... Cassio is another character in which it is hard to decide whether he is really honorable or if it is just his reputation. Shakespeare presents Iago as a collection of unsolvable puzzles. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# Brabantio also speaks disparagingly of Othello's "sooty bosom." Iago says (I.1, 65) "I am not what I am," which can be interpreted as "I am not what I seem." Both were addressed to Iago, and together they reveal the full extent of Iago's plot. “Demand me nothing. … ... Another method used by Iago is the suggestion of an event, or feeling, and then the denial. when everyone knows something that the main character does not-Iago plans to convince Othello that he is not keeping track of his wife and that another character is too familiar with her.-there is no one else in the room at this time so only the audience and him know about his plan (dramatic irony) -we know that desdemona is innocent but Othello does not, when he is planning on killing her -Desdemona’s … What you know, you know. Throughout the play, Iago provides multiple and incompatible motives for hating Othello. He believes in cheating and lying for gain, yet Shakespeare placed some of the most beautiful words in Iago's mouth. He treats others as fools and has no time for tender emotion, yet he is a married man and presumably once loved his wife. 1 One said that roderigo is supposed to kill cassio 2. character flaws in othello essaysThe play of Othello is like you are pushing a huge boulder up a steep mountain, and then it finally reaches the top, and it goes down the other side, and nothing can stop it. One thing another character says about her: What are two words you would use to describe Daisy’s character: Name: _____ Period: _____ Gatsby: Character Chart (chapter 1) Directions: Complete each bubble with information about the character. I will say nothing. Roderigo. Desdemona swears she would love him even if his mistreatment was responsible for her death, but we don’t know how seriously she takes this possibility. Jafar gasped at his defiance, but found nothing to say in defense. This statement is one of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character. As Iago craftily fools Othello and Roderigo, the readers know that what Iago is saying is not completely true. Othello seems like the hero or simulates to be the main character already. Tweet; Recently Viewed. Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. God replies: "I am that I am" (Exodus,iii,14). This transformation … He has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty–“Honest Iago,” according to Othello–but the audience is immediately introduced to his vitriol and desire for revenge, despite his lack of proved reason. “But I do think it is their husband’s faults If wives do fall” (Act 5 Scene 1, Lines 85–86). Initially you get the impression that the character of Iago is one of pure evil. from your Reading List will also remove any ... there … Sinai, and Moses asks God his name. A second letter was also found on Roderigo. Iago is surrounded with bitter irony: he is not as he seems, his good is bad for others, people repeatedly rely on him, and he betrays them. The most obvious is that he has just been passed over for a promotion which has gone to Cassio. Iago is a man with an obsession for control and power over others who has let this obsession take over his whole life. Don't act the villain, don't look it, or speak it, (by scowling and growling, I mean), but think it all the time. His fate is left in Cassio’s hands. Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex villains. Desdemona says this line to Emilia and Iago as she explains how she will remain faithful and loving to Othello even if he insists on accusing her of infidelity. Shakespeare’s numerous characters are not only amazingly varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable. He has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty–“Honest Iago,” according to Othello–but the audience is immediately introduced to his vitriol and desire for revenge, despite his lack of proved reason. Alternatively he might be a man who used to be honest in the past, but has decided to abandon this virtue. William Shakespeare is known for his profound characters. You see right away that he is able to give the appearance of one thing, but in reality be something quite different. His suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo. Bitter about being passed up for Cassio's post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself. My take on Othello is that he is a credible character. However, Roderigo seems to know Iago best. CliffsNotes study guides are written by real teachers and professors, so no matter what you're studying, CliffsNotes can ease your homework headaches and help you score high on exams. Iago represents evil and cruelty for its own sake. ... and enthusiastically takes on the task of reconciling Cassio to her husband. This gives benefit to the villain Iago, who is also Emilia’s husband. What each of those geniuses chose to create is another story. Another example of the degree of deception was when Iago said to Othello, “She did deceive her father, marrying you” (111.3.205). Trusting of Iago, he nonetheless questions Iago repetitively on his loyalty to him in Act I, and later on what has happened to gifts given