False Confessions In Shakespeare's Othello

Clearing the mind and heart of secrets is often regarded as an integral part of strong relationships. However, the nature of these confessions can reveal the weaknesses in a relationship as well. In William Shakespeare 's, Othello, various characters ' make assumed confessions but which are actually indirect and mysterious statements, they also make false confessions, as well as genuine confessions which all highlight the failings of these character 's relationships. Exploring the connection between confessions and relationships within Othello is relevant because it aids the audience in understanding the complexity of characters and their secrets and how this effects their interactions with one another.

Characters can make the assumption …show more content…
Othello completely changes as a character when he calls, "[a]rise, black vengeance, from the hollow hell!/ [y]ield up, O love, thy crown and hearted throne/ [t]o tyrannous hate!" (III.iii.447-49) because he is convinced that Desdemona is unfaithful to him. Othello 's calling to "black vengeance" characterizes him as a initially good person because it shows that he needs outside forces to make him evil and have "tyrannous hate". Due to Othello 's need to enlist outside forces to change his character, this confession of his dark nature is false because underneath his anger and hurt, he is still a loyal husband. In addition to Othello 's blackened heart and lack of affection towards his wife, he subsequently also has a weakened connection with Desdemona because he wants to cause her harm due to her assumed infidelity. Under societal pressure, confessions can also be falsely given. Brabantio reluctantly concedes to giving his blessing to Othello for marrying his daughter and says, "I here do give thee that with all my heart/... I would keep from thee" (I.iii.193-95). Brabantio confesses his acceptance for Desdemona and Othello 's marriage but his true thoughts are shown when he says that "with all [his] heart [he] would keep [Desdemona] from [Othello]" (I.iii.94-95) if Othello had not already married her. Brabantio 's deceitful blessing …show more content…
Desdemona must explain to her father Brabantio why she loves Othello by saying, "I saw Othello 's visage in his mind,/ [a]nd to his honours and his valiant parts/ [did] my soul and fortunes consecrate" (I.iii.252-54). Desdemona 's pure and absolute love for Othello is exemplified through her description of Othello 's "honours" and "valiant parts" in her genuine confession to her father. If Brabantio was more accepting of his daughter she would not have had to run away to elope with Othello and Desdemona would feel closer to her father. Furthermore, feelings of dislike can be discovered when characters are genuine. Iago clearly explains some of his reasons for hating Othello in the first act to Roderigo stating, "I hate the Moor;/ [a]nd it is thought abroad that 'twixt ' my sheets/ was done my office... for mere suspicion in that kind,/ Will do as if for surety" (I.iii.388-90). Iago confesses his belief that Othello might have had an affair with his wife Emily which has caused Iago to hate him. In this rare moment of clear honesty Iago shows his distrust of not only Othello but also of his wife Emily and her infidelity. If Iago 's relationships were better with Othello and Emily he would not be vengeful in the first place. Love can also be communicated in final confessions but can not salvage deeply distrustful relationships. Desdemona