Othello's Reputation Essay

Othello is tragedy written by William Shakespeare, that demonstrates the power and strength of reputation. The play describes how Othello and Desdemona attempt to build a life together, disregarding their difference in age and race. Although soon after their marriage, an envious Iago uses cunning lies to sabotages their once healthy relationship. Reputation plays a vital role in this play; it enables or restricts certain characters, inevitably opening the doors to the tragic ending.
Iago uses his reputation for honesty to gain the trust of certain characters, only to use it for dishonest purposes. Firstly Iago uses his honest reputation to manipulate Cassio, causing him to lose his position as Othello’s lieutenant. When Iago states, “ I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” (I, i, 11) shows how Iago is envious of Cassio’s position in the military. Giving Iago motive to try and get Cassio demoted. Secondly Othello is clouded by his unjustified trust towards Iago, allowing Iago to convince him things that he would not usually believe. An example of Othello’s trust towards Iago is in (I,I 12). “This fellows of exceeding honesty.” It
When Cassio gets drunk, his reputation for being a good honest lieutenant is lost. Since (I,I 12) “Ill make the an example,” shows Othello’s newfound lack of trust towards Cassio, therefore allowing Iago to easily convince Othello that Desdemona is committing adultery with Cassio. Again when Othello overhears Cassio and Iago discussing Cassio and Bianca’s relationship, he impulsively assumes they are talking about Desdemona due to Othello’s already negative image of Cassio. Cassio’s tarnished reputation allows certain characters to manipulate the thoughts and beliefs of others, resulting in a large shift in the relationships between characters, changing the outcome of the