Othello by William Shakespeare
With so many outspoken and strong minded characters in this play, it is ironic that Emilia of all people would be the one to finally expose Iago. For one reason, it was bound to happen that one of the pawns in Iago's elaborate chess game would stumble across proof and put two and two together. Othello spoke of how Iago informed him of the adultery and the handkerchief, and Emilia had helped with the stealing of that very same handkerchief. It was not even as subtle as Rodrigo yelling out Iago's name as Iago stabbed him. Anyone could have placed Rodrigo as one of Iago's cronies. They would be like, "Yes, I have seen that guy before, he's the weirdo that Iago always whispers to and then runs off to do God knows what!" Somehow this little flaw in not picked up on. Back to the actual smart one of the play, Emilia. Not only does she catch on right away as she is given this clue, but she has no problem pronouncing it to the council of men around her. Emilia is already a timid woman and now her husband is ordering for her leave in front of many other macho men and she defies him to try to lay out this elaborate truth. After Iago commands her to go home, she denies saying, "I will not" (Shakespeare V.ii.223). She is soon after stabbed by Iago. How ironic is it that the one who exposes Iago is not only the most timid and seemingly unsubstantial of all the characters, but also the villains wife. Most wives would out of shock or loyalty, deny the fact. However, Emilia, Iago's wife, is at the forefront as the blamer. She does not bat an eye towards blaming her husband as the cause of all the misery. Good for her!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
The Murder
Othello by William Shakespeare
In the final act, now comes the awkward scene when Othello lovingly murders his wife. He cries and speaks of how it is something he wishes he did not have to do, but out of honor, he must. This is total bologna In all practicality, if he was such a honorable man and still very much loved his wife, he would most likely spare her. He would still dismiss her, but at least let her live. Indeed, Iago did a fine job building Othello up to a head, but would not one dismiss and loose track of his evidence in the midst of one's dire and honest truth. His wife is sitting there weeping telling him over and over again that she does not know what she has done. If she truly were cheating and Othello repeatedly interrogated her as he had done, she probably would have come clean after the second time he asked. However, she is pure and ignorant of any of this and states to him that she has been loyal, "Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?" (Shakespeare V.ii.70). In a moment such as this, when the wife, who to this point he still loves, weeps and cries out that she has done nothing, one would think that Othello would maybe begin to second guess all those little signs and innuendos that which he tried to associate with as "ocular proof". Many have been there where there mounds of insignificant evidence is all blown away with a simple, confident response.
In the final act, now comes the awkward scene when Othello lovingly murders his wife. He cries and speaks of how it is something he wishes he did not have to do, but out of honor, he must. This is total bologna In all practicality, if he was such a honorable man and still very much loved his wife, he would most likely spare her. He would still dismiss her, but at least let her live. Indeed, Iago did a fine job building Othello up to a head, but would not one dismiss and loose track of his evidence in the midst of one's dire and honest truth. His wife is sitting there weeping telling him over and over again that she does not know what she has done. If she truly were cheating and Othello repeatedly interrogated her as he had done, she probably would have come clean after the second time he asked. However, she is pure and ignorant of any of this and states to him that she has been loyal, "Alas, what ignorant sin have I committed?" (Shakespeare V.ii.70). In a moment such as this, when the wife, who to this point he still loves, weeps and cries out that she has done nothing, one would think that Othello would maybe begin to second guess all those little signs and innuendos that which he tried to associate with as "ocular proof". Many have been there where there mounds of insignificant evidence is all blown away with a simple, confident response.
Victims of Circumstance
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago is almost like a composure, meticulously planning each and every finite detail and then orchestrating his plot out to perfection. However, in some cases Iago is still offered fortuitous bonuses that aid his success. In the scene where Othello listens in on Iago's conversation with Cassio, he perfectly produces a conversation with Cassio that paints a picture of blame on him. As he speaks of Bianca, boasting and laughing about her, Othello the entire time is under the impression that Cassio is speaking of Desdemona. Cassio mocks and says, "Alas, poor rogue! I think i' faith, she loves me" (Shakespeare IV.i. 109). I do find it quit ridiculous that during all of this cocky talk, Cassio did not once accidentally let Bianca's name slip. Why would he not? He was not aware that he was the only person that Iago could hear and knew nothing of Iago's plan. Also, how easy could it have been if Iago, who is lacking in social graces, either whispered Bianca's name to Cassio either so loud that Othello perceived it or not loud enough that Cassio failed to understand him and then just walked away after that awkward moment when you keep asking a friend what they said and near the third or fourth time cannot understand them and then finally just smile and pretend you heard them. I hate when that happens. Then the lucky incident with Bianca suddenly showing up angry of the handkerchief that she found in Cassio's room. How does everyone know where everyone else is all the time!? This is 16th century venice, not exactly the time of mobile phones and gps!
