In many works of literature, there is a general idea that appearances can be deceiving and that not everything is what it seems be. Most writers use this idea to help create conflict within this story; among these writers is William Shakespeare. In one of his most popular plays, Othello, Shakespeare gave the character Iago a two-faced personality. Iago pretends to be a friend to Othello by giving him helpful tips and advice; however, he secretly attempts to sabotage Othello's marriage. He makes Othello think the worst about Cassio and the fact that he is having an affair with Othello's wife, Desdemona. Throughout the tragic play of Othello, Shakespeare uses the constant theme of appearance versus reality to show how Iago manipulates each character, especially Roderigo and Othello, into misinterpreting what they see. Iago is a very delicate character; he claims to be a loyal servant of Othello, but also secretly destroys his marriage at the same time. There is a lot of dramatic irony throughout the play, the audience knows everything about Iago's motivations and no one else does. At the beginning of the play, Iago talks about his hatred of Othello and gives the audience insight into all of his true motivations. “I hate the Moor, / And people think abroad that “between my sheets / He has done my office.” I don't know if it's true, / But I, for simple suspicions of this kind, / I will do as if to make sure. (Othello 1.3.366-370) Iago has heard rumors that Othello slept with his wife and this gives him enough hatred to try to destroy Othello. He also wants Cassio's position, so he decides to bring Cassio and Othello down with a single lie. “After a while, to abuse Othello's ear / That he knows his wife too well.” / He has ...... middle of paper ...... his time with Desdemona. Although in reality Iago was talking to him about Bianca. Throughout the play Othello, Iago uses manipulation to create situations in which Desdemona appears to be cheating on her husband. He doesn't care who he hurts in the process, but his main goal is to destroy Othello's relationship and get the position of lieutenant. The theme of appearances versus reality comes up several times throughout the play. Othello sees different things happening but misinterprets them all. He judges everything based on the exterior or their appearance and does not bother to dig deeper and find the true meaning of events. Works CitedArp, Thomas R., Greg Johnson and Laurence Perrine. Oedipus the King. Perrine's literature: structure, sound and meaning. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009.1226-272. Print.