Honesty and Trust Throughout Othello Play

Brabantio believes that in order for Desdemona to have fallen in love with Othel... ... middle of paper ... ...ot what he seems. However, it cannot be said that all characters are this way. Othello's character, especially, is split by Iago's evil trap. Persuading Othello that Desdemona and Cassio were having a relationship revealed Othello's undignified side as he became consumed by jealousy and rage. Desdemona was affected by Iago's trap, but her duplicity was independent as she lied to both her father and husband.

Iago pretends to be Cassio’s best friend but really ends up using him to prove to Othello that Desdemona is ... ... middle of paper ... ...aithful and authentic self to Othello, Emilia steps in to clarify how chaste and pure Desdemona actually was. After Desdemona’s murder, Emilia says, “Moor, she was chaste. She loved thee, cruel Moor” (5.2.250). It is after this tragic incident where Othello finally receives the opportunity to learn of Desdemona’s pure honest character from Emilia. As proven, it’s impossible to notice honesty recurring frequently throughout the play, and genuine honesty ends up being released only after tragedy occurs.

The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but... ... middle of paper ... ...omes more apparent after being manipulated by Iago. Iago begins to tell Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. Othello becomes jealous because he knows that although he was chosen by Desdemona he is not white, therefore Desdemona may actually want someone who is white. Gullibility is the key to Othello’s tragic flaws. If Othello were not as gullible as he portrayed, it would have been more difficult for Iago to manipulate him and therefore be difficult to get jealous of Desdemona.

As a result of this Othello makes a decision to fire Cassio. Iago is happy that one of his tricks works. Iago looks for ways to get back at Othello for giving the higher responsibility to Cassio. In Act 1 Scene 1 Iago says, "Though I do hate him as I do hell-pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love, Which is indeed but sign". (Shakespeare, 1937, p. 1173) Characters in the play see Iago as trustworthy but in reality he is underhanded, two-faced, and scheming.

In Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, Emilia expresses her underrated intelligence to prove others' beliefs against her. Unlike the other women in the book, Emilia understands men and their thinking; therefore she shows no shame for standing up for what she believes in. Emilia unexpectedly ruins her husband's plan, which suddenly alters the outcome the story. Emilia without a doubt out smarts everyone, including her own brilliant husband, Iago, but little does he know that his loyal wife surprisingly ruins his plan. By gaining his trust, Emilia soon realizes Iago's conniving plan and uses that against him in the end.

This seemingly harmless from Desdemona’s perspective is very different from Othello’s point of view, who begins to grow suspicious of her concern for Cassio. This seed of jealousy was planted by the cunning Iago, who knows all too well that Desdemona’s actions are of purse intent. Iago is so clever that he is able to use Desdemona’s tragic flaw to bring both her own and her dear husband’s

Throughout the play he repeatedly manipulates the rest of the cast to fit his plan. He convinces Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful, and he does so not by outright accusing her, but by stringing together seemingly hesitant stories that allow Othello to come to the conclusion on his own. This is perhaps why he is so hellbent in her slaughter: he believes that he was the one who came to this conclusion. Iago is incredibly subtle in his accusations in only a way that a psychopath could be. Even as Othello attempts to refute the claims against Desdemona, Iago finds a way to interject, claiming that she hasn’t always been honest; “She did deceive her father, marrying [Othello],” (3.3.206).

Iago being known for the honest man he earns everyone’s trust and therefore learns their weakness for his ultimate plan of destruction. Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him with what he leads people to believe as honesty. Iago uses their weaknesses, secrets, and fears to ruin the names Michael Cassio, Othello, Desdemona, and anyone who stands in his way. Iago puts his first of many destructive plans into motion; destroying Michael Cassio’s honor and reputation. When Michael Cassio explains, “I have very poor and unhappy brains/ For drinking” (2.3.28-9).

If the concern of each characters reputation was not part of Othello, then the story and events that took place would have played out differently. Iago used reputation to his advantage in order to fulfill his plan to get revenge on Othello and Cassio. He uses each characters reputation to bring out their weaknesses, which he uses to his advantage. This includes his own. Over and over, Othello calls Iago, “Honest Iago.” Because his reputation is known for being honest, he tells Othello lie after lie because he knows Othello will believe him.

Maria meets him and informs him that ... ... middle of paper ... ...sh; his practical joke against Malvolio helps to prevent Malvolio's continued vanity. Feste's wit also helps the audience to understand better some of the other characters in the play. He highlights the foolishness of Orsino as he wallows in his love for Olivia; he shows how pompous Malvolio is and makes a fool of him; and he shows how Olivia is over-reacting to her brother's death. Feste becomes a sort of commentator for the play, as he does not ally himself with any of the other characters so he notices and comments on them more than any of the others. Feste is pivotal as he is a character able to take on several roles according to the situation.