Othello is one of Shakespeare's four great tragedies and thus a pillar of what most critics take to be the apex of Shakespeare's dramatic art. Indeed, a central thematic strand of the play is trust, honor, and reputation. The theme of honor and reputation intertwines with those of perception and trust. In the play's second act, Iago tells Othello that Brabantio "…prated,/And spoke such scurvy and provoking terms/ Against your honor." (I, ii.ll.6…showed first 75 words of 790 total…

…showed last 75 words of 790 total…authority, for his insecurities as a racially-distinct outsider conspire with Iago's plans to generate behavior that is both bestial and childish. Moreover, in the end honor, trust and reputation soured the lives of everyone. Othello was unforgiving to himself because he had not trusted Desdemona and now she is gone. To the end he was concerned about his reputation. These themes were tightly woven in with the strong hold that Iago had on all happenings