Iago is almost like a composure, meticulously planning each and every finite detail and then orchestrating his plot out to perfection. However, in some cases Iago is still offered fortuitous bonuses that aid his success. In the scene where Othello listens in on Iago's conversation with Cassio, he perfectly produces a conversation with Cassio that paints a picture of blame on him. As he speaks of Bianca, boasting and laughing about her, Othello the entire time is under the impression that Cassio is speaking of Desdemona. Cassio mocks and says, "Alas, poor rogue! I think i' faith, she loves me" (Shakespeare IV.i. 109). I do find it quit ridiculous that during all of this cocky talk, Cassio did not once accidentally let Bianca's name slip. Why would he not? He was not aware that he was the only person that Iago could hear and knew nothing of Iago's plan. Also, how easy could it have been if Iago, who is lacking in social graces, either whispered Bianca's name to Cassio either so loud that Othello perceived it or not loud enough that Cassio failed to understand him and then just walked away after that awkward moment when you keep asking a friend what they said and near the third or fourth time cannot understand them and then finally just smile and pretend you heard them. I hate when that happens. Then the lucky incident with Bianca suddenly showing up angry of the handkerchief that she found in Cassio's room. How does everyone know where everyone else is all the time!? This is 16th century venice, not exactly the time of mobile phones and gps!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Iago is the Devil
Othello by William Shakespeare
Iago has struck with another one of his brilliantly thought out and manipulative plans. He indirectly causes Cassio to maim hes reputation and loose his officer position all from a few convenient lies. He whispers and pressures into the ears of Cassio, Montano, Rodrigo, causing all of them to achieve his bidding, either knowingly or unknowingly. He gets Cassio to act like a fool from those extra drinks. He causes Rodrigo to step up and call out Cassio due to a white lie. All the while he causes these people to commit crimes and sin he just sits idly by and looks as if he is an honest bystander. If Iago reminds me of one character throughout history, it would be the devil. Like the snake in the garden, he pesters and pressures people into doing what they know is wrong. He tricks them and lies to them and causes them to think they are doing the right thing. He ignores Cassio's pleads to not have another drink replying, "Oh, they are our friends. But one cup. I'll drink for you" (Shakespeare Act 2 Scene 3). Iago appears to be the embodiment of the devil. For all we know we possibly could very well be.
Iago has struck with another one of his brilliantly thought out and manipulative plans. He indirectly causes Cassio to maim hes reputation and loose his officer position all from a few convenient lies. He whispers and pressures into the ears of Cassio, Montano, Rodrigo, causing all of them to achieve his bidding, either knowingly or unknowingly. He gets Cassio to act like a fool from those extra drinks. He causes Rodrigo to step up and call out Cassio due to a white lie. All the while he causes these people to commit crimes and sin he just sits idly by and looks as if he is an honest bystander. If Iago reminds me of one character throughout history, it would be the devil. Like the snake in the garden, he pesters and pressures people into doing what they know is wrong. He tricks them and lies to them and causes them to think they are doing the right thing. He ignores Cassio's pleads to not have another drink replying, "Oh, they are our friends. But one cup. I'll drink for you" (Shakespeare Act 2 Scene 3). Iago appears to be the embodiment of the devil. For all we know we possibly could very well be.
Iago and Women
Othello by William Shakespeare
So not only is Iago slightly racist, but extremely sexist. He is beginning to form into what one could relate as the typical narrow-minded American redneck. However, Iago is way too clever to fall into such a faction. He talks to Desdemona and his wife, Emilia, about his thoughts on women. One can understand how much of a sexist pig he is just from hearing him harp on his poor wife. She, a woman who has spoken a total of maybe three lines, is accused and mocked by Iago for being a horrible nag that lets him hear it whenever she can. He attests to women's deceptive nature. He explains how maybe outside in public these women may put on little fronts. However, in doors, they are unbearably loud and nagging. Desdemona, who is listening to Iago rant over all of this is in disbelief, and is shocked even more when he tells her his idea of the perfect woman. He explains their sole purpose, "To suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 160). Iago is clearly untrusting of women, which must have a big part to play in his belief that his wife committed adultery.
