In William Shakespeare's Othello, there are many different examples of the use of deception. For example, Iago deceives multiple characters such as Cassio, Othello and Roderigo.
Firstly, Iago's deceptive ways influence Cassio's behaviour, and change his thoughts effectively. Iago's jealousy towards the fact that Cassio becomes lieutenant, the position Iago thinks he deserves, makes it easy for Iago to betray him. "Iago is enraged when passed over for a promotion, and schemes to destroy the hero he feels has betrayed and belittled him." (New York Times, 2009). For example, Iago talks to Cassio as if they are on the same side, when he was really only manipulating him. He encourages Cassio into drinking alcohol, causing him to forget that he gets drunk easily, reducing Cassio to a pathetic state where he is highly gullible do to his grief. He plays Cassio into making him believe that he will get his lieutenant rank back, and that all he must do is talk to Desdemona to convince her husband. Cassio believes he is a trustworthy and loyal friend by comforting him and saying "There are ways to recover the general again." (2.3 254-255).
Secondly, Iago begins by placing the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful with Cassio in Othello's mind. Iago begins by placing the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful with Cassio in Othello's mind by telling him " Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio." (3.3 199). Furthermore, he lets Othello listen in on his conversation with Cassio regarding Bianca, and makes it look like they are talking about Desdemona, further increasing Othello's suspicions about the idea of Desdemona cheating on Othello.
Lastly, Iago also deceives Roderigo. For example, when Roderigo wanted to kill himself, Iago manipulates him into thinking that all he must do to win Desdemona's heart is to make money and become successful. He says "" Thus do I ever make my fool my purse." (1.3 374) Iago has succeeded in deceiving Roderigo into making as much money as possible in order to win Desdemona. However, Iago reveals that he is just looking to make a profit.
Connections to the real world
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2011/11/18/iran-nuclear-iaea.html
On June 1st 2011, the United States of America and it's Western allies accused Iran of deceiving the world on their fabrication of nuclear arms. Washington suggested Iran acknowledge the fact that they are producing nuclear weapons, while France would like to eliminate world fears of a possible nuclear war. The chief of the U.S. delegate to the IAEA stated that "It is no longer within the bounds of credulity to claim that Iran's nuclear activities are solely peaceful". This situation resembles the one in Shakespeare's Othello, because like Iran may be deceiving several countries of the world, Iago was able to deceive multiple characters in the play.
Text to Self
Last year, I told one of my good friends something personal about me that had something to do with my best friend. Right after I had told her, she went and told my best friend about it., but completely changed the story. She changed the story in a way to make me look bad, but I didn't know this until it was too late. Either way, I knew it would upset my best friend, which is why I didn't want her finding out in the first place. I didn't know that my friend would deceive me into thinking that I can trust her. Me and my best friend stopped talking because of what she heard about me, and I didn't get the chance to explain myself. Eventually, we talked about it and resolved the problem even though things never went back to how they were before. This is similar to how Iago makes several characters believe things about each other, and no one confronts one another until the end, when it may be too late
Personal Response
In my opinion, out of all of the Shakespearian plays that I have studied, this one is my favourite because it is easier to relate to. Some of the themes that are portrayed in this play are jealousy, racism, deception and romance. These are all themes that we can makes connections to with our daily lives.
I believe deception is something people do constantly to get what they want, its a very evil act and ruins peoples lives. However there is a fault for the victim also, because they should be more alert and not allow themselves to be munipulated.
Works Cited
"Iago in Shakespeare's Othello." Iago in Shakespeare's Othello. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2012.
Press, The Associated. "Iran Accused of Deception over Nuclear Arms." CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 18 Nov. 2011. Web. 15 Dec. 2012.
Siegel, Lee. "How Iago Explains The World." The New York Times. The New York Times, 11 Oct. 2009. Web. 15 Dec. 2012.
"Truth About Deception." What Is Deception -. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2012.
