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Role Of Deception In Othello

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Deception, by its definition is known as an immoral deed, a one-dimensional act that conceals the truth. This statement however, with regards to Shakespeare’s plays proves to be false. The act of deception can be both for the good and bad. The reasons or intentions one could deceive another can be out of necessity as like Rosalind and Celia from As You Like It, Rosalind’s need to hide her gender in order to stay alive in the Forest of Arden. Or like in Othello deception can be used as a manipulative tool to catalyse pure evil, shown through the character of Iago. With such a varied scope of deceit, the definition of what we classify as a ‘deception’ can be put up for debate, it can be branded immoral to conceal the truth however, the degree of …show more content…

With deceit being used as a device to dramatise the characters and plotlines, it seems to consume the play. Shakespeare immediately uses this device in Act I scene I when Iago states “I am not what I am.” (1.1.67) This reveals two sides of Iago’s character, the one he appears to be to Othello and the other in his soliloquies to the audience. Iago is filled with jealousy and anger towards Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant and is seen to feel no remorse revealing that he plans to sabotage Othello and Desdemona’s marriage by telling her father. “Incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him with flies.” (1.1.76-78). Iago also claims that Othello may have slept with his wife Emilia, “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets he has done my office” (1.3.324-325) however these claims lack substance and do not explain Iago’s true motivation for his revenge scheme. Iago’s inability to look beyond his jealousy is chilling and the extent he will go to for revenge against Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo and even his own wife Emilia reflects his love for pain and

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