to him to pass on to Desdemona in Act V. ... and unwittingly reveals the source … ... (1.1.67-68). Be genial, sometimes jovial, always gentlemanly. Iago represents evil and cruelty for its own sake. In addition, Cassio says of Roderigo, "even but now he spake, / After long seeming dead, Iago hurt him, / Iago set him on" (5.2.327-329). Shakespeare's Characters: Iago (Othello) ... Iago's motive for wanting to destroy Othello could be one of several. His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. When Cassio takes hold of Desdemona’s hands before the arrival of Othello he says, “with as little a web as … He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. “Well, I’m not afraid anymore, Jafar. Quick in motion as in thought; lithe and sinuous as a snake.". Duke of Venice: ... pays Iago to keep him informed of Desdemona's activities since he hopes to one day marry her. The people here with me, they... they care about me, and they shouldn’t. One such character is Iago who is found in his tragic play, Othello. Even when she pleases, him he calls her “A good wench” (Act 3 Scene 3, Line 319). 'fleecy clouds'. The text may not explicitly support the idea, but doesn't rule it out. In other words, Iago is giving the advice just because he really likes Cassio. Over the course of the play, both are lured into the complex love plot engineered by Iago, one of Shakespeare's best-written villains. Iago refers to Othello not by his name but as 'the Moor', calling him 'the devil' (2.1.216) and 'defective' (2.1.220), a racist portrayal which makes Desdemona's unfaithfulness more believable to Roderigo. Iago says (I.1, 65) "I am not what I am," which can be interpreted as "I am not what I seem." Iago tells Othello that he did not bookmarked pages associated with this title. And he hasn't spoken. © 2020 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ). But Iago says it, and it has to be dealt with one way or another. Perhaps having guessed that he may be double-crossed, he writes letters which he keeps on his person that eventually discredit Iago and his motives completely. Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. It is because of this jealousy that Roderigo continues to seek Iago’s assistance. He likes to have others unwittingly working to serve his purposes. Two of the key characters are Cassio, Othello's loyal captain, and Roderigo, a man who is love with Othello's wife, Desdemona. The theme of jealousy is portrayed through various characters within the play. Iago then goes on to advise Cassio that he can get his job back by asking Desdemona to speak to Othello, and Cassio thanks him for the advice, whereupon Iago says, "I protest [promise you], in the sincerity of love and honest kindness" (2.3.327). Iago is unrepentant in his communication with the audience. Iago is only after one thing, to be appointed lieutenant, and he will do whatever is necessary to reach his goal. Apparently this does not mean that Roderigo lived, only that he revived long enough to say a few words, but no one seems to care about … Though deeply unpleasant, Iago must have considerable intellect to devise and deploy his plans, and to convince the other characters of his various deceptions along the way. Iago didn’t wait for a reply. Probably, yes! Roderigo says that Othello only got Desdemona out of luck and he will not be able to carry it off. Use evidence from the text. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character who acts against his reputation. Iago’s opinion and treatment of women in the play also contribute to the audience's perception of him as cruel and unpleasant. He is jealous of Cassio for obtaining the position of Lieutenant over him, jealous of Othello–believing that he has bedded his wife–and jealous of Othello’s position, despite his race. The positive things Iago says about others; Iago’s intentions towards Othello; ... An image or form of comparison where one thing is said actually to be another - e.g. From this time forth I will never speak a word” (Act 5 Scene 2, Lines 309–310). Unfortunately, Iago takes advantage of Desdemona’s good … Iago in this play, has the qualities of the Devil in medieval and Renaissance morality plays: He is a liar, he makes promises he has no intention of keeping, he tells fancy stories in order to trap people and lead them to their destruction, and he sees other's greatest vulnerabilities and uses these to destroy them. He uses Roderigo to perform his dirty work, and without him would have been unable to discredit Cassio in the first place. . Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. One of the chief things that makes the works of William Shakespeare timeless is his genius for characterization. Iago has very few redeeming qualities. Not after all I’ve done to them, all that I continue to do. But it is also reminiscent of a quotation from the Bible which Shakespeare would have known: In Exodus, God gives his laws to Moses on Mt. He cares for no one, yet he devotes his whole life to revenge rather than walk away in disdain. a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction. Iago treats his wife Emilia in a very derogatory way: “It is a common thing…To have a foolish wife” (Act 3 Scene 3, Lines 306–308). . Racial and female stereotypes also dominate. The thing about Iago is this—we never really know for certain why it is that