OTHELLO ESSAY HONESTY
Using detailed supporting evidence; discuss the extent to which ONE of the following is a central theme or motif in the play – honesty
Shakespeare’s well-known play Othello, first performed in 1604, explores the theme of honesty in detail. The words ‘honest’ and ‘honesty’ themselves are used 52 times in the text, according to literature critic William Empson. On a deeper level, the characters in this play and their actions help to support the theme of honesty. The play’s villain, Iago, is the epitome of dishonesty and his untruthful nature is contrasted with the innocent Cassio and Desdemona. Emilia, Iago’s wife, is neither fully honest nor fully dishonest in her actions and dialogue, providing an interesting role in the play. The central theme of honesty is linked to motifs in the play, including reputation and irony.
Iago is an extremely manipulative character and a very good liar. He uses his skills in deception to lie to almost every other character in the play – in particular Othello, but also to Roderigo and Cassio. It is only the audience that knows of Iago’s true intentions and feelings. Iago tells the viewers in a soliloquy – “I do hate [Othello] as I do hell’s pains” and “nothing can… content my soul till I am even’d with him”. Despite his consistent lying, he holds a reputation for being honest. It is this reputation that makes Othello believe every word Iago says, even calling him “honest Iago”. Othello’s appointment of Iago as an officer (because “a man he is of honesty and trust”) and also him giving Iago the duty of transporting his beloved wife to Cyprus clearly show that Othello had full trust in Iago. This ultimately leads to Othello’s death. Although certain aspects of Othello’s personality (such as his tendency to trust people easily and his jealous nature) played a part in his downfall, Iago’s skill and care in his dishonest deeds could have fooled the biggest disbeliever. The original Elizabethan audience of Othello would have known that
Shakespeare’s well-known play Othello, first performed in 1604, explores the theme of honesty in detail. The words ‘honest’ and ‘honesty’ themselves are used 52 times in the text, according to literature critic William Empson. On a deeper level, the characters in this play and their actions help to support the theme of honesty. The play’s villain, Iago, is the epitome of dishonesty and his untruthful nature is contrasted with the innocent Cassio and Desdemona. Emilia, Iago’s wife, is neither fully honest nor fully dishonest in her actions and dialogue, providing an interesting role in the play. The central theme of honesty is linked to motifs in the play, including reputation and irony.
Iago is an extremely manipulative character and a very good liar. He uses his skills in deception to lie to almost every other character in the play – in particular Othello, but also to Roderigo and Cassio. It is only the audience that knows of Iago’s true intentions and feelings. Iago tells the viewers in a soliloquy – “I do hate [Othello] as I do hell’s pains” and “nothing can… content my soul till I am even’d with him”. Despite his consistent lying, he holds a reputation for being honest. It is this reputation that makes Othello believe every word Iago says, even calling him “honest Iago”. Othello’s appointment of Iago as an officer (because “a man he is of honesty and trust”) and also him giving Iago the duty of transporting his beloved wife to Cyprus clearly show that Othello had full trust in Iago. This ultimately leads to Othello’s death. Although certain aspects of Othello’s personality (such as his tendency to trust people easily and his jealous nature) played a part in his downfall, Iago’s skill and care in his dishonest deeds could have fooled the biggest disbeliever. The original Elizabethan audience of Othello would have known that