Othello – Honest IagoWithout a doubt, one of the main themes that runs through William Shakespeare's entire tragic work, Othello, is that of honesty. In the play, the most interesting character is Iago, commonly called and known as "Honest Iago". However, this couldn't be further from the truth. Through some carefully thought out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others into doing things in a way that benefits him and brings him closer to his own goals. He is intelligent and expert in judging the characters of others. Because of this, Iago pushes everyone towards their tragic end. Iago knows very well that trust and deception must go hand in hand in order to get his revenge on Othello and Cassio. So, as he plots their downfall, he continually tries to gain their undoubted trust. It slowly poisons people's thoughts, creating ideas in their heads without implicating itself. Iago himself even states that the advice he gives is free and honest and so people rarely stop to consider the possibility that Iago is playing them. One person that Iago deceives is Roderigo. Throughout the play, Iago tells him that he hates Othello and that Roderigo should earn money so he can give gifts to Desdemona, who he admires from afar. Thinking this is good advice, Roderigo does just that. However, Iago actually keeps for himself the gifts that Roderigo intends to give Desdemona. Eventually, Roderigo begins to understand the act and confronts Iago, but falls into Iago's trap again when he tells him that killing Cassio will help him win Desdemona. Roderigo is then led to his death at the hands of "Honest Iago". Like Roderigo, Cassio also believes in "Honest Iago" because he thinks Iago is only trying to help him. On Cassio's night watch, Iago convinces him to take another drink, knowing full well that it will get him drunk. Even though he doesn't really want to, Roderigo puts his trust in Iago and states, "I won't, but he doesn't like me." Iago's plan goes smoothly when Cassio is made to look like an irresponsible fool, resulting in his dismissal as lieutenant. Iago's plan of deception, however, centered on Othello's jealousy of Desdemona. All the while, Othello believes that Iago is his dear friend and advisor.