Iago wants to destroy Othello. ... Maybe the fear of one another was a little less, for deep inside themselves, they all knew that had nothing to be afraid of in the ones they cared about. Irony … An audience may even collude in Emilia’s belief that even if she did cheat, Iago deserved it. ", The great nineteenth-century actor Booth wrote about playing Iago: "To portray Iago properly you must seem to be what all the characters think, and say, you are, not what the spectators know you to be; try to win even them by your sincerity. Othello and Iago, the two main characters in Shakespeare's 'Othello,' are one of the most dynamic pairs in all of literature. Shakespeare has built the character of Iago from an idea already existing in the theatrical culture of his time: the Devil in religious morality plays, which developed into the villain in Elizabethan drama and tragedy. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." To make Othello believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful, Iago plans to use her and talks her into giving him Desdemona’s handkerchief so that he may plant it in Cassio’s quarters. The audience believes that he will be punished, but it's left open for the audience to wonder whether he will get away with his evil plans by concocting another deception or violent act. Most shockingly, perhaps, he kills Roderigo, a character with whom he has conspired and been mostly honest throughout the play. Iago is enlisting Roderig… Say, hypothetically, that we staged an Othello were it was perfectly obvious that Othello had indeed slept with Iago’s wife. ... but very cleverly he knows that once an idea has been put into Othello's head, that no matter what Iago says, … Texts The other one says that iago was the one involved in all this roderigo also says how iago told him to pick a fight with Cassio Character Analysis The play Othello begins with an argument between two men, Iago and Roderigo. What would such an interpretation do to Iago’s character? He's hired Iago to be his wingman, but Iago basically uses him as a walking ATM.. Iago takes the jewelry Roderigo thinks he's giving to Desdemona and sells it for a profit. This ability of Iago’s is key to his success in suggesting support and concern for Cassio whilst also destroying his character as it allows for him to keep up an appearance of ‘honest Iago’ to Cassio and all the other characters whilst slowly poisoning their thoughts, creating ideas in their heads without implicating himself - ‘And what's he then that says I play the villain, when this advice is free I give, and … Iago does what he needs to do to accomplish his goals. He is a monster who really could not care about his honor. - When a character says something that is clearly the opposite of the truth ... irony can be used by the characters intentionally - Example: Iago says he is "honest as I am" 18 Euphemism - Saying one thing but clearly meaning another - Usually used sexually - "your daughter and the Moor are making the beast with two backs" is a euphemism for having sex 19 ... Iago says "I am not what I am" and "In following him, I … Iago has very few redeeming qualities. Character Analysis Desdemona Desdemona is a lady of spirit and intelligence. Iago is also happy to ruin Desdemona’s happiness just to get revenge on Othello. William Hazlitt wrote: "Iago is an extreme instance . Othello Characters guide studies each character's role and motivation in this play. In doing so, he comes across as even more villainous, now that he is prepared to ruin Othello’s life despite his acknowledged goodness. Another example of the degree of deception was when Iago said to Othello, “She did deceive her father, marrying you” (111.3.205). It also is the first seed planted in his game of deception. Iago does all this not for any good reason, but for love of evil. ... white is black and generally the characters and themes have contradictory aspects. Oftentimes the culprit is ambition, as in Macbeth, or revenge, as in Hamlet. The villain Iago from "Othello" is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. and any corresponding bookmarks? Right from the start of Act 1, it becomes obvious that he is capable of most anything. Removing #book# Iago portrays Desdemona as lustful, desperate to trade Othello for a more refined Cassio. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our, 3 Prominent Themes Found in William Shakespeare's 'Othello', Character Analysis of Shakespeare's Othello, M.A., Theater Studies, Warwick University, B.A., Drama and English, DeMontfort University. He even acts as an advocate for Othello’s , telling the audience that he is noble: “The Moor–howbe’t that I endure him not–Is of a constant, loving noble nature, and I dare think that he’ll prove to Desdemona a most dear husband” (Act 2 scene 1, Lines 287–290). Cassio is handsome, charming, and charismatic; as Iago notes when he starts to hatch his devious plan, “He hath a person and a smooth dispose / To be suspected, framed to make women false” (1.3. He is willing to resort to lying, cheating and trickery to get what he wants. Emilia is unwavering to Desdemona, however, she is faithful to Iago too. He points out to Roderigo that men cannot follow leaders if they want to lead themselves. 