![]() ![]() But as much as Iago relies on his own reputation to mask his deceptions, so must others’ reputations be damaged from his lies. ![]() From the play, it is clear that reputation is a central tenant to Iago’s modus operando, and Iago relies heavily on his “good name” as a means of credibility (Omer, Verona 105). Who steals my purse steals trash, but he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him and makes me poor indeed” (III. However only one act later, Iago delivers his second revelation about reputation when he tells the enraged Othello that a “Good name in man and woman is the immediate jewel of their souls. You have lost no reputation at all unless you repute yourself such a loser” (II. Iago tells Michael Cassio “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving. Iago’s first revelation regarding on the value of reputation comes in act two, as Iago speaks with the distraught Cassio, who has just lost his lieutenancy. From a simple reading of the play it is obvious that Iago is a master manipulator, so it is important to the reader’s understanding of the play to sort through and wrestle with Iago’s conflicting statements about the value of reputation. The Role of Reputation in Othello In Shakespeare’s Othello, the antagonist, Iago, presents two polar opposite views of reputation. At that point Lago showed his character and referred Othello as a ‘devil.’ He induced aggression in Brabantio that he would surely be a “grandsire” of devil like black babies. It is referred that Othello just inspired the lady because of his hyper- sexuality. In this play, it can be observed that many characters refer Othello as a “devil”- “old black ram” and a “thick- lips” person. This causes racism issues, time to time, for Othello especially the father of his wife always considers his marriage with Desdemona as a result of his tricks towards her.ĭesdemona’s father believes that Othello enchanted her daughter with magic spells and foul charms. However, it was a fact that he was a black Moor at the same time and not the local habitant of Venice. He was not only admired by people but by the Senate and the Duke as well. He was a Christian by religion who was an experienced commander in military as well. He was not only an insider but an outsider at the same time. From there he escaped and finally moved towards Venice where he rushed for his career and finally ended up with a glowing status of military commander.Īs far as Othello’s character is concerned in the city of Italy- Venice, it can be observed that his character was quite complicated to understand there. In the initial stages he had been sold as a slave as well. As far as Othello’s status in Venice is concerned, he started his career as a traveler who traveled long distances. His character in the play does not portray any sort of motivation for the readers. He believes on absurd way of living and induces annihilation for people whom he knows the best. ![]() His unkindness and meanness can be seen from the very start. On the other hand, Lago was a cruel villain from the very beginning. However, here it can be clearly observed that Othello was a noble guy but the circumstances changed his personality and poisoned him with extreme bitterness that came to an end with Desdemona’s murder. Despite the plot, Lago has created, Desdemona was completely faithful. ![]() He persuaded Othello to understand that his wife has been continuously cheating Othello- from the very beginning of their wedlock. In the end of the play, the villain- Lago became successful in his deeds to convince Othello that his wife is no more faithful to him. On the other hand, Lago- one of the most mysterious and disreputable character of the play seems to spend most of his time, from the beginning of the play, in plotting and scheming against Othello and his wife Desdemona. However, at the closing stages of the play, Othello has come forward as an irrational, jealous and violent husband who was getting insane and finally murdered his own wife because of his extreme envy towards Lago who convinced Othello that his wife Desdemona became unfaithful to him. He was an expressive person who was a fluent storyteller. Shakespeare portrays his character as a noble guy- who was not only a loving husband but also a respected and celebrated war hero. In the initial stages of the play, the author beautifully dramatizes Othello’s character with love, warmth and grace. This is one of the famous characters Shakespeare worked out during his writing career. In Western Literature, the protagonist of the Shakespeare’s play ‘Othello’ is considered the first black central character ever adopted in the play. ![]()
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