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Othello Appearance Vs Reality Essay

1173 Words5 Pages

The contrast between appearance and reality is a recurring theme in Shakespeare’s plays especially the Tragedies. He uses this theme to corrupt the truth and show the fallibility of human perception both of which serve to intrigue the audience. Mistaking appearance for reality is the action that produces the tragic effect in Othello and Macbeth. The theme of appearances versus reality is a prevailing theme in both plays.
William Shakespeare is one of the most famous tragedy writers in English literature. He began writing tragedies because he felt the tragic plots used by others during his time were lacking artistic purpose and form. There is a general consensus that Shakespeare wrote ten Tragedies with the most famous of them being Romeo …show more content…

Iago intends to hurt Othello by provoking him to believe that his loyal wife, Desdemona is intimate with Cassio. His status as a Moor and an outsider to the Italians cause him to feel internally insecure, perhaps this explains his abilities in conquest. Macbeth is characterized as being a valiant, loyal and honorable nobleman of Scotland who lacks strength of character. He is ambitious on and off the battlefield, which fuels his desire for power and ultimately leads to the tyrannical behavior that destroys him.
Both men begin the play either returning from battle or entering battle as the Kings preferred right hand man. This shows that they were loyal, honest and trusted. Although both men appear to be noble and honorable men at the beginning of the play they both allow their character flaws to dictate their actions. Macbeth is driven to his down fall by his overzealous need for ambition. Othello is driven to his down fall by his personal insecurities and jealousy. Both men allow external causes to further enflame their personal internal …show more content…

When Duncan comes to visit they appear innocent but in reality have already decided to kill him. Lady Macbeth shares with the reader exactly how they plan to look innocent while having murderous thoughts. Lady Macbeth says to Macbeth, “Look like the innocent flower, but be the serpent under it.” King Duncan is unaware of the reality of the situation and precedes to make Macbeth Thane of Cawdor because he believes that he is loyal. It is worth noting that King Duncan has made this mistake before with the former Thane of Cawdor who betrayed him. The following quote shows that King Duncan couldn't see past Macbeth’s false appearance and therefore trusted him

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