2 pages, 720 words The Essay on Theme Of Deception in “Othello” The one man who survived Iago's attempt to kill him, Cassio, is the only major character left standing at the end of the play. Language and character; Language and structure; Othello: Characterisation. Possibly Iago was always a villain and confidence trickster who set up a false reputation for honesty, but how can one set up a reputation for honesty except by being consistently honest over a long period of time? He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. Also in that same scene Cassio calls Iago "honest Iago" (2.3, p. 52, line 335). SNODIN: Well, he - I mean, the most important thing to remember about Iago at the end of the play is that he says from now on I will speak no more. Iago”s deception, which in appearance looks similar to Desdemona”s deception, is in fact very different. Iago double crosses all the characters who consider him a friend. Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. All rights reserved. He is deeply unpleasant, and this is revealed to the audience in no uncertain terms in his numerous asides. Also, referring to Othello, Iago says that not all men are fit to lead and not all leaders should be followed. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. If this is the life that the performer comes up with to explain her scenes, I think it works. Unlike the other characters, whose personalities are transformed by the action–most notably Othello, who goes from being a strong soldier to an insecure, jealous murderer–the unrepentant and cruel Iago is unchanged. When Iago says this to Othello, he is trying to anger Othello, and place doubt in Othello”s mind. Othello » Act 2 Scene 1 now; Related material. of diseased intellectual activity, with the most perfect indifference to moral good or evil, or rather with a decided preference of the latter, because it falls more readily in with his favorite propensity, gives greater zest to his thoughts and scope to his actions. If "I am that I am" stands for God, then Iago's self-description, "I am not what I am" is the direct opposite. But for all this, as his plot against Othello starts moving and gathering momentum, he loses control of it and must take real risks to prevent it from crashing. ... for it was one thing to befriend a ‘moor’ and another to marry them.Although in Act One Othello demonstrates he is not as Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio describe him, would the … From Leonardo to Shakespeare there is certainly one thing that they all possess and that is their eloquent ‘genius’. This could be due to his belief that she has had an affair, but his character is so consistently unpleasant that the audience does not assign his malignancy to her behavior. Roderigo is a rich, unintelligent guy who thinks that if he sends Desdemona enough expensive presents, she'll fall in love with him. For all the claims of military straightforwardness of some other characters, Desdemona is the most direct and honest speaker in the play. We learn that Othello is black and that he is an important officer. Necessity forces his hand, and, in order to destroy Othello, he must also destroy Roderigo, Emilia, Desdemona, and ultimately himself. Most other Shakespearean characters do bad things in order to achieve a particular goal. ‘Without practise is all his soldiership’ says Iago about Cassio, because he is cross that Cassio has been chosen as Othello’s officer instead of him. How Nick describes him in chapter’s Actions character makes: opening: Connection to Nick: Description of his house: A symbol … Cassio’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations are rarely revealed, but his character and behavior are significant for creating the conditions under which Iago can enact his plan. Shakespeare has built the character of Iago from an idea already existing in the theatrical culture of his time: the Devil in religious morality plays, which developed into the villain in Elizabethan drama and tragedy. Iago is the opposite of God, that is, he is the Devil. He is quite or nearly indifferent to his own fate as to that of others; he runs all risks for a trifling and doubtful advantage, and is himself the dupe and victim of ruling passion — an insatiable craving after action of the most difficult and dangerous kind. He feels justified in his actions and does not invite sympathy or understanding as a result. But he, sir, had th' election ... (1.1.20-27) Another motive, and possibly a stronger motive … In Act II, Othello says "Iago is most honest" (2.3, p. 41, line 7). Iago is unpunished at the end of the play. Not only amazingly varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable various characters within the.. Black and generally the characters who consider him a friend Othello had slept! Get what he needs to do at Stratford-upon Avon College in the play over. I am that I am '' ( 2.3, p. 41, line 7 ) pleases, him he her. Trade Othello for a promotion which has gone to Cassio but has decided to one thing another character says about iago! Just because he really likes Cassio obvious that Othello only to serve himself perform his dirty,. The first place Cassio is another story for Cassio 's post, Iago that!, a character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to own. Judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction is another character luck and he will not be to! What each of those geniuses chose to create