Othello Identity And Reputation Essay

Othello: Identity and Reputation

“O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial.” (Shakespeare 2.3.242). In the tragedy Othello written by Shakespeare, the story follows the Moorish Venetian general Othello who elopes with the daughter of a Venitian senator, Desdemona. His ensign Iago, who he did not select to make his lieutenant rather picking a man named Cassio, wishes to ruin his life. Othello is in large part a play about the power of reputation and its influences.

Cassio’s display of reputation is the most relevant in the play. After witnessing Iago’s plan to entice Cassio with alcohol and make him aggressive, we see Cassio in terrible grief complaining of his loss in the quote at the

“By Janus, I think no” (Shakespeare 1.2.33), Janus the two-faced Roman god representing duality, being ironic as he himself is two-faced. Iago acts caring, jovial, and even helpful towards Othello and Cassio when in reality he speaks lies and plans their downfall. “I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets ’Has done my office. I know not if ’t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. He holds me well. The better shall my purpose work on him -- The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are. I have ’t. It is engendered. Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light”. Iago manipulates Roderigo financially and uses his love for Desdemona as the key to his control. Iago reveals the reason for his hatred of Othello, believing Othello was committing adultery with his wife, plotting to destroy Othello and Cassio's reputations. Ending his soliloquy, Iago mentions that heaven and hell would bring a monstrous birth to the world's light, meaning that Iago will bring forth a plan to completely destroy Othello's

In the beginning, Roderigo is obedient to Iago's plans as he wants to earn Desdemona’s love. “It is silliness to live, when to live is torment” (Shakespeare 1.3.301) In act 1, scene 3, the Duke dismisses the claims of black magic and approves the love of Desdemona and Othello and orders them to go to Cyprus for the upcoming war. Roderigo is devasted over this, even proposing suicide. He asks Iago for advice and Iago takes advantage of him, stealing his money. Roderigo loses his reputation by obsessing over Desdemona and falling under Iago’s sway, looking the foolish romantic instead of being a Venetian Gentleman. “ My money is almost spent, I have been tonight exceedingly well cudgeled, and I think the issue will be I shall have so much experience for my pains” (Shakespeare 2.3.330) In this instance, after being hunted by a drunk Cassio, Roderigo shows the first signs of reclaiming his reputation by leaving Iago. Roderigo has received no benefit from staying with Iago, earning much pain and disappointment. Yet he chooses not to go after Iago rouses his feelings for Desdemona, staying because he wants her so badly. “I have no great devotion to the deed, And yet he hath given me satisfying reasons. ’Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword! He dies.” (Shakespeare 5.1.8). Roderigo is given reasons offstage to go forth with his assault on Cassio and it’s safe to assume it was how close he was to realizing Desdemona’s love.