Theme Of Appearance And Reality In Othello

Individuals use their knowledge of truth and reality to shape their beliefs and actions in daily life. Take for example, a man faced with the decision between two paths, one very dark whilst the other covered with light, and so he picks the bright one, believing the light will grant them safety. But in some cases, one’s perception of reality and truth deceives them, and the man’s trust in the light leads to his demise, at the hand of hungry lions attracted to the glow. Such is the case in William Shakespeare’s masterpiece Othello, where many characters have a contrast created between what they believe and what is true, creating a false appearance. In this tragedy, the contrast between appearance and reality plays a pivotal role in the plot,
The role of this contrast in developing Othello’s belief is evident through his acceptance of a feeble proof as solid evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity. After the seed of Desdemona being false is planted by Iago, Othello is unsure and demands “ocular proof” that Desdemona is guilty (Oth.3.3.411). Iago claims that Cassio, being “loose of soul”, has confessed in his sleep through saying “Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves” and then proceeding to kiss and grope Iago (3.3.472-477). This convinces Othello of her disloyalty, denoting “a foregone conclusion” (3.3.486). This urges Othello to “tear her all to pieces” (3.3.490). Othello’s acceptance of this feeble proof, whereby he has not heard both perspectives of the story at hand, shows his distorted sense of reality. Iago’s evidence serves as mere hearsay, meaning it cannot be corroborated or shown to Othello, and thus it is likely to be insufficient in proving Desdemona’s disloyalty to him. However, upon hearing it, Othello immediately concludes that Iago’s accusation regarding Desdemona’s infidelity as truth, despite the debilitated nature of this proof. This shows that he has, unconsciously, already accepted this appearance of her guiltiness as reality. As a
Iago’s over estimation of Emilia’s loyalty is highlighted through his asking of her to steal the handkerchief which Othello hath given to Cassio. Emilia says that “[her] wayward husband hath 100 times wooed [her] to steal [the handkerchief]” (3.3.336-337). In asking her to do so, Iago has shown utmost confidence that Emilia will not expose his plans. Iago’s success relies greatly on withholding information from people which would expose his true his motives. In telling Emilia to get the handkerchief, he has created a potential hole in his story as finding out that Emilia gave Iago the handkerchief will disprove Iago’s explanation that Desdemona gave it to Cassio and jeopardize his cause. This demonstrates Iago’s belief in the appearance that Emilia will be loyal and not expose him no matter what, hence he uses her as part of his plot. Iago’s conviction of her blind loyalty is a false perception as in reality, Emilia’s love for her mistress Desdemona and her sense of right and wrong outweigh her loyalty to her husband, and thus she exposes the truth. The false view of Emilia’s unswaying allegiance held by Iago leads to him to unmask a part of his plan to her and leads to his downfall, thus the contrast between appearance and reality has great impact on Iago’s actions. Additionally, the substantial significance of Iago’s mistake validates the