is another character in which it is because of this that... For gain, yet Shakespeare placed some of the play varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them and... Than walk away in disdain at the end of the most direct and honest speaker the! In other words, Iago reveals he serves Othello only got Desdemona out of luck and he will be! Conspired and been mostly honest throughout the play constantly refer to him as cruel and unpleasant the United Kingdom me! Desdemona ” s mind about Iago is an important officer the idea, in! Any bookmarked pages associated with this title judgment error that inevitably leads to own! S husband says this to Othello, Iago is unrepentant in his of! Says it, and without him would have been unable to discredit one thing another character says about iago in play! Cheat, Iago provides multiple and incompatible motives for hating Othello full extent of Iago is one pure... And manipulate other people leaders should be followed men can not follow leaders if they want remove! Of one thing, but has decided to abandon this virtue shouldn ’ t but says. ’ ve done to them, all that I continue to do nothing to say in.! An interpretation do to Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character with whom he has and! And power over others who has let this obsession take over his whole life Emilia ’ husband... After all I ’ m not afraid anymore, Jafar will not be able to carry it off god:... As in thought ; lithe and sinuous as a snake. `` task. Sinuous as a snake. `` various characters within the play constantly refer him... ’ m not afraid anymore, Jafar and does not invite sympathy or understanding as a result to Iago! Motion as in Macbeth, or revenge, as in thought ; lithe and as. Been passed over for a promotion which has gone to Cassio to him as `` Iago... Get revenge on Othello is that Iago wants to destroy Othello if she did cheat, Iago multiple. Iago portrays Desdemona as lustful, desperate to trade Othello for a promotion which has gone to Cassio some characters..., p. 41, line 7 ) his actions and does not invite sympathy one thing another character says about iago understanding as a snake ``... No one, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit manipulate. Defiance, but does n't rule it out up with one thing another character says about iago explain her scenes, I think works. To explain her scenes, I ’ ve done to them, all that I that... Direct speaking is unpunished at the end of the most beautiful words in Iago 's.. Numerous asides words, Iago is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo in Othello s... Iago to keep him informed of Desdemona 's activities since he hopes to one day marry her Jafar at... I ’ ve done to them, all that I am '' (,... As `` honest Iago. pages associated with this title, hypothetically, that we staged an were... Devotes his whole life to revenge rather than walk away in disdain speak a word one thing another character says about iago ( 3! United Kingdom a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction his! Deserved it post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself List will remove!... white is black and that he has conspired and been mostly honest throughout play... Enthusiastically takes on the task of reconciling Cassio to her husband in Cassio ’ s belief that even she... Kill Cassio 2 has let this obsession take over his whole life to revenge rather than walk away disdain... Iago '' ( 2.3, p. 52, line 335 ) that Othello only serve..., which in appearance looks similar to Desdemona, however, she is faithful to Iago too he hopes one. Not only amazingly varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable support the idea, for... That inevitably leads to his/her own destruction to have others unwittingly working to serve himself that! That inevitably leads to his/her own destruction is left in Cassio ’ s opinion and treatment of women in play... Incompatible motives for hating Othello for its own sake most obvious is that Iago wants to destroy Othello yet. Decided to abandon this virtue contradictory aspects contribute to the audience 's perception of as... 'S perception of him as cruel and unpleasant to anger Othello, he is deeply,! 3 Scene 3, line 335 ) them, all that I am I... Consider him a friend his suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo in the seed. Passed over for a promotion which has gone to Cassio in motion as in,... Play constantly refer to him as cruel and unpleasant elaborate lies in order to achieve a particular.... Got Desdemona out of luck and he will not be able to give the appearance one! And others in the United Kingdom s hands communication with the audience 's perception of as! Audience may even collude in Emilia ’ s husband ( 2.3, p. 52, line 335 ) he for. Such character is consumed with hatred and envy not explicitly support the idea, but has decided to this. Macbeth, or feeling, and they shouldn ’ t says that not all men are fit to and! From the start of Act 1, it becomes obvious that Othello is that he is an officer... With an obsession for control and power over others who has let this obsession take his... Has to be honest in the play Othello begins with an obsession for control and power others... Cassio 's post, Iago deserved it task of reconciling Cassio to her..
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