The Underlying Theme of Othello Is Reputation and It Is This That Culminates in the Play’s Tragedy. to What Extent Do You Agree with This Claim?

English Literature

The Main theme of Othello is not the theme of jealousy but the theme of reputation and this is one of the main constitutes, responsible for the tragedy of the play: to what extent do you agree with this in regards to Act Two Scene Three and Act Three Scene Three?

In William Shakespeare's Othello it could be thought that the main theme is Jealousy however in Act two scene three reputation become a prominent theme contributing towards the impending doom of the play. The influencing idea of an honourable reputation is blurred and could be seen as hypocritical because of one the most dominating characters: Iago. He is perceived by many of the characters including the most authoritative, Othello to be trustworthy and loyal but this cleverly fits hand in hand with his cunning ability to manipulate people. This is a quality that is artfully disguised by Iago’s undeniable charisma which makes it compellingly easy for others to confide in him and to appreciatively take his advice. This is on of the main constituents of Othello's downfall and consequently the tragedy of the play. On line 258-261 Cassio is talking with Iago about the recent events of a fight that broke out between Cassio and Montano. Cassio explains to Iago how he feels about his impetuous fight and how he has lost his reputation: ‘Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation!’ The repetition of the word ‘reputation’ shows the audience how important a positive repute is to Cassio and it also naturally dramatises the speech. the harsh ‘t’ sound in reputation makes the tone seem enraged and almost like a rant, however the juxtaposition of the long ‘O’ sound that follows almost mimics a moaning sound. This could be portrayed as Cassio’s dawning realisation that in his mind he has lost everything that mattered to him. We know that Cassio’s reputation means a great deal to him because when asked by Iago if he is wounded he replies: ‘Ay past all surgery’. This again makes the...