Theme Analysis

 

Appearance vs. Reality

Throughout history there has been a general understanding that appearances can be deceiving. Characters use this manipulative tactic to deceive others into believing things that are not true, in order to obtain their desires. 


In the play Othello, one of the characters that displays this trait most is Iago. Iago uses appearance vs. reality to get revenge on Othello for two reasons. The first reason is because Othello chose Micheal Cassio to be his lieutenant instead of Iago. The second reason being that Iago has suspicion that Othello has slept with his wife.

 Act 1

In act 1 scene 1, as Iago is convincing Rederigo to help him in his plot against Othello, he says, " I follow him to serve my turn upon him"(45) this is stating that Iago is going to make it look like he is so loyal to Othello, so that Othello thinks he is a good servant, so when the opportunity arises for Iago, Othello will not suspect him of anything, and surely have a good eye for Iago. 

In act 1 scene 1,  Iago is again talking to Roderigo about his plan to take down Cassio from his position as Othello's right hand man, he says "I am not what I am"(65). This statement is Iago foreshadowing on what he plans to do later on in the plan, And this is when the audience is fully aware of Iago's purpose in the play.

In act 1 scene 3, Othello is speaking out to the council, against Barbantio who has accused him of stealing his daughter from him. “ Rude am I in my speech, and little blessed with the soft phrase of peace”(81) he says this to persuade the council to his favour.


In act 1 scene 3, Othello is speaking about Iago about how he's an honest man. " so please your grace, my ancient: A man he is of honesty and trust. "(281) But Othello doesn't know that Iago plans against him. Also 2 quotes in scene 3 of  Iago speaks to Roderigo revealing the truth of Iago's true thoughts against Othello. " I hate the moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason. Let us be conjunctive in our revenge against him. "(358) " After some time to abuse Othello's ears that He is too farmiliar with His wife "(385) 

Act 2

In act 2 scene 3 Iago plans to get Cassio drunk so Roderigo can get him mad. Which eventually happens and Cassio ends up stabbing Montano due to offence and being drunk. Then Othello comes out wanting an explanation for all of it from Iago because He thinks he is Honest. " What is the matter, masters? Honest Iago, that looks dead with grieving, speak! Who began this? On thy love, charge thee. "-Othello (161) "I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence Michael Cassio."-Iago (205) But really Iago planned the whole thing to get Cassio in trouble.

Act 3

In Act 3 scene 3 one of the main parts of the play happens. When Emilia finds Othello's hankercheif that he gave to Destimona, then gives it to Iago. Iago then puts the hankercheif in Cassio's bed chamber putting it in Cassio's possession, and tells Othello that he saw Cassio with it. "I know not that; but such a hankercheif- I am sure it was your wifes- did i today see Cassio wipe his beard with." (438) -Iago This is what triggers Othello to go crazy because he thinks that Destimona is cheating on him.






Rhetorical Devices

Reputation: Iago protects his reputation by manipulating other characters like Othello.

Definition: The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something

Cause- and-effect analysis: Iago makes characters believe certain things through his explanations of the different things that were going on (Like Cassio and Desdemona’s relation)

Definition:  the explanation of why something happened or what its consequences were or will be.<

Audience: even though Iago was trying to deceive others into believing something other then whaat is true, the audience knew Iago was a lier and good with his speech.

Defination: the intended readers of a piece of writing. Knowledge of the audience’s needs and expectations helps a writer shape the writing so that it is clear, interesting and convincing.