"Othello" by Shakespeare - Themes (Q5)

"She's like a liar gone to burning Hell. 'Twas I that killed her." (V.ii.128-129) Much of this play revolves around the theme of trust. Some of it is demonstrated through characters who should be trusted while other aspects of trust are shwon through Iago - those who should not be trusted. This theme is present throughout the play constantly bringing the question, "Should I trust him/her?" to the characters. However, it does not detract from the drama in the play; in fact, it adds to it. It does not become so didactic that it takes away the pleasure in the story. Shakespeare does a very good job of puting the theme underneath the plot so it is clearly evident, yet not overbearing. Without the theme, much of the plot would be lost, but it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. It has a feeling of necessity rather than teaching. Yet, through this method, Shakespeare most perfectly teaches his readers to be careful with whom they trust.