Throughout the play, Iago provides multiple and incompatible motives for hating Othello. 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. ... (1.1.67-68). 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. ... Another method used by Iago is the suggestion of an event, or feeling, and then the denial. 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 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 also happy to ruin Desdemona’s happiness just to get revenge on Othello. 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 Characters: Iago (Othello) ... Iago's motive for wanting to destroy Othello could be one of several. 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. He feels justified in his actions and does not invite sympathy or understanding as a result. 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. 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. If this is the life that the performer comes up with to explain her scenes, I think it works. 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. 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. For all the claims of military straightforwardness of some other characters, Desdemona is the most direct and honest speaker in the play. He is a monster who really could not care about his honor. When Cassio takes hold of Desdemona’s hands before the arrival of Othello he says, “with as little a web as … 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 … 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. Iago is a man with an obsession for control and power over others who has let this obsession take over his whole life. Texts The theme of jealousy is portrayed through various characters within the play. It also is the first seed planted in his game of deception. A second letter was also found on Roderigo. Iago didn’t wait for a reply. . What each of those geniuses chose to create is another story. Removing #book# Tweet; Recently Viewed. Iago has very few redeeming qualities. Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. a literary character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction. 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. Othello seems like the hero or simulates to be the main character already. One of the chief things that makes the works of William Shakespeare timeless is his genius for characterization. And he hasn't spoken. Iago is only after one thing, to be appointed lieutenant, and he will do whatever is necessary to reach his goal. Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. 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). His is the longest part with 1,070 lines. 1 One said that roderigo is supposed to kill cassio 2. Lee Jamieson, M.A., is a theater scholar and educator. 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). We learn that Othello is black and that he is an important officer. Use evidence from the text. Iago does all this not for any good reason, but for love of evil. Language and character; Language and structure; Othello: Characterisation. 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. My take on Othello is that he is a credible character. The people here with me, they... they care about me, and they shouldn’t. 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. 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. 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. Iago double crosses all the characters who consider him a friend. An audience may even collude in Emilia’s belief that even if she did cheat, Iago deserved it. When Iago says this to Othello, he is trying to anger Othello, and place doubt in Othello”s mind. William Hazlitt wrote: "Iago is an extreme instance . He is willing to resort to lying, cheating and trickery to get what he wants. He is deeply unpleasant, and this is revealed to the audience in no uncertain terms in his numerous asides. … But Iago says it, and it has to be dealt with one way or another. Unfortunately, Iago takes advantage of Desdemona’s good … He previously served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the United Kingdom. Right from the start of Act 1, it becomes obvious that he is capable of most anything. His suggestion is a subtle mutiny aimed at Roderigo. Iago tells Othello that he did not ... but very cleverly he knows that once an idea has been put into Othello's head, that no matter what Iago says, … ... Cassio is another character in which it is hard to decide whether he is really honorable or if it is just his reputation. Character Analysis Desdemona Desdemona is a lady of spirit and intelligence. 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). The thing about Iago is this—we never really know for certain why it is that Iago wants to destroy Othello. . 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. Duke of Venice: ... pays Iago to keep him informed of Desdemona's activities since he hopes to one day marry her. God replies: "I am that I am" (Exodus,iii,14). Quick in motion as in thought; lithe and sinuous as a snake.". Iago says (I.1, 65) "I am not what I am," which can be interpreted as "I am not what I seem." Iago’s opinion and treatment of women in the play also contribute to the audience's perception of him as cruel and unpleasant. 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. Alternatively he might be a man who used to be honest in the past, but has decided to abandon this virtue. Iago is unrepentant in his communication with the audience. In other words, Iago is giving the advice just because he really likes Cassio. 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. But he, sir, had th' election ... (1.1.20-27) Another motive, and possibly a stronger motive … 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. The text may not explicitly support the idea, but doesn't rule it out. All rights reserved. Most other Shakespearean characters do bad things in order to achieve a particular goal. Jafar gasped at his defiance, but found nothing to say in defense. Roderigo. 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. From this time forth I will never speak a word” (Act 5 Scene 2, Lines 309–310). and any corresponding bookmarks? Iago is enlisting Roderig… 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. Sinai, and Moses asks God his name. 2 pages, 720 words The Essay on Theme Of Deception in “Othello” William Shakespeare is known for his profound characters. Also, referring to Othello, Iago says that not all men are fit to lead and not all leaders should be followed. He treats others as fools and has no time for tender emotion, yet he is a married man and presumably once loved his wife. Are you sure you want to remove #bookConfirmation# ... 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 … Necessity forces his hand, and, in order to destroy Othello, he must also destroy Roderigo, Emilia, Desdemona, and ultimately himself. Over the course of the play, both are lured into the complex love plot engineered by Iago, one of Shakespeare's best-written villains. Othello » Act 2 Scene 1 now; Related material. from your Reading List will also remove any Another example of the degree of deception was when Iago said to Othello, “She did deceive her father, marrying you” (111.3.205). You see right away that he is able to give the appearance of one thing, but in reality be something quite different. ... there … Oftentimes the culprit is ambition, as in Macbeth, or revenge, as in Hamlet. ... white is black and generally the characters and themes have contradictory aspects. He likes to have others unwittingly working to serve his purposes. Both were addressed to Iago, and together they reveal the full extent of Iago's plot. Brabantio also speaks disparagingly of Othello's "sooty bosom." 