Othello - theme

Question:

What themes does the play represent?

Answer:

I think a common theme of "Othello" would be the cliche, you can't judge a book by its cover. This is demonstrated very early in the play. Othello is quickly described as being a Moor and therefor less of a person because of the color of his skin. "What a full fortune does the Thick-lips owe

If he can carry’t thus!" (I i 66) However, as the play progresses, Othello is considered a brave warrior of Venice and the Duke looks to him for military guidance and leadership. This shows that Othello is not all that he appears to be. Perhaps the biggest example of the theme would be Iago. This character appears to be a genuine companion, often being called "honest" and "a good friend". This is far from the truth due to the fact that Iago is deceiving every person he is in contact with in order to spin his web of deceit a bit more. For example, he tricks Roderigo into paying him for splitting up Othello and Desdemona, but in reality, Iago needs this to happen anyways.