Fair And Honest In Shakespeare's Othello

As the Shakespeare of my generation, Kanye West, states in his Grammy nominated single All Falls Down “The prettiest people do the ugliest things on the road to riches”. This message is seen in William Shakespeare's Othello, as a certain character appears fair and honest but is anything but that on the inside. Through the actions of “Honest” Iago, Shakespeare uses the first two acts of Othello to show that people are not always what they seem. Iago is respected throughout Venice, as the residents (including Othello) often refer to him as honest Iago, however this epithet could not be any farther from reality. He is a master manipulator, and a pathological liar and this is shown while constantly taking advantage of the unintelligent Roderigo by “Making the fool my purse”. Iago constantly tricks Roderigo into giving him money by stating it

However, Honest Iago is not using the money for Desdemona, but instead shamelessly pockets it. We see this manipulative behavior arise again in Act Two, as Iago unleashes his revenge on Cassio. He states his plan to overpass Cassio as “If I can fasten but one cup upon him With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress' dog”. Iago says that he knows Cassio is heavily impacted by alcohol, so if he can get Cassio to down a drink, Cassio will appear a fool not worthy of his high position. Iago is extremely envious of Cassio’s position of Othello’s second in command, and he won’t let it last any longer. His plan of making the notorious drunkard tipsy shows how ruthless Iago is in his pursuit of power. The plan ends up working as Iago gets the promotion, but he is far from over. His hate of Othello appears early on in the play, as he states his opinion on Othello “I do hate the moor”. He now wants to witness Othello’s