Othello Blog 4- Theming It

After finishing Act III of Shakespeare's Othello, the Moor of Venice, it is clear that there are some obvious themes that have been introduced and elaborated on. One of these is the idea of deception. Acts I and II set the tone for the play- characterizing Iago as a two-faced villain who wants to get rid of Othello and Cassio. Act III is where his plan really goes into motion. Deceiving Othello and Cassio, he comes across as the honest man to the characters in the play; however, the audience knows better. Because he knows the they both have faith and trust in him, he knows that with careful convincing, he will be able to convince Othello that his wife cheated on him with Cassio. Using his own form of deception and manipulation, he puts the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful in his head. He says that although he does not want to start any rumors that are not true, "Look to your wife. Observe he well with Cassio," (Act III. iii. 197). Then, he makes that idea grow until Othello is certain that their is an affair going on behind his back- that his wife has been deceiving him. He uses deception to make Othello sure that there is deception going on behind his back. With all of the lies, jealousy, and anger that are building up, I am anxious to see where the second part of the play will lead.