Web of Deceit in Shakespeares Othello Essay - 1061 Words

Web of Deceit in Othellonbsp;nbsp; Shakespeare’s Othello portrays a process through which pure evil has an effect on love and morality. The character of Iago twists Othello into killing his wife, and eventually himself, through manipulating Othello’s trust and loyalty. Iago uses the handkerchief as a symbol through which Othello is convinced of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. This handkerchief plays many roles throughout Othello. Because of the importance placed upon this object, the driving force of the play becomes centered on the particular qualities of this handkerchief. In its most important aspect, the handkerchief becomes associated with a kind of web set by Iago, in order to ensnare both Othello and Desdemona. At the beginning†¦show more content†¦This strategy works particularly well concerning the handkerchief. By pure providence, Iago comes into possession of the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona at the beginning of their relationship. Though he does not have any direct influence upon the actions and thoughts of Othello, Iago has shaped Othello’s patterns of behavior to conform to his evil plans. In Act III, Othello has strong doubts with respect to Desdemona’s faithfulness. He confronts her by asking Desdemona where the emotionally-valuable token is. When she does not produce it, Othello tells her of its value: Tis true: theres magic in the web of it: A sibyl, that had numberd in the world The sun to course two hundred compasses, In her prophetic fury sewd the work; The worms were hallowd that did breed the silk; And it was dyed in mummy which the skilful Conserved of maidens hearts. (III, iv L.69-75) Here Othello plays upon the same imagery as Iago to emphasize the value of the particular handkerchief. By likening the handkerchief to a web, Iago’s influence into the lives of Othello and Desdemona becomes very clear. The motion of the plot from this point on is governed by the proof Iago produces about Desdemona’s infidelity through the medium of the handkerchief. By calling that piece of cloth a web, Othello turns that object into something which falls under Iago’s sphere of influence. This passage serves two functions. Iago’s role as a controlling entity becomes reinforcedShow MoreRelatedOthello - Deception and Vision Essay1500 Words   |  6 PagesDeception and Vision in Shakespeare’s Othello Walter Scott once stated, â€Å"Oh, what a tangled web we weave... when first we practice to deceive† (Quotation). Scott’s statement is overwhelmingly evident in William Shakespeares Othello. Deception is a reoccurring theme in Othello, that touches each character individually and on various levels. The theme that affects Othello directly is vision. 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