Deception And Manipulation In Shakespeare's Othello

Shakespeare’s Othello is a tragedy not because of Othello’s decision making but by the effects of deception and manipulation that the characters invoke. In Othello, Shakespeare suggests that the discrepancy between idealized expectations and reality such as Othello’s reluctance to make changes, Iago’s manipulation tactics and the insecurities Othello has between him and Desdemona ultimately led to Othello’s downfall. These reasons show he is not willing to accept reality because he can’t seem to admit his failures. This concept can be seen in a critical article in “Iago, Heroic Tragedy, and Othello” by William Hazlitt. Hazlitt argues the wide margin in terms of character personalities between Othello and Iago and explores how their respective
reality takes place in the first scene of the play where Iago plots to get revenge when Othello skipped him over for Cassio as his lieutenant instead: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters /Cannot be truly followed” (1.1.39-41). Othello considered Iago as an ally of him. With this monologue, Iago appears that he is loyal and very supportive of whatever action Othello does so it would give Othello the impression that if Othello needs a hand, he can always go to Iago for assistance. However, Iago shows his true intentions later in the monologue where he states “I am not who I am …Call up her father, Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight” which signifies he is actually secretly planning to take revenge on Othello. This shows not only that Iago would be the antagonist but also hints that he has a plan get Othello back for this. This shows the difference between what Iago is pretending to be and what he actually is perceived
Othello’s reluctance to make changes boosted his idealized expectations too high for him to understand the low points of reality. Although, Othello’s own insecurities play a substantial role in his own demise, Iago’s manipulation tactics in his plan was what made Othello to question his own appearance in this world. Because Othello lacked the courage to accept the changes, his fears and insecurities took his logic and his life instead. Hazlitt’s “Iago, Heroic Tragedy and Othello” was a fitting piece for the concept of expectation vs. reality because it allows one to explore the connection between these concepts with the main characters of the