The major distinction between appearance and reality is that the first notion refers to how something seems, whereas reality refers to how things truly are or the genuine condition of anything. The play’s core issue is the disparity between perception and reality. Nothing is as it seems and nothing is certain, and individuals exist in a universe where nothing and no one can be recognized or trusted, including dreams, paranormal activity, and witches, according to the concept. The character of Iago in the classic Othello illustrates the concept of appearance against reality. No other person in the actual play is as deceiving as Iago, and Iago exhaustively meditates on the contrast between truth and its facade since he states that he is not what he is (Shakespeare, 1992). As well as Roderigo, who places excessive faith in Iago’s companionship, Othello considers that men who appear to be honest are indeed honest (Shakespeare, 1992). Hence, Iago aims to use Othello in the same way he plans to use Roderigo, taking advantage of the man’s innocent confidence in the validity of appearances to manipulate him.
Concerning the author’s initial idea regarding the contrasting aspects of appearance and reality, it is feasible to state that Shakespeare emphasizes the unfairness of creating false disguise. On a basic level, the manner some characters seem to other individuals on the one side and to the viewer on the other is frequently distinct. In Othello, Iago hides his true nature under a veneer of sincerity and is trusted by everybody, despite the fact that he is manipulative and merciless in his relationships with everyone. Shakespeare’s works commonly discuss men who mask their terrible natures behind pleasantries. The theatrical norm was that no one would recognize a character lying. Therefore, characters may seem to a friend as a newcomer or as nameless.
Reference
Shakespeare, W. (1992). Othello (C. Watts, Ed.). Wordsworth Editions.