A man he is honesty and trust refers to_________

Analyze the question: The line seems to come from Shakespeare's Othello. It is likely a garbled version of "Iago... a man he is of honesty and trust" (Act 1, Scene 3). Othello is preparing to leave for Cyprus and tells the Duke that he will leave his wife in the care of his ancient (ensign), and says:

> "A man he is of honesty and trust: To his conveyance I assign my wife."

Explain the concept: In Othello, dramatic irony is central. Almost every character, including Othello, Cassio, Desdemona, and Roderigo, repeatedly calls Iago "honest Iago". This is the play's biggest irony, because Iago is the manipulative villain who plots Othello's downfall. Shakespeare uses the reputation for honesty as the mask that lets Iago deceive everyone.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Identify the context: Act 1, Scene 3, in the Venetian council chamber. Othello has been ordered to Cyprus to face the Turks.
2. Othello needs someone to escort Desdemona to Cyprus. He chooses his ensign, Iago, whom he trusts.
3. Check the options: • Cassio is Othello's lieutenant. He is honest, but he is not the one Othello entrusts with Desdemona's passage. • Lodovico is Desdemona's kinsman, a Venetian nobleman who arrives later with letters from the Duke. • Gratiano is Brabantio's brother and Desdemona's uncle. • Iago is the one Othello describes as "a man of honesty and trust", and he is the one given charge of Desdemona.
4. The answer is Iago.

Answer: D. Iago

Exam tip: Remember "honest Iago" as the play's running irony. In WASSCE Literature, whenever a question mentions honesty or trust in Othello, think Iago, since the whole tragedy rests on that false reputation. Also be ready to explain the irony in an essay question.