Othello - Deception and Vision
Deception and Vision in Shakespeare’s Othello
Walter Scott once stated, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave... when first we practice to deceive” (Quotation). Scott’s statement is overwhelmingly evident in William Shakespeare's Othello. Deception is a reoccurring theme in Othello, that touches each character individually and on various levels. The theme that affects Othello directly is vision. Vision is the “ocular proof” that Othello demands from Iago, and how his actions are based on what he hears rather than what he sees and knows to be true. Our first introduction to deception in Othello commences with Iago's self-centered plan for revenge on Othello. With his masterful skill of language Iago is able to lead characters to question not only themselves but those closest to them. With the power of words and vision, Iago successfully deceives Roderigo and Othello.
Iago is ruthless as the cunning arch deceiver of Shakespeare's Othello, whose capacity for cruelty seems limitless (Write). Iago is intent on destroying the happiness of each character, for nothing more than his own satisfaction and revenge. He is intelligent and a master judge of peoples character. Iago's skill in building the trust others have for him ultimately becomes the tool with which he deceives them. The mysterious aspect of Iago is that he never reveals convincing proof that any terrible act has been committed upon him that is in any way proportional to the revenge and deceit he executes on others. Iago claims he is furious with Othello for promoting Cassio to second in command rather than himself. He also states that he fears Othello slept with his wife, “And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets/ He has done my office” (Oth. 1.3.430-431). Although these acts that would cause one to question their relationship and certainly cause pain, they are not worth taking lives over. Another example of Iago's power to deceive is in act four, scene one when Iago deceives Othello into thinking
Walter Scott once stated, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave... when first we practice to deceive” (Quotation). Scott’s statement is overwhelmingly evident in William Shakespeare's Othello. Deception is a reoccurring theme in Othello, that touches each character individually and on various levels. The theme that affects Othello directly is vision. Vision is the “ocular proof” that Othello demands from Iago, and how his actions are based on what he hears rather than what he sees and knows to be true. Our first introduction to deception in Othello commences with Iago's self-centered plan for revenge on Othello. With his masterful skill of language Iago is able to lead characters to question not only themselves but those closest to them. With the power of words and vision, Iago successfully deceives Roderigo and Othello.
Iago is ruthless as the cunning arch deceiver of Shakespeare's Othello, whose capacity for cruelty seems limitless (Write). Iago is intent on destroying the happiness of each character, for nothing more than his own satisfaction and revenge. He is intelligent and a master judge of peoples character. Iago's skill in building the trust others have for him ultimately becomes the tool with which he deceives them. The mysterious aspect of Iago is that he never reveals convincing proof that any terrible act has been committed upon him that is in any way proportional to the revenge and deceit he executes on others. Iago claims he is furious with Othello for promoting Cassio to second in command rather than himself. He also states that he fears Othello slept with his wife, “And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets/ He has done my office” (Oth. 1.3.430-431). Although these acts that would cause one to question their relationship and certainly cause pain, they are not worth taking lives over. Another example of Iago's power to deceive is in act four, scene one when Iago deceives Othello into thinking
Cited: Andrews, Michael C. “Honest Othello: The Handkerchief Once More.” Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 13.2 (1973): 273-284. Summon. Web. 19 Nov. 2012. Shmoop. n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012.