War is not the answer

Similar to the Iliad, the characters in Othello possess certain traits characteristic of those in war. The reader is immediately aware of the investment which the men have in the war and the many ways in which their pride lies within their role in the war. Othello, being a successful general evokes jealousy in those around him. His successes within war have translated to successes in other areas such as his love life. His demeanor is that of someone who is prideful yet likable and able to lead and reach those around him. Iago's actions are, no doubt, driven by a jealousy he has for Othello's position and successes. While Iago himself has been successful in war as well, he lacks the recognition which those in war need to define their actions and themselves. Iago, having real experience, has an intense anger stemming from the fact that he has put in the work yet does not recieve the position he believes he deserves. When Cassio loses his position, he believes his entire reputation to be damaged beyond repair. The position and success which he most likely used to define himself is gone and therefore, he is desperate to fill that void.
Because of the setting of war, many emotions within people are amplified. Anger, happiness, relief, and excitement are placed on a scale of life and death. When the war ends and the Venetians are successful, their happiness has an intensity and a sense of relief characteristic of the war setting they are in. Under the stress of war, they are likely to become, as in Desdemona's place, willing to place large risks on maintaining any sense of happiness. Because she knows that Othello is to leave to go to war, she is willing to risk her own safety to have the companionship of the man that she knows is in danger. "So that, dear lords, if I be left behind, a moth of peace, and he go to the war, the rites for which I love him are bereft me, and I a heavy interim shall support by his dear absence. Let me go with him." Desdemona knows that her love for Othello, because he is to go to war, does not have any projected life span; therefore, she deems her own safety worth placing herself in danger.