The Theme of Deception in Othello

THE THEME OF DECEPTION The theme of deception is one of the central themes that is shown through-out the play of “Othello” written by William Shakespeare. The idea of deception and decieving is surrounded by the character of Iago, the master mind behind all the deception. It is through the character of Iago that the readers are able to visualise just how badly the doing’s of deception can effect and ruin those whom are being decieved. Through this essay i will explore how Iago effects the other characters through-out the play as well as showing the concequences it had on them due to their flaws.
The idea of deception is found early on in the play when Iago says “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” showing us that he is just using Othello’s trust and friendship for his own personal needs. Iago follows on by saying “I am not what I am”. This clearly shows the readers what Iago’s true intentions are. The ability to “seem something” but to “be something else” allows the readers to be manipulated into thinking that Iago is of a “honest” nature.
Iago’s true intentions of decieving everyone who is close to him allows us to see just how deceptive and manipulative Iago is. His level of betrayal clearly indicates that he is alining himself with the devil by sneaking around and hiding secrets from those we consider his family and friends. This is because he goes out of his way to decieve and betray the other characters showing that Iago is the exact opposite to what he is known as, “honest Iago” without anyone actually being aware of what is happening around them.

Each of the characters in the play “Othello” are each decieved in their own way whether it be the plotting of seeds, or the manipulation of emotions each of the characters vulnerbilities are tested by Iago’s actions. One character that is constantly decieved and mislead by iago’s words is Roderigo. Roderigos is a naive, young character that lets his love for Desdemona over rule all his thoughts and judgements. His downfall of being naively inlove allows Roderigo to be an easy target for Iago by manipulating him into believing that money could buy Desdemona’s love. “Go to;