Othello
The Importance of Reputation in Othello
In William Shakespeare’s Othello, there are many motives that drive the direction of the play’s characters. None more prominent than reputation. Reputation is simply part of one’s life, none can dispute that fact. To some it is a blessing, to others it is a curse. Throughout the duration of the play, the characters Iago, Othello, and Cassio display the importance of reputation. Iago’s honest reputation, Othello’s war fought reputation and Cassio’s desperation to restore his reputation. Their reputations impede good judgement, and the the decisions they ultimately make.
Iago plays a significant role in the play as his character is most prominently seen as the complete opposite of his true nature. Often referred to as “Honest Iago”, and well respected as most honest instead is the a total opposite. This is evident with his commander, Othello. Othello’s high amount of respect and trust to Iago that he is an honest man due to his reputation ultimately leads to Othello’s undoing as he truly believes that Iago would dare not lie to him.
"No, not much moved. / I do not think but Desdemona's honest," (III, iii, 264-265)
Although Othello claims that he has not been shaken by Iago’s bold statements, it is quite clear that Othello has been influenced by Iago’s cynical implications. Iago slowly puts his poison into Othello’s mind by merely suggesting that Desdemona may seem unfaithful. Any ordinary man would have been severely punished for suggesting such blasphemy to Othello, but Iago is seen as such an honest man, therefore Othello allows this to cause doubt in his mind about his “sweet Desdemona”.
Othello- Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago - Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would steal away so guilty like, seeing your coming (III.iii,40-43)
At this point Iago, continues to set his poison into Othello. In no way does Iago accuse Cassio of any such crime yet merely further puts
In William Shakespeare’s Othello, there are many motives that drive the direction of the play’s characters. None more prominent than reputation. Reputation is simply part of one’s life, none can dispute that fact. To some it is a blessing, to others it is a curse. Throughout the duration of the play, the characters Iago, Othello, and Cassio display the importance of reputation. Iago’s honest reputation, Othello’s war fought reputation and Cassio’s desperation to restore his reputation. Their reputations impede good judgement, and the the decisions they ultimately make.
Iago plays a significant role in the play as his character is most prominently seen as the complete opposite of his true nature. Often referred to as “Honest Iago”, and well respected as most honest instead is the a total opposite. This is evident with his commander, Othello. Othello’s high amount of respect and trust to Iago that he is an honest man due to his reputation ultimately leads to Othello’s undoing as he truly believes that Iago would dare not lie to him.
"No, not much moved. / I do not think but Desdemona's honest," (III, iii, 264-265)
Although Othello claims that he has not been shaken by Iago’s bold statements, it is quite clear that Othello has been influenced by Iago’s cynical implications. Iago slowly puts his poison into Othello’s mind by merely suggesting that Desdemona may seem unfaithful. Any ordinary man would have been severely punished for suggesting such blasphemy to Othello, but Iago is seen as such an honest man, therefore Othello allows this to cause doubt in his mind about his “sweet Desdemona”.
Othello- Was not that Cassio parted from my wife?
Iago - Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would steal away so guilty like, seeing your coming (III.iii,40-43)
At this point Iago, continues to set his poison into Othello. In no way does Iago accuse Cassio of any such crime yet merely further puts