Appearance versus Reality in Othello

In Othello, Iago does a good job in manipulating the people around him into thinking he is telling the truth. Iago tends to mask his identity throughout the play, therefore we never know if he is being true to himself or others. Iago is highly intelligent and does a good job trapping people into his web of lies; there is a dichotomy between the person Iago presents himself as and who he actually is.

Iago has a lot to do with the transformation of the character Othello throughout the play. Iago even says in the beginning: “The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will tenderly be led by th’ nose as asses are ” (I, iii 399- 404). Here Iago knows Othello can be easily manipulated and will believe anything he says, therefore he is going to ruin Othello by deceiving him. In the beginning, Othello appears to be honest, passive and kind. We see an example of him being passive when he says to Cassio: “What is the news?” (I, ii, 36) and “What is the matter think you?” (I, ii, 38). Here Othello remains calm, even when Brabanzio and his followers appear to be ap

proaching. However, later in the play Othello’s character does not have a calm nature anymore, but instead is full of agitation and hatred.

“It cannot be long that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor -- put money in thy purse -- nor he his to her: It was a violent commencement in her, and thou shalt see an answerable sequestration; put but money in thy purse”

Iago deceives other people in the play besides Othello. He tries to prey on Roderigo’s emotions for Desdemona by saying:

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