The events that occur in the first half of Act 1 are all in anticipation of the lead character Othello who we are not immediately introduced too. We learn Iago’s name in the second line of the play and Roderigo’s soon after, but Othello is not mentioned by his name once. Instead he is referred to as ‘he’, ‘him’ and is frequently described as ‘the moor’ (1.1.58) he is also described as having ‘thick lips’ (1.1.67) and later as being a ‘Barbary horse’ (1.1.111) is continuously described by his critics, mainly Iago, as a ‘moor’, demonstrating Iago’s frequently concerning nature of race and also portraying Othello as something of an alien. From this reference we are able to immediately understand Iago’s true feelings and motives for Othello.
The audience at this point know nothing of Othello that is gained by their own opinion, instead we are lead to believe from Iago’s race related description that Othello is a threatening and evil moor, whose beastial sexual appetite, conveyed by Iago’s cries to Brabantio, telling him that ‘an old black ram is tupping’ his ‘white ewe’ (1.1.89), is something of a rapist. Iago’s coarse animal related language conveys Iago’s feelings against Othello’s marriage in a much more pronounced way. The image of an ‘old black ram’ gives the audience nothing but negative images of Othello, especially when this ‘old black ram’ is being associated with the innocence of a ‘white ewe’. Iago then associates Othello with the image of ‘the devil’ (1.1.92) because of Othello’s colour, Iago warns Brabantio that he has ‘lost half [his] soul’ now that Desdemona is married to Othello. Iago here emphasises the biracial nature of the marriage, already showing his ability to manipulate people, in this case he is manipulating Brabantio, to believe in Iago’s own opinions and in theory to eliminate all thoughts that Brabantio might of had of his own about the marriage.
Despite the negative foregrounding of Othello’s character by Iago, our first impressions of Othello in Act 1 are of a noble and well-spoken man, his nobility is conveyed through his speech ‘most potent grave and reverend signiors’(1.3.76) to his future father-in-law Brabantio of Othello’s love for his daughter Desdemona in Act 1 Scene 3. This is a very different character to what we expect from Iago’s preparation for the introduction of Othello. Where we are expecting an angry and possibly violent character, we instead are met with something completely surprising, a quiet and calm man who dismisses Roderigo’s insult and even avoids the prospect of a conflict.
Although, this kind nature can also be contrasted with Othello’s ability to boast at his own achievements ‘Wherein I spake of most disastrous chances’ (1.3.133) Othello demonstrates here a side to him that agrees with Iago’s perception of him. His personified language ‘greedy ear’ (1.3.148) also allows us to form the opinion that due to the way Othello uses language, he is a very exaggerated and boastful character.
Instead of having a character describe Iago for the audience, Shakespeare allows Iago to paint his own character portrait. Although Iago starts off as a somewhat passive character he soon shows himself to be the villain of the play; although Iago isn’t your conventional “villain” and is instead can be seen as a far more complex character, this self exposing feature of Iago also helps us as an audience to prepare ourselves to be sympathetic towards Othello. Iago’s complex and villainous role is shown through his ability to judge people and their characters and use it manipulate them to do things in a way that benefits him and allows him to move closer towards his goals. He tries to present himself as a friend to Othello in an attempt to gain his trust, in the line ‘you were best go in’ (1.2.29) he makes Othello feel that Iago is a friend who is trying to help him. Although it shows us as an audience how Iago’s plans to destroy Othello’s marriage are developing early on in the play.
Iago’s manipulations are driven by a basic desire to get back at those who have hurt him and gain what he believes is rightfully his. In Act 1 Scene 1 Iago describes his disgust at being overlooked for Othello’s lieutenant and instead have to settle as being ‘his Moorship’s ancient’ a position below lieutenant, we are able to see here that his main motivation was revenge and anger.
Honesty
can be a way of life for many people. For some it can define all that they really are and for others it can define how they view all of their peers, friends, and family. But whichever way you cut it, honesty can affect you greatly and every solitary day. This idea was one of the most specific and open parts of the plot of William Shakespeare's Othello. In the play Shakespeare gives us brilliant insight as to what can happen as a result of believing and trusting in the honesty and words of others. Though they might seem sincere, he seems to say, everyone has their own agenda. The three characters: Iago, Desdemona, and Othello himself all seemed to view honesty and moral values in their own personal ways; some were deserving of trust, some not.
