Essay Othello Comparison

Deception creates an illusion that sways an individual away from the truth and propels them towards a deceptive reality in which knowledge and truth show signs of opposition. The Count of Monte Cristo, directed by Kevin Reynolds, and Othello, written by William Shakespeare contain similarities showing capability between both stories. Appearance vs. Reality is unmistakably a common theme within both works that is evidently a result of deception, jealousy and revenge. Both works use deception in an attempt to lure each central character into submission; eventually redirecting their original thoughts and beliefs into something more sinister. Through the alteration of truth, the antagonist of both works, who are portrayed as odious individuals to their audience, are able to deteriorate the empirical views of both protagonists. The protagonists, Othello and Edmund, are deceived through concealment and begin to experience a deceptive reality that fails to align with the truth. Othello, during the play, falls victim to the lies of his antagonist; Iago, who, through persuasion, entices Othello; ultimately allowing his internal scepticism, with respects to Desdemona, to manifest. "Othello: I do not think but Desdemona's honest. Iago: Long live she so, and long live you to think so!” (3. Iii. 227-228) The above quote, extracted from Othello shows how Iago uses specific laconic comments and statements in order to indirectly (through the use of equivocation) shatter Othello's original belief that Desdemona is a trustworthy and loyal wife. Notably, Iago says to Othello "...long live you to think so!" which evidently shows an attempt on Iago's behalf, to deliberately assert a fallacious innuendo." Othello: O! Now, for ever Farewell the tranquil mind; farewell content!" (3.iii. 337-338) With attention to the quote above, it is apparent that the ambiguous comment made by Iago pertaining to Desdemona’s lack of loyalty towards Othello has begun to construct infelicity