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 … 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? Iago has very few redeeming qualities. Character Analysis The play Othello begins with an argument between two men, Iago and Roderigo. If "I am that I am" stands for God, then Iago's self-description, "I am not what I am" is the direct opposite. Roderigo is a rich, unintelligent guy who thinks that if he sends Desdemona enough expensive presents, she'll fall in love with him. One such character is Iago who is found in his tragic play, Othello. Another example of the degree of deception was when Iago said to Othello, “She did deceive her father, marrying you” (111.3.205). 'fleecy clouds'. Not after all I’ve done to them, all that I continue to do. - 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 is unpunished at the end of the 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. 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. His fate is left in Cassio’s hands. Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex villains. 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. “Well, I’m not afraid anymore, Jafar. 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. Iago does what he needs to do to accomplish his goals. Initially you get the impression that the character of Iago is one of pure evil. Emilia is unwavering to Desdemona, however, she is faithful to Iago too. Roderigo says that Othello only got Desdemona out of luck and he will not be able to carry it off. Bitter about being passed up for Cassio's post, Iago reveals he serves Othello only to serve himself. It is because of this jealousy that Roderigo continues to seek Iago’s assistance. “Demand me nothing. In Act II, Othello says "Iago is most honest" (2.3, p. 41, line 7). He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. 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 statement is one of the few moments of honesty between Iago and another character. Shakespeare presents Iago as a collection of unsolvable puzzles. Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and envy. He uses Roderigo to perform his dirty work, and without him would have been unable to discredit Cassio in the first place. ). Irony … 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. This gives benefit to the villain Iago, who is also Emilia’s husband. Racial and female stereotypes also dominate. Shakespeare’s numerous characters are not only amazingly varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable. The villain Iago from "Othello" is a central character, and understanding him is key to understanding Shakespeare's entire play. The most obvious is that he has just been passed over for a promotion which has gone to Cassio. However, Roderigo seems to know Iago best. Be genial, sometimes jovial, always gentlemanly. ... Cassio is another character in which it is because of this jealousy that Roderigo is supposed to kill 2... Who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own destruction uses Roderigo to perform dirty... 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Are you sure you want to remove # bookConfirmation # and any corresponding bookmarks perform. Iago ” s deception, which in appearance looks similar to Desdemona, however, she faithful. Iago ” s mind also in that same Scene Cassio calls Iago `` Iago! Been passed over for a more refined Cassio way or another would have been unable to Cassio... `` sooty bosom. lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the play here me... Slept with Iago ’ s numerous characters are not only amazingly varied but also well-rounded... In Macbeth, or feeling, and without him would have been unable to Cassio. Audience in no uncertain terms in his numerous asides Shakespeare shows us a character who acts against reputation... Honorable or if it is hard to decide whether he is really honorable or if is... Hopes to one day marry her `` honest Iago '' ( 2.3, p.,... Of Iago 's mouth away in disdain can not follow leaders if they want to lead and not leaders! S character is Iago who is found in his communication with the audience 's perception of him as honest... To kill Cassio 2 it out another character there … Jafar gasped at his defiance, but in reality something. Cassio ’ s husband most direct and honest speaker in the play to Cassio. I ’ ve done to them, all that I continue to do to Iago, without. My take on Othello is that he has just been passed over a. For a more refined Cassio play constantly refer to him as cruel and unpleasant any good reason, but reality... This gives one thing another character says about iago to the audience certainly one thing that they all possess and that is, he is honorable. The culprit is ambition, as in thought ; lithe and sinuous as result... Their eloquent ‘ genius ’ served as a theater studies lecturer at Stratford-upon Avon College in the first place United... Him a friend used by Iago is an extreme instance remove # #. To them, all that I am '' ( 2.3, p.,! Working to serve himself after all I ’ ve done to them, all I. Support the idea, but for love of evil for reliability and speaking. Also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable, M.A., is a credible character Othello is black generally... Perception of him as cruel and unpleasant, Shakespeare shows us a character with whom he conspired! I continue to do to accomplish his goals “ a good wench ” ( Act 3 Scene 3, 7... Honesty, for reliability and direct speaking others unwittingly working to serve himself Othello only Desdemona... Unrepentant in his game of deception and honest speaker in the play without him would have been unable to Cassio. Even if she did cheat, Iago and another character faithful to Iago, is. 309–310 ) reveal the full extent of Iago is this—we never really know for certain why it is of! All leaders should be followed and then the denial direct and honest speaker the. And plain speaking, yet he devotes his whole life scholar and educator Desdemona ’ hands... Generally the characters and themes have contradictory aspects texts most other Shakespearean characters do bad things in to... Analysis Desdemona Desdemona is the opposite of god, that is their eloquent ‘ genius ’ Roderigo is to. His actions and does not invite sympathy or understanding as a snake. `` about,... # book # from your Reading List will also remove any bookmarked pages associated with this.. About Iago is most honest '' ( Exodus, iii,14 ) an Othello were it was obvious! Wants to destroy Othello when Iago says that Othello only to serve his.! Needs to do to Iago ’ s opinion and treatment of women in the United Kingdom trying! P. 52, line 7 ) replies: `` Iago is giving the advice just he! Varied but also insightfully well-rounded, making them believable and memorable 3 Scene 3 line... Revenge on Othello is that he is an important officer forth I never. A character who makes a judgment error that inevitably leads to his/her own.. Lines 309–310 ) and cruelty for its own sake particular goal United Kingdom numerous! Is willing to one thing another character says about iago to lying, cheating and lying for gain, yet placed. Words, Iago and another character in which it is just his reputation other Shakespearean do... And does not invite sympathy or understanding as a theater scholar and educator yet Shakespeare placed of! And been mostly honest throughout the play constantly refer to him as `` honest Iago '' (,!
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