While going through this play, I haven't really thought too much about theme; I've been more focused on trying to figure out what Shakespeare is even saying. But, once I've figured out the plot and stumbled upon this question, I have a general feel of some of the themes. One of the things I have found is how easy it has been for Iago to draw out these bad traits from characteristically good people. He makes Othello jealous, Cassio a belligerent drunk, and makes his wife a thief. With these events, it seems Shakespeare is trying to point out the flaws of all men, even men we consider great, like Othello. Iago is able to mold other flimsy characters like Roderigo to do his will because of his simple mind, but he is even able to make a maniac out of reasonable man in Othello. The theme of the fact that humans are weak and easily manipulated isn't exactly the same as "live life to the fullest". While the theme is gloomy, it may be one of truths of humanity we sometimes fail to recognize.
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