"O, that's an honest fellow" seems to sum up the trust bestowed upon Iago in this novel, until the bitter, biter end that is. Such great thing were said of his honesty in this play, things like: "You advise me well. goodnight honest Iago" and "I know thou'rt full of love and honesty". Irony had been one of Shakespeare's dramatic affects, and this play lacked in absolutely no way. Iago as a person was "evil", conniving, and "wicked"; lacking the basic morals that most people of our time, and Shakespeare's, have always prided themselves in having. He himself was very untrusting, going to such lengths as suspecting his wife Emilia as being unfaithful. But where did all this dishonesty and trickery lead him? To an end that leaves the audience asking, "why?" When Othello, after murdering his ever faithful wife Desdemona, demands Iago give his reasons Iago declares he will take his reasons with him to the grave, and though we might all feel we have an idea as to his motives only one person has ever really known. Shakespeare himself, and he as well took the secret to the grave. Possibly the only honest explanation we'll ever have derives from the most infamous of all of Iago's lines: "When devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows". Though the line still leaves an observer empty, without content as to his motives, it suggests that he had motives that were justified in his own eyes. To Iago, his perceptions were all that mattered really, and honesty was a thing to be twisted to his own desires.
Othello had the reputation of a military man, an honest man, and a courageous leader. "Valiant Othello, We must straight employ you..." "Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor." Othello had been a soldier since he was seven years old, and had experience on the battlefield. He'd been chosen when the Venetians had gone to fight the Turkish fleet; and because of his reputation, it hadn't been hard for most to accept the relationship between him and Desdemona. But As Iago began putting ideas in Othello's head about Cassio and Desdemona's rendezvous' together, another side of Othello's personality started to surface. Because Iago had the reputation of being an honest man, Othello couldn't easily ignore his insinuations about Desdemona. Othello wondered if Desdemona really loved him, or if she was just using him to rebel against her father. With Iago constantly putting these ideas in his head, Othello's trust was eaten away until, in his own mind, the killing of Desdemona was justifiable and true. His intentions had always been good and "valiant" until the intervention of "honest Iago".
The fair and beautiful Desdemona: the lady in which many a male character of Othello would have given anything to make their's. This alone could give some men reason to be untrusting, but it wasn't Desdemona's beauty that turned Othello's rage, it was Iago's words that brought forth the Moor's anger. Desdemona herself had been faithful and kind throughout the story, and this is only another example that Shakespeare gives us to prove Iago's foulness and betrayal. She had loved Othello and had shown so on countless occasions. She had also tried to help Cassio, a dear friend and partner of Othello's before Iago set his devices upon him, and in doing so only roused the suspicions of an influenced Othello. To note Iago's quick wit upon manipulating conversation with both Othello and Cassio to give certain expressions hold was amazing. He had plans for every action that he'd taken and Desdemona, kind and lovely as she was, seemed only to be another pawn in his sick and heartless game.
Honesty is the best policy. for some. It seemed this way for almost every character of Othello, every character except Iago. For Iago the opposite seemed to be true, for him dishonesty had been the best policy. His deceit seems telltale evil and even by today's standards, of tame and dulled morals, it is something to behold; this honest Iago. Honesty, which some people try to live their lives by, Iago only used this for his own gain as well as the fall of those around him whom he disliked. He did all of this with spite. He kept to his immoral and sinister behavior without end though, all the way to the bitter and cold end.
Reputation plays a big role in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. Iago uses his reputation as an honest man to deceive Othello and everyone else. Othello's reputation also plays a big role throughout the play. Cassio's changing reputation has a big part in the outcome of the play as well.
Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought of Iago as an honest man. "O, that's an honest fellow", "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." Iago convinces everyone that he is noble and honest man and he uses this to his advantage. "When devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows." Without this cover he would never have been able to get Othello to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him. Just for suggesting that Desdemona would cheat on him (Othello), he probably would have killed Iago were it not for his reputation. Nobody suspects that Iago is a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago uses his reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well.
Othello's reputation also plays a big role in this play and the outcome of it. He has the reputation of a no nonsense military general. This status in fact partly causes Desdemona's death. He becomes so distraught when he hears from Iago that Cassio and Desdemona and cheating on him he becomes angry and wants to kill her. "I will chop her into messes! Cuckold me?" He is surprised and astonished that she would go behind his back and do this. His reputation doesn't allow him to confront her with the situation and talk things over. He is also angry that his reputation would be tarnished when found out that he is a cuckold. He proves that his reputations means a lot to him when he says, "For nought I did in hate, but all in honour." Othello believed that reputation was everything, because of his status as a general and the fact that those under him and above him respected him. Othello's reputation played a big role in the outcome of the play and in part caused Desdemona's death and his own.
