This essay explores the difference between appearence and reality in Shakespeare's play "Othello", focusing on the character of Iago.

In "Othello", by William Shakespeare, the character of Iago cleverly and skilfully alters the appearance of reality within certain characters' minds that are clouded by emotion. While Iago does deceive both Cassio and Roderigo, the most vulnerable character to Iago's treachery appears to be Othello. By being a good director and manipulator, Iago carries out his plan to exploit Othello's mental weakness' almost flawlessly. Iago's ability to bend and sometimes replace the truth with his own lies drives the overall action in the play.

To understand this play, one must examine the tensions that existed before the play, and what brings about the situations that are read. You have to think about the relationships that already existed between the characters. You have to imagine Roderigo's passion for Desdemona, picture Brabantio's contempt for Othello, envision the jealousy and distrust that existed between Desdemona and Othello before Iago arrived on the scene.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

Othello and Desdemona in Venice, 1850, oil on wood...

All of those factors were there before Iago put his scheme into action; he didn't create the natural tension between all the players. He merely made all of those already dangerous relationships fatal.

Othello is the both the perpetrator and victim of deception, the deception of himself. Othello deceives himself into believing that he is not good enough for Desdemona "for I am black, and do not have those soft parts of conversation ... I am declined into the vale of years", this inclines Othello towards believing that Desdemona must have cheated on him.

As Iago had been Othello's 'Ancient' for many years, he has been able to manipulate Othello into believing that he is trustworthy and of good nature. From early in the play, Iago makes it clear to the audience that he plans on ruining Othello and Desdemona's marriage "Cassio's...