Honesty in Othello

How is honesty explored in Othello?
In literature, honesty is a complex concept which is often developed through conflicting perspectives about a generally positive notion.
Shakespeare explores honesty in his 1603 tragedy, Othello. The problematic theme of honesty is shown through the use of variety of techniques and quotes. The word ‘honesty’ in Othello means something different to the characters of Othello, Iago and Desdemona.
Honesty is not always as it seems. This applies to all the characters as each of them perceives honesty in different ways. Iago, the villain of the story is a perfect example of how people see him to be, whenever Othello refers to Iago there’s always a mentioning of his honesty “Iago is most honest…” , “Good night, honest Iago…”. These quotes demonstrate how Othello sees Iago and how wrong he actually is. Iago works this nickname to his advantage to intentionally cause harm. Iago is capable of manipulating, brainwashing and moulding the other characters to satisfy his need for revenge against Othello. Because Iago had the reputation of being an honest man, Othello was easy to persuade and twist so Iago could have his revenge. Iago throughout the play tells lies to nearly all characters, but in Iago’s mind, they are all true and honest. For example when Iago makes himself believe that Othello has had an affair with his wife, even though he knows that it is false. Iago’s definition of honesty was to twist rumours and manipulate those by making himself seem as pure, innocent and honest as possible. Iago played with his reputation of honesty and he made it twist to his own desires, which was to take revenge on Othello.

Honesty is a virtue seen in some of the characters, but the one character that seems to stand out is Desdemona. She is the beautiful woman that is wanted by all men and she is constantly looked upon as a woman of an honest and kind nature. Desdemona’s view on honesty is shown throughout the play, her wanting to be honest showed her naivety. As Desdemona tries to be honest about Cassio to Othello, she has no idea that she is actually doing their relationship harm. As she tries harder to be honest with Othello, in the end, it becomes her downfall and her weakness. Honesty was a good virtue seen in Desdemona but because of her naivety and lack of experience of relationships, honesty became her enemy and destroyed her in the end.

Honesty is a destructive force. This is evident throughout the play as characters lose trust, especially Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Iago’s suggestive comments to Othello had shaken Othello’s trust to Desdemona and in the end destroyed them both. Othello’s perception of honesty was, if he sees it with his own eyes it must be true. This was his downfall as he was tricked into seeing something was not true. Honesty was a symbolism throughout the play and it demonstrated what it meant to each character and how they all individually interpret it. Iago’s persuasive words and mastermind planning and putting a false mask of honesty, he demolished the trust and love Othello and Desdemona had for each other. Each character lost something by trying to be honest and in the end it destroyed them all.

Honesty is something that we all see as a positive trait in human beings. But honesty can sometimes be negative and be the downfall of people. In Othello, being honest was Othello’s and Desdemona’s downfall. Honesty is a complex trait that could both be used to do good and to cause chaos.