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The Dual Nature of Characters in Othello Essay

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The Dual Nature of Characters in Othello

In Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, Iago is uncharacteristically honest when he says "I am not what I am". However, he is not the only character whose appearance differs from the reality. Nonetheless, he is possibly the only person who intends this duplicity. Unfortunately everyone is under the impression that Iago is "honest and just". Once alone, Iago reveals "when devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows as I do now". Iago is two-faced in his relationships, even in the language he uses. After referring to Othello as a "black ram", he then tells him "my lord, you know I love you". Iago has no shame in appealing to heaven and godly images in …show more content…

Iago often refers to Othello as the "Moor" and when Emilia realises how Othello has treated his wife, she calls him "the blacker devil". As Iago's plan unfolds, Othello's suspicions and jealousy come to the fore. Iago's blasphemous expressions gradually infiltrate Othello's vocabulary as Othello becomes more and more convinced that Desdemona is being unfaithful. Initially he claims that while the marriage is expected to bring him some physical satisfaction, he and his wife value their mental attraction just as highly. However, as he becomes ensnared in Iago's trap, Othello reveals a more detailed acknowledgement of Desdemona's sexual appeal. As he discusses her death with Iago, he says he will not argue with Desdemona"lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again".

Othello's open-mindedness enables him to actually accuse Desdemona, although he does not believe a word of her plea of innocence. Iago's influence has made Othello violent and sarcastic. Although to the Venetian nobility around him, Othello seemed to be fairly like his usual self, his private face became his public appearance when he hit Desdemona in the presence of Lodovico. When Othello once again faces Desdemona with his accusation which she denies, he says "I took you for that cunning whore of Venice that married with Othello".

Despite Desdemona's innocence in the accusations of infidelity, she is not entirely

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