Othello - Deception and Vision Essay - 1500 Words

Deception and Vision in Shakespeare’s Othello Walter Scott once stated, â€Å"Oh, what a tangled web we weave... when first we practice to deceive† (Quotation). Scott’s statement is overwhelmingly evident in William Shakespeares Othello. Deception is a reoccurring theme in Othello, that touches each character individually and on various levels. The theme that affects Othello directly is vision. Vision is the â€Å"ocular proof† that Othello demands from Iago, and how his actions are based on what he hears rather than what he sees and knows to be true. Our first introduction to deception in Othello commences with Iagos self-centered plan for revenge on Othello. With his masterful skill of language Iago is able to lead characters to question not†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"Others in the play (but not his wife) accept for a time his protestations of downright honesty †¦ but the audience has never had any excuse for thinking of him as anything better than a dangerous hypocrite.† (Moore 190). Iago deceives Othello into thinking he is a loyal friend for making him aware of Desdemonas sins. Iago expresses his relief in being able to speak openly and honestly with Othello, â€Å"I am glad of this, for now I shall have reason/ To show the love and duty that I bear you† (Oth. 3.3.224-225), although everything Iago proclaims as the truth is a lie. Othellos deceit is so thorough that he believes Iago when he suggests that it is his â€Å"duty† to murder his wife. By this time Othello is unable to think rationally, he honestly believes that he must murder Desdemona so that she cannot commit the same act upon other men. The handkerchief planted by Iago is visual deception which leads Othello to again question his relationship. In Othello much of the deception that takes place is an effect of what people do not see and rather, what they hear. Through Iagos use of language, he is able to deceive each character. Cassios loss of his lieutenant position is brought about by Iagos story that he relays to Othello, â€Å"Cassio, I love thee/ But nevermore be an officer of mine† (Oth. 2.3.264-265). Without Othello everShow MoreRelatedDangers Of Jealousy In Othello1289 Words   |  6 PagesShakespearean play â€Å"Othello† examines the role jealousy plays in relationships and everyday life. Before the play opens, Cassio has been promoted to Lieutenant in the Venetian army by his long-time friend General Othello. Iago is upset by this act of spoil system and swears revenge on Othello and Cassio. 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