Based on what we have read so far, discuss the importance of reputation in relation to the following characters:
Desdemona
Cassio
Iago
In the play Othello reputation is highly important to Cassio, Iago and Desdemona. As the play progresses we see each of these characters lose their good reputation which ultimately gets them into trouble. Iago ruins Cassio's reputation as a good solider and he loses his job. Knowing Iago's weakness of being out of control when drunk, Iago pressures him to drink and sets him up to have a fight and makes the whole situation seem much worse. Iago knows the importance of reputation and uses it against Cassio. Othello then loses his trust in Cassio and is more susceptible to believe Iago's lies.
Desdemona has no faults or hidden weaknesses. However, she is still young and foolish. She does not come across as a very mature woman and she is very innocent and good. Othello treats her almost like a child as she is very much his junior. Desdemona is still very naive and Iago, knowing her good nature, uses it against her. Iago, setting up Cassio to ask Desdemona to implore on his behalf, knows she will defend Cassio as a child would; annoy Othello until he accepts Cassio back. Without her good reputation as an innocent and loyal wife, Desdemona loses Othello's trust without it.
Iago needs his good reputation. He has a reputation as a loyal, honest and trustworthy friend and lieutenant. Because of this reputation, everyone trusts his lies and deception. He plays the villian so well as they all believe what he says and he is able to speak so convincingly that no-one doubts his words. What is interesting is his reputation is so unlike his true character. His wife, Emilia, is the only person who seems to doubt his good reputation. In the end, Iago's loss of reputation costs him his life as his wife reveals his evil intentions. Without his good reputation his plan is a fail from the start.
Desdemona has no faults or hidden weaknesses. However, she is still young and foolish. She does not come across as a very mature woman and she is very innocent and good. Othello treats her almost like a child as she is very much his junior. Desdemona is still very naive and Iago, knowing her good nature, uses it against her. Iago, setting up Cassio to ask Desdemona to implore on his behalf, knows she will defend Cassio as a child would; annoy Othello until he accepts Cassio back. Without her good reputation as an innocent and loyal wife, Desdemona loses Othello's trust without it.
Iago needs his good reputation. He has a reputation as a loyal, honest and trustworthy friend and lieutenant. Because of this reputation, everyone trusts his lies and deception. He plays the villian so well as they all believe what he says and he is able to speak so convincingly that no-one doubts his words. What is interesting is his reputation is so unlike his true character. His wife, Emilia, is the only person who seems to doubt his good reputation. In the end, Iago's loss of reputation costs him his life as his wife reveals his evil intentions. Without his good reputation his plan is a fail from the start.
A good discussion, Briana; however, remember that the topic was the importance of reputation in "Othello". You discuss importance explicitly in your first paragraph but not in the paragraphs about Desdemona and Iago.
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