ABSTRACT
Othello is arguably Shakespeare's most complex investigation into rumour. In this play he empowers rumour to inform reality itself and at the same time uses it as a device for reflecting the role of uncertainty in his poetics of ambivalence. Hal's image oscillating between infamy and fame, both of which are inherently uncertain, was an example of this poetics. Othello and Desdemona are also ambivalently characterized in absentia through uncertain reports, but in the course of the play the function of uncertainty goes far beyond characterization. Bradley recognizes the significance of uncertainty in Othello by calling attention to the fact that critics must beware of taking anything Iago says at face value without comparing it to other facts or comments and without considering his motives. As examples Bradley lists Iago's claims in the first scene that three great men went to Othello and begged him to make himself, Iago, his lieutenant; that Othello refused out of pride and obstinacy; that Othello said he had already filled up the vacancy; and that Cassio, whom he chose, had no practical knowledge of war but only of theory, whereas Iago had often fought and should have been appointed. ‘But if we ask ourselves how much of all this is true’, Bradley continued, ‘we shall answer, I believe, as follows. It is absolutely certain that Othello appointed Cassio his lieutenant, and nothing else is absolutely certain’. 1 Bradley's observation points to the scepticism that plays a crucial role in Othello because it motivates the tragic conflict. Othello's inability and unwillingness to accept the uncertainty of Desdemona's faithfulness or unfaithfulness make him insist on certainty where there can only be doubt.
