Trace the Lines of Deceit Between Othello and Iago
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- Category: English: Shakespeare
- Date Submitted: 06/09/2010 06:24 AM
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Trace the lines of deceit between Othello and Iago
Othello - Deception in Othello
William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, is a play centred on the theme of deception. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses this theme to develop the plot and to bring about the downfall of the title character. This is achieved principally through the dialogue of the character Iago in a number of key scenes, and its effect on both minor and major characters. The theme develops throughout the play in an ever-expanding web of lies that affects every character.
The opening scene of the play immediately submerges the audience in deception via Iago’s speech. Iago is in conversation with the character Roderigo, who we later learn is being deceived by Iago. Iago is vowing that he follows his lord, Othello, not out of service, rather in the search for revenge. He actually states:
“ I follow him to serve my turn upon him.”
This statement, in Act I, Scene 1 no less, clearly sets the stage for a play of deception and backstabbing. Iago proceeds to refute any allegiance to Othello for the next 25 lines! This speech is concluded with the line “I am not what I am.” By having this in the very first scene, Shakespeare acknowledges to the audience that deception will be a key theme in the play and will re
“ How shall I murder him, Iago?”
In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, deception is the sole catalyst for the tragic downfall of the title character. Deceptions by the character Iago are demonstrated throughout the play and are of vital significance in the development of the plot throughout the play. It can therefore be stated without doubt that deception powerful theme that re-occurs throughout the play, developing and evolving until at last the deceptions are undone and peace returns.
By saying that he definitely thinks that Cassio is honest implies the opposite, without saying as much. The effect is to get Othello to worry over Cassio’s honesty, as well as his intentions....
Othello - Deception in Othello
William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, is a play centred on the theme of deception. Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses this theme to develop the plot and to bring about the downfall of the title character. This is achieved principally through the dialogue of the character Iago in a number of key scenes, and its effect on both minor and major characters. The theme develops throughout the play in an ever-expanding web of lies that affects every character.
The opening scene of the play immediately submerges the audience in deception via Iago’s speech. Iago is in conversation with the character Roderigo, who we later learn is being deceived by Iago. Iago is vowing that he follows his lord, Othello, not out of service, rather in the search for revenge. He actually states:
“ I follow him to serve my turn upon him.”
This statement, in Act I, Scene 1 no less, clearly sets the stage for a play of deception and backstabbing. Iago proceeds to refute any allegiance to Othello for the next 25 lines! This speech is concluded with the line “I am not what I am.” By having this in the very first scene, Shakespeare acknowledges to the audience that deception will be a key theme in the play and will re
“ How shall I murder him, Iago?”
In William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, deception is the sole catalyst for the tragic downfall of the title character. Deceptions by the character Iago are demonstrated throughout the play and are of vital significance in the development of the plot throughout the play. It can therefore be stated without doubt that deception powerful theme that re-occurs throughout the play, developing and evolving until at last the deceptions are undone and peace returns.
By saying that he definitely thinks that Cassio is honest implies the opposite, without saying as much. The effect is to get Othello to worry over Cassio’s honesty, as well as his intentions....