Illusion Vs. Reality In Shakespeare's Othello

Throughout the Shakespearean play, Othello, as well as in the real world, it can be troublesome to have a firm grasp between illusion and reality. There can be trouble seeing what is true, while someone is providing evidence. Nobody in Othello illustrates this theme better than Iago; who single- handedly creates false illusions and lies that destroy jobs, friendships and lives. From the beginning of the play, Iago has always been a little mysterious and seems to be up to no good; but one can wonder, has Iago always been evil? At an early time in Othello he has set out to destroy Othello's career but he certainly does more than that. “I am not what I seem” (1.1.71). This is when the reader can realize that their is some fakeness in Iago and that he is something completely different on the inside that was is being reflected on the outside. Iago and Roderigo were good acquaintances in the beginning, but as Iago shared his secrets, that's when drama starts to happen. Iago said that his mission is to use Othello and deceive him into getting away with Desdemona; eventually sharing his “master plan”. “ who, trimmed in form and visages of duty, keep yet their hearts …show more content…
Towards the middle of Othello, it’s quite clear that Iago doesn’t want friendship, all he wants is to destroy Othello so that he can take his job and also he can take Desdemona in marriage. So what’s the best way to do that? Let Roderigo do it. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (1.3.374). Iago is calling Roderigo stupid and one of the biggest illusions in the play comes up. Iago tells Roderigo to sell his land and everything that he has; in this act Desdemona will somehow fall in love with him. Iago is using his authority to trick people who are not as clever into doing things that he wants and will eventually fall into his grand plan to destroy