Appearance vs reality is a theme in the Shakespearean tragedy Othello, and it is one of the most
capturing themes in the play. Appearance vs reality is described as how and what someone appears to
be, versus who the person really is. In Othello, this theme is demonstrated throughout the play in the
form of allusions, the character of Iago, and Iago’s puppeteering.
Appearance vs reality is evident throughout Othello though Janus’s referral, a comparison of
Spartan dogs to Iago, and the Goddess of Chastity. Firstly, Iago’s allusion to Janus. Iago refers to Janus,
the two-faced God of Roman mythology, and swears to Janus in a way that he himself is the two-faced
god, portraying a false appearance to depict opposing realities, this is shown
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The theme is also shown through Iago revealing to Roderigo, Iago’s soliloquy and Iago talking to
Cassio. Firstly, Iago reveals his plan to Roderigo and states that he may seem to love and obey Othello,
but really he’s serving him to get what he wants, “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago;/ In following
him, I follow but myself/. . . But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/ For daws to peck at. I am not what
I am.” (1.1.58-59, 65-66). Not far after his comment Iago initiates his plan and manipulates Othello so
that he sees the appearance Iago wants him to see, rather than the reality of what’s actually happening.
Iago’s plan itself demonstrates the definition of appearance vs reality. Iago can easily be seen as one of
the most critical characters that builds the theme appearance vs reality in the play. Secondly, Iago
speaks about Othello in one of his soliloquys stating that he observes him as overly trusting, and that
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Here, Iago is talking to himself and figures that
Othello is so easy to manipulate because of his readiness to believe any appearance, even though the
reality of it will be false, this ends up working out great for Iago because his plan is to feed Othello lies
and so since Othello is so easily ready to believe anything, Iago can conceal the reality that is happening.
Lastly, Iago talking to Cassio. Iago is pretending to be sincere and not understand why Cassio is feeling
down, but really Iago knows exactly why and is the very reason why, “What, are you hurt, lieutenant?”
(2.3.242). This clearly shows the theme appearance vs reality because Iago is acting all friendly and
ministering to Cassio when in reality Cassio got fired because of Iago.
The theme appearance vs reality is also shown in Othello through a rare case of dramatic
Iago's supposed honesty is ironically, also a result of his own lying, by making statements that help him sustain his reputation. When he explains Roderigo and Cassio's fight to Othello, he claims to do it with a heavy heart, because he does not want to cause problems for Cassio. However, he feels he must tell the truth; " I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offense to Michael Cassio. Yet I persuade myself to speak the truth." [Act II, scene iii]. By saying this, others are led to believe that the guilt of not speaking the truth is
The characterization of Othello contributes to theme in many different ways. Othello is someone who everyone seemed to trust. “This only is the witchcraft I have used. Here comes the lady. Let her witness it.” (pg.41). This quote analyzes how Othello is honest, he is proving that if others were asked about a certain event, they would
Iago seems to be sorry for this and creates the sense that he knows what he is talking about. It creates a stance in which Othello believes that Iago knows more than he is willing to share. His questioning of Othello sways Othello into believing the worst.
Iago attempts to discredit Cassio is the eyes of Othello (II.iii). He enables Cassio to become intoxicated and then later Roderigo picks a fight with him. Othello finds Cassio at fault for the fight, which he seems to be at first glance., and removes him from his office. Even after it is done with, neither have any idea they were manipulated by Iago, but think he is a wonderful person, better, in fact, because of this incident.
* In Othello, characters not only deceive others, but deceive themselves. They lack self-awareness in that they fail to see or acknowledge their own flaws and weaknesses, and they never see themselves as completely as others perceive them. The truth is likely to destroy either their contentment or their perceptions of themselves
As much as humans want to believe and trust others, hesitation occurs due (to) a certain act called deception. All humans have the ability to be deceptive, although some more than others, there are too many who become a victim as a consequence of metaphorical blindness. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, blindness to the truth results from the antagonist’s acts of deception derived from desire and jealousy which ultimately leads to the death of several innocents. Iago uses his desire for the lieutenant designation to create his acts of revenge which consequences in a very severe manner in Venice and Cyprus. As a machiavellian villain, he
Throughout the play, Iago is thought to be honest and a good advisor. We often see " honest Iago ", or in Othello's words " this fellow's of exceeding honesty ". None of the characters in the play knows what Iago is really up to, and they blindly trust him and accept his advice.
