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Othello Deception Essay

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Willian Shakespeare is an English Playwrite who published a play called ‘Othello’. This play is focused on the concept of deception and deceit. Most of the characters purposefully deceive the other characters, or in Othello's case, deceive themselves. The play's plot revolves around Iago's deception, which triggers the tragedy at the end.

‘Othello’ portrays the theme of deception in two ways, self-deception is deceiving other characters. The protagonist although deceives the other characters has also deceived himself as he is unaware of how his attitudes and behaviour have changed, and by undermining his own wife's power to expose him, he ultimately brings himself to ruin. This is evident in Act 1 Scene 1, “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve …show more content…

Iago uses deceit to protect himself and make himself feel better, due to this Roderigo is the first of Iago’s targets as he is known to be quite gullible as he believes everything that is said to him without second-guessing. Iago drags along Roderigo and convinces him to take a small bit of the fortune from selling his property, however, Iago then says “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse, For I mine own gained knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit.” (Act 1 Scene 3) implying his only reason to keep Roderigo close to him is to use him as a personal bank as he was rich. Iago deceives Roderigo making him feel like he is doing something good however it only benefits Iago. Another instance where Iago deceives Roderigo is when he uses his love for Desdemona against him, Iago explains If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.” (Act 1 Scene 3). Roderigo is filled with anger at finding out that she is wed to Othello. Iago urges Roderigo to think that by taking part in his scheme, he would have the opportunity to sleep with Desdemona. Although Iago does not deceive Desdemona, he uses her and her situation with two men to deceive others. Iago takes advantage of Desdemona's desire to reunite the two men after Cassio loses Othello's favour, “So will I turn her virtue into pitch / And out of her own goodness make the net” (Act 2 Scene 3) Othello is given the impression by Iago that Cassio and Desdemona may be engaging in improper behaviour, and he is urged to pay attention to whether “your lady strain his entertainment / With any strong or vehement importunity.” (Act 3 Scene 3) Othello consequently develops intense jealousy and mistrust when Desdemona does speak up for Cassio. Through manipulating Desdemona, Iago was able to deceive Castillo and Othello and using Roderigo’s

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