Cassio's changing reputation played a big role in the play as well. Reputation was everything to Cassio, but once demoted he began to act differently and couldn't face Othello. "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." After Cassio is demoted Othello loses faith in his once good friend because of his tarnished reputation. Had Cassio not gotten drunk, Iago wouldn't have been able to convince Othello that he was cheating with Desdemona. He was too loyal of a friend and had always followed orders. Othello says to Cassio, "I'll make thee an example." He clearly show his loss of trust in Cassio and Cassio knows this. He tries to correct the situation with Othello through Desdemona, but it only makes things worse once Iago steps in. Cassio's tarnished reputation only helps Iago succeed in his plan. Cassio reputation as a loyal, just and honest soldier are trashed when he gets drunk. This ultimately helps Iago prevail.
Reputation is an important thing. It helps people know who to trust and what judgements they make regarding a person. The reputations of these three characters played big roles in the outcome of the play. The ending would clearly have been different had Iago not been known as honest or Othello as a noble military man or Cassio's reputation tarnished. Reputation is what helps all of us make judgements about others and is very important in our society today.
Iago has no conscience. He is an angry man and is happy to take down everyone around him to get what he wants: revenge. It is in Act 1, Scene 3, that he devises his evil plan. Here we can see inside Iago's mind. It is easy to see that his primary motivation is jealousy: jealousy that Othello may have slept with his wife, and jealousy that Othello chose Cassio over him. As he plots his revenge, it is clear Iago respects and cares for no one.
(Act 1, Scene 3, 378-381) I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets
H'as done my office. I know not if't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do, as if for surety.
Iago states here he suspects Othello may have slept with his wife. He is not sure of this, but declares that surety is not necessary. I believe Iago is not so much concerned with his wife being unfaithful, but that he can't stand the thought that it may have been with Othello.
(Act 1, Scene 3, 381-382) He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.
This shows how conniving Iago is. He will use the fact that Othello trusts him to get his revenge.
(Act 1, Scene 3, 383-385)
Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now;
To get his place, and to plume up my will
In double knavery. How? How? Let's see.
Here "double knavery" means to pull off one stunt and obtain two desired outcomes - to get Cassio's position (which he felt he deserved) and to make himself appear respectful for his ego's sake.
Another benefit of getting Cassio's position is he can be closer to Othello. When he accomplishes this, he will be able to obtain even more trust from Othello and begin manipulating him to believe that Cassio and Desdemona are having an adulteress relationship:
(Act 1, Scene 3, 386-389)
After some time, to abuse Othello's ears
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected - framed to make women false.
Iago knows that Othello is a man of integrity and therefore, believes others to be so until proven differently. Iago has no respect for integrity and consequently, has no respect for Othello. This is obvious in his reference to Othello as an "ass" which can "tenderly be led by th' nose."
(Act 1, Scene 3, 390-393)
The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so;
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
One of the frightening things about Iago is that he takes what most of us see as good and uses those traits against them. There are several examples in this soliloquy. One example is when he refers to Cassio being a "proper" man. Proper means handsome in this context. Being handsome is positive but Iago will use Cassio's handsomeness to evoke jealousy in Othello. Women are attracted to Cassio. Already amazed Desdemona "chose him," a large, black scarred man, not conventionally handsome at all, it will be easy to convince Othello that Desdemona might be attracted to Cassio.
Another example is that Iago will use Othello's trustfulness and integrity. Iago knows Othello already trusts him. Iago will "play" an honest man who is loyal and loves his general. If this is the case, why would Othello believe for a minute that Iago is not telling him the truth?
With this, revenge comes easy for Iago
Shakespeare’s play Othello is based on tragedy of Othello’s jealousy, which ironically leads Othello to kill Desdemona, his beloved (wife). Evil Iago is above all Shakespeare’s villains. Iago is a person with evil emotions, and as a result he deceives everybody, he also is exceptionally influential character who has taken in everyone, above all his own wife Emilia. His public face of bravery and honesty conceals a satanic delight in manipulation and destruction, and he will stop at nothing. Iago’s opinion on women is that he detests women in all kinds and shapes, and finds faults even when they have little or no faults.
It is evident that Iago refers to Desdemona as a piece of property, when He wakes up Brabantio (Desdemona’s Father) and tells him about the marriage to Othello.
In Act 1 Scene 1 Line 80 he states,
“ Thieves, thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and your bags! ”
Further on Iago comes to Brabantio’s house and says to him that his daughter has been stolen, rather than saying she ran away with Othello, which reveals to us that he thinks women are the property of men.
Act 1 Scene 3, Iago tells Roderigo that he shouldn’t be an inane man to even think of taking his life for a female.
“Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a guinea hen; I would change my humanity with a baboon ”. Act 1 Scene 3 Line 310.
