Original artwork, not a still
Othello ‧ 1622
Men should be what they seem, Or those that be not, Would they might seem none!
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The speaker wishes people would truly be what they appear to be. Failing that, anyone who is not genuine would be better off if they could stop seeming so at all. It is a plea for honesty, and a sharp complaint about deceptive appearances.
Context reviewed
