Evaluate Different Possible Interpretations Of Iago's Part In Act 2. Othello

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Charlotte Greene 12A

Evaluate Different Possible Interpretations

Of Iago’s Part In Act 2.

There have been many different interpretations of Iago, but various versions of Act Two show the contrasting sides of his character. There are similarities in the portrayal of Iago throughout these adaptations, which are seen just as clearly in the feature film versions as in our class interpretations of Act Two.

        There are clear parallels between our class adaptations, where one interpretation shows Iago as passionate and extreme, whereas the other shows him as evil and egocentric. One example of this is in lines 163-171 of Act 2 Scene 1, where Iago is planning his revenge on Cassio and Othello. “With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.” One understanding of the speech is that Iago is the typical “evil villain”, clearly showing his resentment and bitterness and hinting towards his scheming and wicked temperament. This relates to what Germaine Greer said in 1986 about the play and Iago’s character. Her opinion is that Iago gives the audience an “understanding … of the nature of evil” and sees his character as an example of “the dynamic presentation of evil as an active force.” The other interpretation of this soliloquy is of Iago being much more inconspicuous, looking spontaneous and less confident, showing his lower class and position.

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        The soliloquy at the end of Act 2 Scene 1 shows Iago’s true character, as it involves him exposing his inner thoughts and feelings to the audience. Again, two translations of this speech could be one of either cold anger and hatred, or passionate envy. This is mostly seen when Iago goes from saying “The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not…” to “Now, I do love her too…” This first part of this speech portrays Iago as either displaying contemptuous hatred towards Othello, or demonstrating a kind of sick envious longing for the traits Othello possesses that he, Iago, ...

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