Othello Illusion Vs Reality Essay
In the play Othello by William Shakespeare the theme of Illusion vs Reality is continually developed through the actions and experiences of the different characters. Reality is the “state of things that actually exist, as opposed to an idealistic idea of them” that is considered an Illusion. One character in the story, Iago, is the mastermind behind the creation of this illusion that Othello has been tricked to believe. Additionally, two other foil characters in the play seem to symbolize this theme, as Desdemona represents the Illusion and Emilia illustrates the more realistic side of life.
Shakespeare uses the character Iago as almost a second narrator for the fake reality that many of the characters are living in. Iago is a cunning and …show more content…
Desdemona represents the illusion as she believes that everyone and everything on earth is pure, kind and innocent. She sees the best in people and blames herself for the mistakes of others, as evident when she accuses herself for Othello angered mood towards her and believes “he’s indicted falsely,” (l.155) as he must be angry about work. On the other hand Emilia symbolizes the reality; Emilia is intelligent and emotionally resilient, she is able to see people for who they truly are. Emilia being a feminist who knows “wives have sense like them. They see and smell,” (p.169) and is aware that not everyone has the best of intentions. Emilia’s thoughts, actions and understanding of people is what helps her figure out some “eternal villain” (p.159) has been causing this drama. Emilia is a realist who doesn’t believe in love as heavily as Desdemona, she thinks everyone has an ulterior motive, such as men who will “change {them} for others” as soon as the opportunity arises. Throughout the novel these characters remain loyal to this theme and illustrate it through their experiences.
In conclusion, reality vs illusion is an important major theme of the play that is portrayed through the lives of many of the characters. This is a theme used in many novels today to express the differences between what is real and what is fake. “Human interpretation and perception
Shakespeare uses the character Iago as almost a second narrator for the fake reality that many of the characters are living in. Iago is a cunning and …show more content…
Desdemona represents the illusion as she believes that everyone and everything on earth is pure, kind and innocent. She sees the best in people and blames herself for the mistakes of others, as evident when she accuses herself for Othello angered mood towards her and believes “he’s indicted falsely,” (l.155) as he must be angry about work. On the other hand Emilia symbolizes the reality; Emilia is intelligent and emotionally resilient, she is able to see people for who they truly are. Emilia being a feminist who knows “wives have sense like them. They see and smell,” (p.169) and is aware that not everyone has the best of intentions. Emilia’s thoughts, actions and understanding of people is what helps her figure out some “eternal villain” (p.159) has been causing this drama. Emilia is a realist who doesn’t believe in love as heavily as Desdemona, she thinks everyone has an ulterior motive, such as men who will “change {them} for others” as soon as the opportunity arises. Throughout the novel these characters remain loyal to this theme and illustrate it through their experiences.
In conclusion, reality vs illusion is an important major theme of the play that is portrayed through the lives of many of the characters. This is a theme used in many novels today to express the differences between what is real and what is fake. “Human interpretation and perception