"Reputation is an idle and most false imposition"

Play: Othello
“Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving” (2.3.257-259)

Iago’s statement to Cassio has two meanings:
1) Reputation is unimportant and does not reflect an individual’s character; it is awarded to those who do not deserve it and is taken without reason- Iago pretends to try comforting Cassio by telling him that reputation isn’t everything and that he did not deserve to lose his reputation

2) Iago is referring to himself- his reputation is a “false imposition” which refers to an artificial burden. On one hand, Iago goes through the trouble of pretending to be helpful; yet his helpfulness is false. Iago’s reputation is also “without merit” because he only uses words to deceive others into believing his character to be honest, caring and trustworthy. Iago mentions the “loss of reputation” which refers to his losing the title of lieutenant to Cassio. Reputation is “idle” because it does not show one’s true character (Iago’s real self)