False Trust And Deception In Shakespeare's Othello

“Sometimes your dearest friend whom you reveal most of your secrets to becomes so deadly and unfriendly without knowing that they were not really your friend.” This quote, written by author Michael Bassey Johnson, explains the situation of how friendships can become destructive through false trust and a friend’s malevolence. Michael Johnson’s quote can link to the interaction between the characters of a play which seem harmless enough until they all connect to the downfall of the hero. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, multiple relations between characters prove to be resilient and dedicated, but most often they are portrayed with false trust and deception. Desdemona describes Cassio’s and Othello’s relationship in this short line, “Michael Cassio, that came a-wooing with you, and so many a time, when I have spoke of you dispraisingly…”(3.3.78-80).

In contrast, when Iago declares false claims against Cassio, “Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. He’ll watch the horologe a double set if drink rock not his cradle.” (2.3.134-36), it portrays a representation of deceitful manner (Iago) behind one-sided trust (Cassio). Is it the character’s fault, however, that they trust their disloyal “friend” until the very last moment of the falling action? Although a healthy friendship can sustain friends through mutual trust, an overly dependent individual can be destroyed by a friend with devious intentions. In the play Othello, Shakespeare portrays the destructive nature of friendships through Iago and Othello’s “trusting” relation, Emilia’s dedication to Desdemona, and Cassio and Othello’s