Once a seed of suspicion or doubt is planted in a person’s mind, the noxious effect of jealousy is soon to ensue. Jealousy and suspicion are Othello’s flaws hubris throughout the play and foreshadow to the audience his imminent downfall. He believes what Iago tells him so strongly that he compromises his close relationship with his best friend and his love for his wife. Iago manipulates Othello through the use of extortion, literary techniques, and his keen judge of character. His syntax and diction are so simple yet so powerful because he uses the correct rhetorical questions and addresses Othello with respectful terms such as “my lord.” He allows Othello do most of the talking
In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulation over people who had previously trusted and confided in him. His sudden turn from Othello’s loyal ensign to rage-filled villain seems indicative of a man who can no longer accept his position in life. Iago’s plotting of Othello’s demise starts as idle talk of a disgruntled 28 year-old career military man passed over for promotion. Iago believes that such a promotion may never come after Othello rejects his candidacy and makes it clear that he did not believe him suitable. He sees Othello is only concerned with personal and political gain with his choice of Cassio as lieutenant. When Iago teams with love-scorned and desperate Roderigo, he begins
The ideas of truth and perception are hard to differentiate in everyday life, making the real truth harder to seek. The main functions in Othello are perception and truth which is a person’s viewpoint or their interpretation of reality, and truth being what actually happens, and these facts can be easily manipulated. Othello, written by William Shakespeare, is a general who is constantly tormented between the false and real truth by Iago who skillfully manipulates him throughout the story. In Plato’s The Republic, he also talks about these themes, saying that the truth can be shaped by your view of reality and by stereotypes. In Othello, Shakespeare is saying that perception can easily alter the truth of others, making the truth harder to accept.
Throughout the course of the play, Iago crosses the path of each major character we encounter. Though his effect varies according to characters, he is a presence in
Iago is a powerful predator who exploits those around him by infecting their perceptions of truth with carefully chosen fallacy. His skill in finding the proverbial chinks in others' armor allows him to skillfully weave his machinations of destroying Othello into their minds and actions; by manipulating character's perceptions of Desdemona, Iago gains the leverage he needs to exploit each character. No one is impervious to Iago's seething purpose; even Othello falls prey to Iago's suggestions and insinuations about Desdemona. Iago's constant presence as the stager, as well as his ceaseless - but subtle - reinforcement of events through narration, allows him to be the pivotal force that directs
He gloats about the easy in which he can manipulate Roderigo (the fool) into giving him money. Directly after this, you hear of Iago’s feelings towards Othello (the Moor). You learn of Iago’s suspicion about his wife having an affair with Othello. This gains pity from the audience, because you feel that Iago is a man deeply distraught over the idea of his wife cheating on him. Iago then begins to contemplate how he would seek vengeance on Othello and gain his title. Iago plans to use Othello’s trust and opinion of him to his advantage. He speaks about how he will use Cassio as his pawn to lure Othello into believing his wife, Desdemona is being unloyal to him. Iago discloses that Othello’s character is naive and will be easy to manipulate. As his closing statement he states that, with a little help from the devil, his monstrous plan will be a success.
William Shakespeares Othello uses different and unique techniques in his language to express the nature of evil throughout the play. Verbal twists and the characters most importantly stress the act of evil. Iago, most of all is portrayed as the villain or protagonist in the play. Shakespeare uses this character to set the basis of evil. Each plot point is spiraled further into tragedy due to the nature of Iago and his manipulative language towards the other main characters.
characters. Iago creates the scenes main atmosphere and topic by the very first line ,# “Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy!” it's purposeful