Again this reveals to us that Iago says that he would never drown himself for a female, he rather change his humanity with a monkey which is totally degrading because he sees a monkey more fit than women. Further on He refers Desdemona as a guinea hen, which denotes a whore. One might think Evil Iago is a man who hates women, for he shows no love or sympathy to women as he constantly slanders them of things they didn’t do or even think about, this is evident on Act ii Scene 1.
He states
"Come on, Come on: you are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wild cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and house wife’s in your beds".
According to Iago women are good when they are outside of their homes but once they enter the home they are worse than devils, Iago’s sneering attitude towards his wife and women in general is indicated once again. Further meaning of the statement reveals his use of the word ‘picture’ which denotes that out of doors the women are silent and pleasant to look at. In addition to the statement Iago stated we come to know that women act like saints even when they injure others. He also Says, ‘They are lazy around the house except that they are active in their bed’, suggesting that they are like prostitutes. This is when Iago suspects his own wife slept with Casio. In addition to this is where Iago sees Desdemona and Cassio talking about a matter and he automatically assumes that Desdemona is a unfaithful wife to Othello.
In Act 1 Scene 3. Iago states that
"She must change for youth: when she is sated with his body she will find the error of her choice". Act 1 Scene 3.
Here he indicates that Desdemona isn’t loyal because she made a wrong choice in an old black man, and when she is full of him she will move on to someone younger. This indicates to us that she seeks to satisfy her own desires (sexual). He also thinks that women are of a low class.
In Act 2 Iago gives a description of his wife to Cassio who just had given her a greeting kiss to Emilia. He describes Emilia as a talkative person that she can’t keep there trap shut. He implies that all women have to open their mouth for everything.
Iago states that I n Act 1 Scene 1.
“Sir, would she give you so much of her lips
As of her tongue she oft bestows on me
You’d have enough. Act 1 Scene 1.
Hear he implies that women (generalizing) talk more than they should, and that they don’t know when to stop. They are very lazy when it comes to housework however when it comes to their needs (desires sexually) they are not lazy.
The main reason why Iago’s attitude towards women is not the best is due to the fact that women have no strong morals and that they are easily persuaded by other men, this is when he sees Casio kiss his wife. This leads him to believe that it was much more than that. He also think that the women are untrustworthy and they do whatever they have to do even if it means to hurt ones feeling, this is when Desdemona elopes from her Dad for a black Moor. He also believes women talk useless maters.
Based on Iago’s behaviour and attitude one can clearly comment that Iago generally thinks that women are of lower class to men. He sees them as sexually active creatures, and untrustworthy to their husbands, and that they don’t have feelings about anyone else except them selves.
The Use of Rhetoric in Othello
Aleeza Gerstein
April 15, 1999
Shakespeare’s use of rhetoric by his characters is clearly used effectively in Othello through Iago’s and Roderigo’s conversation with Barbantio. The two make use of double meanings, animal imagery, Devil and God comparisons, the use of sexual references, and descriptive insults to confuse Barbantio and make him angry towards Othello. Through Iago’s initial torment, continued by Roderigo, they are able to force Barbantio to do exactly as they wish.
Iago primarily makes use of the double meaning of the word thieves to get Barbantio out of bed and force him to be confused with the situation. Iago and Roderigo call out “thieves, thieves” to the sleeping Barbantio, who wakes up believing that there are thieves in his house. However, Iago quickly switches the meaning of the word away from common house thieves to mean that Desdemona is gone from the house, “stolen” by Othello. This double word play confuses Barbantio and Iago manipulates him to direct his anger away from Iago and Roderigo and towards Othello.
Iago and Roderigo next make use of sexual, racial, bestial images to paint the picture in Barbantio’s mind of Desdemona and Othello. He describes their actions as “an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” Comparing Othello to a black ram and Desdemona to a white ewe allows Iago to paint the picture of animals in a barn to Barbantio, angering him. Iago continues along this path, further tormenting Barbantio. “You’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.” Iago plays up on the fact that Othello is black and describes crude images of Desdemona.
Roderigo continues along this line of torment, using racial descriptions of Othello to make Barbantio feel his daughter is with a common man who does not deserve her. “ . . . Your fair daughter . . . with a knave of common hire, a gondolier.” He describes Desdemona within the “gross clasps of a lascivious Moor.” Iago and Roderigo have completely directed all of his anger off them, so much that he trusts them to help him.
Roderigo next insults Barbantio by pretending that he is not sure if Barbantio has given his permission of this match. He backtracks over his words many times, saying that the situation is all right “if this be known to you, and your allowance.” He later plays up that Barbantio was unaware of the situation, and that he had not given his daughter permission “Your daughter, if you have not given her leave.” This makes Barbantio angry at himself, for he obviously did not give permission, and thus feels cheated by Desdemona, enough to forget that he doesn’t trust Roderigo, and become lost in his anger towards Desdemona and Othello.
