REALITY VS ILLUSION

                                                 Michael Cioffi

                                                 03/06/1997

                                                 Mrs. Risi

                                                 ENG 4AO

I. Introduction

       A. Introduce topic

             1. Reality and illusion

             2. Confusion between the two

II. First Body

       A. Othello

             1.Othello is a great example

             2. Iago gains revenge through this

III. Second Body

       A. Othello

             1. Out of revenge

             2. Iago uses his plan

IV. Conclusion

       A. Reality vs. Illusion

             1. Confusion between the two

             2. Iago knows how to get his way

Reality vs. Illusion

       Reality and illusions are two words which may be confused among people reading or learning about this sort of topic.  Reality is what is real or true and should not be misinterpreted with illusion, which is fake or something a person believes is real.  Often people can put an illusion in some ones head and through words, can manipulate how they think, which affects the person's judgment on what is reality and what is an illusion.  Illusions can be mistaken as being reality and very often there is a person making another believe in the illusion through his/her actions and speech. 

       The play "Othello" has the greatest example of this and is easily understood through this example.  Iago is a very intelligent man who uses peoples weaknesses to his advantage.  Iago has got to be one of Shakespeare's most evil characters and he is a character who stands out among all of the Shakespeare characters.  Iago uses his skill to gain revenge and take advantage of people who he believes deserves this sort of punishment.

       Iago uses this revenge in many occasions, one in particular he talks to Othello about Casssio and makes Othello believe that Cassio is sleeping with Othello's wife Desdemona.  This is definitely not the truth but Iago talks in such a way that Othello has no choice but to believe him.  Iago also plants Desdemona's handkerchief in Cassio's cabin knowing that Othello will eventually find it.  Iago uses persuasive words to make Othello believe these illusions and as an extra plan Iago is making Othello trust in him because only a good friend would break this kind of news to another friend.

       Reality and illusion are often mixed up as in Othello.  People have to look out for the situations such as this.  It is hard to believe such opposite words with opposite meanings could be mixed up so easily if a person actually puts some intelligent thinking behind a plan like this.  To give credit where credit is due, Iago is very intelligent and he knows how to get his way.