So not only is Iago slightly racist, but extremely sexist. He is beginning to form into what one could relate as the typical narrow-minded American redneck. However, Iago is way too clever to fall into such a faction. He talks to Desdemona and his wife, Emilia, about his thoughts on women. One can understand how much of a sexist pig he is just from hearing him harp on his poor wife. She, a woman who has spoken a total of maybe three lines, is accused and mocked by Iago for being a horrible nag that lets him hear it whenever she can. He attests to women's deceptive nature. He explains how maybe outside in public these women may put on little fronts. However, in doors, they are unbearably loud and nagging. Desdemona, who is listening to Iago rant over all of this is in disbelief, and is shocked even more when he tells her his idea of the perfect woman. He explains their sole purpose, "To suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (Act 2 Scene 1 Line 160). Iago is clearly untrusting of women, which must have a big part to play in his belief that his wife committed adultery.
Iago's manipulation of Roderigo
Othello by William Shakespeare
One odd relationship existing within the realm of Othello is that of Iago and Roderigo. Roderigo appears to have an extreme man crush on Iago, falling for every bit of Iago's valiant B.S. Being told that their differing motives intertwine, Rodrigo is set to aid Iago in any way he can in order to bring about Iago's master plan. For Iago, the goal is simply to cause mayhem and despair in Othello's life. However for the simple minded Rodrigo, he is possessed by love by Brabantio's daughter, Desdemona. This fair maiden also happens to be Othello's wife. I see a connection! Rodrigo with the hope and naivety of a young child believes that through Iago's plan, he can somehow steal this woman who is far out of his league from a man that leads legions. While Rodrigo believes that Iago holds his best intentions, Iago truly is just using Rodrigo as he uses everyone else. Since Rodrigo is emotional, he is malleable, and since he is malleable he is the perfect servant to do Iago's dirty work. Iago thinks Rodrigo is nothing more than a half-minded knave. After putting on his "honest Iago" facade and consoling Rodrigo from suicide, he says,
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 3 Line 320).
Some friend he is...
One odd relationship existing within the realm of Othello is that of Iago and Roderigo. Roderigo appears to have an extreme man crush on Iago, falling for every bit of Iago's valiant B.S. Being told that their differing motives intertwine, Rodrigo is set to aid Iago in any way he can in order to bring about Iago's master plan. For Iago, the goal is simply to cause mayhem and despair in Othello's life. However for the simple minded Rodrigo, he is possessed by love by Brabantio's daughter, Desdemona. This fair maiden also happens to be Othello's wife. I see a connection! Rodrigo with the hope and naivety of a young child believes that through Iago's plan, he can somehow steal this woman who is far out of his league from a man that leads legions. While Rodrigo believes that Iago holds his best intentions, Iago truly is just using Rodrigo as he uses everyone else. Since Rodrigo is emotional, he is malleable, and since he is malleable he is the perfect servant to do Iago's dirty work. Iago thinks Rodrigo is nothing more than a half-minded knave. After putting on his "honest Iago" facade and consoling Rodrigo from suicide, he says,
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (Shakespeare Act 1 Scene 3 Line 320).
Some friend he is...
Iago's Intentions
Othello by William Shakespeare
In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, the antagonist, Iago is bent on the destruction of his Superior Officer, Othello. Iago and his crony, Rodrigo, lie and manipulate many of Othello's close companions in order to do so. The real question is what is Iago's motives. What seems to be the most likely cause of Iago's hatred would be jealousy. For one, he hates it enough that he must be submissive to Othello, as Othello is his superior. Furthermore, not only is he not Othello's ranking as a captain but two levels below. This all came to be thanks to Othello's proclivity to his friend Michael Cassio, whom Othello found more fit to serve right under him. Iago says to Rodrigo,
"Three great ones of the city
In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, the antagonist, Iago is bent on the destruction of his Superior Officer, Othello. Iago and his crony, Rodrigo, lie and manipulate many of Othello's close companions in order to do so. The real question is what is Iago's motives. What seems to be the most likely cause of Iago's hatred would be jealousy. For one, he hates it enough that he must be submissive to Othello, as Othello is his superior. Furthermore, not only is he not Othello's ranking as a captain but two levels below. This all came to be thanks to Othello's proclivity to his friend Michael Cassio, whom Othello found more fit to serve right under him. Iago says to Rodrigo,
"Three great ones of the city
(In personal suit to make me his lieutenant)
Off-capped to him, and by the faith of man
I know my price, I am worth no worse a place" (Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 9-13)
Despite suggestions by many renowned people to make Iago Othello's second in command, Othello ignored their requests and claimed to have already chosen Cassio. Iago is bitter about these considering how much more experience he has over Cassio, who is truly just a bookworm. Iago also has much hatred for Othello that he believes Othello slept with his wife. The whether this claim is viable or not remains to be seen, however, Othello believes it to be true. All of these reasons that Iago hates Othello are magnified by Othello's biggest difference, he is black. These furthermore ignites Iago's hatred of Othello.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)