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Othello and King Lear Essay

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Using your critical reading around the plays compare how Shakespeare presents the theme of perception in ‘Othello’ with wider references to ‘King Lear’
‘Any man situated as Othello was would have been disturbed by Iago’s communication…’ (Kenneth Muir). The play Othello displays various distinguishable characters that appear misguided and possess a great lack of perception. I am going to explore the character Iago, who presents a cunning and devious character and address the distinct comparisons with the character Edmond in King Lear. I will also study the methods he uses in order to successfully manipulate and theoretically blind the other characters from the truth.
Iago represents the antagonist of the play as the ensign of Othello. Iago is a character with very unique and perplexing characteristics. His actions depict a presentation of great evil yet his intentions are not completely understood. It is clear from the beginning of the play what the character of Iago was capable of with the inconsistency of his apparent loyalty. We first find him in the company of Roderigo informing the father of Desdemona that she is wedded to Othello. ‘I am one, sir that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.’ It is evident from the beginning of the play that Iago is a devious and scheming character who gains the trust of the other characters in order to manipulate them. Throughout the play it Shakespeare clearly attempts to enforce the amount of trust that is placed in Iago due to the constant mention of honesty when referring to him. For example Othello names him ‘honest Iago’ which is used ironically to noticeably emphasise Iago’s level of dishonesty. This portrays the apparent lack of perception concerning the other characters due to their inability to see through Iago’s facade. Not only are they blinded from his manipulation,

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