerful leader. His reverent ways as poisoned and destroyed by emotional jealousy. In the first scene of Act 4, the transformation is so severe that Othello cannot handle his reactions and loses consciousness. The state he is in is irreversible. Thus, Othello experiences the torment of a confirmation bias when presented with Desdemona. She explains to Lodovico the falling out between Othello and Cassio, adding her side: "I would do much / T' atone them, for the love I bear to Cassio" (IV.i.254-255). Her words are interpreted by Othello as total confirmation for her feelings toward Cassio, highlighting even more his jealous feelings as well as his insecurities. However, no one other than Iago, Othello, and the audience are aware of the ridiculous accusations. Desdemona and Cassio are utterly clueless and blindly placed in an untrue scenario entirely constructed by Iago's imagination and ability to twist actions into meanings. Othello, a man once so gentle an completely infatuated by Desdemona decides to strike her. His inner savage and uncontrollable emotion ultimately lead to his downfall. As such changes occur, there exist more reasons for Desdemona to choose Cassio over Othello. In a way, his actions are the only force pushing her away.