Roderigo clinches the entire matter when he discusses a daughters duty towards her father. He makes Barbantio feel so angry at Desdemona that she has not behaved as she should, as duty calls, that he feels compelled to act on his feelings, to chase after Desdemona, as if to prove that he still holds some power over her. His speech towards Roderigo changes at this point, from the negative tones towards him of the beginning passage, to this trustful, comrade speech. Roderigo has appealed to him as a confidant, someone who wants the best for his daughter, unlike Othello who has stolen Desdemona from him.
Iago and Roderigo’s use of rhetoric completely drive Barbantio’s feelings and emotions in this passage away from anger at them, making him direct his anger towards the moor. They initially utilize the use of the double meaning of thieves to wake him up confused, and then continue through careful description, images and speeches to appeal to Barbantio as if they are to be trusted, as people who are on his side. They point out the negative factors in Othello and Desdemona’s relationship, focussing on the sexual aspect, and play on the fact that Barbantio might not be as good, or as respected a father, as he believes.
IAGO
Dustin Mills English 102 Dr. Elisabeth Sachs Othello Essay Honest Iago One of the most interesting and exotic characters in the tragic play Othello, by William Shakespeare, is honest Iago. At first Iago seems to be motiveless. However, the motivation behind his actions lie more in Iago's quest for personal gain, as opposed to just being evil for evil's sake. Iago's greediness can be validated by examining his manipulation of Roderigo, Cassio, and most importantly, Othello. Iago's main interest is the destruction of Othello. The reason being that Othello has chosen another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command, preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iago's accusations of adultery and his blatant racism, cause Iago to despise the kindly moor. Because Iago is much too smart to immediately kill Othello, he proceeds with the arduous process of dismantling him emotionally. Iago also knows he must distance himself from any part of this, so he cleverly gets someone to do his dirty work. The first to fall victim to Iago's manipulation is half-witted Roderigo. Iago knows Roderigo is consumed by lust for Desdemona, and would do what it takes to make her his own. Iago tells Roderigo that the only way to win Desdemona's love is to make money to procure gifts for her. Put money in thy purse…(act I scene 3 line 339). However Iago is just taking those gifts intended for Desdemona and keeping them for himself, and making a profit. Roderigo eventually starts to question Iago's honesty. When faced with the accusations, Iago simply offers that the killing of Cassio will aid in his cause and Roderigo falls for it. In doing this, Iago keeps Roderigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. Roderigo is also used as a device in both Cassio and Othello's downfall. Iago's actions demonstrate his monetary and power based motivations, invalidating the claim that Iago is evil for evil's sake. Cassio like Roderigo follows Iago blindly, thinking the whole time that Iago is trying to aid him, when in fact Iago, motivated by his lust for power, is attempting to remove Cassio of his position as lieutenant. With Roderigo's help Iago causes Cassio to forfeit his position as Othello's second-in-command. Cassio is also used to bring out the monster inside of Othello. In Iago's exploitation of Cassio, it is clear to see that, although evil in his deeds, Iago is strictly motivated by his hunger for power. As mentioned earlier, Iago's main intention lies in the degradation of Othello. Iago feels that he was best suited to hold the position of lieutenant, as opposed to Michael Cassio. From this Iago manufactures accusations of adultery, claiming that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia. …Twixt my sheets/ he's done my office.(Act I scene 3 line 380) These accusations are merely excuses to validate his own pleasant acts and greed, and should be seen as nothing more. Again it's plain to see that, in Iago's deception of Othello he is motivated by his jealousy and subsequent bitterness. In conclusion, it's evident that Iago is evil for greed's sake, as opposed to evil for evil's sake. His craving can be seen in his clever manipulation of Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello. He uses Roderigo for his own financial benefit, as well as support his master plan; the destruction of Othello. Cassio was unfortunate enough to be chosen ahead of Iago as Othello's second-in-command, and was reduced to a deteriorated state by Iago because of it. Lastly, driven by his bitterness towards Othello for choosing Cassio over him, Iago takes it upon himself to ensure Othello's demise. Iago is an extremely complex character, and far from ordinary. His complexity and uniqueness makes him one of Shakespeare's greatest villains
RACISM
Othello - A Racist Play? Although there are lots of things to suggest this is a racist play I don't think that racism actually dominates the play, even though it has a racist theme. There is a romantic union between black and white which gets destroyed because most people think the relationship is wrong. At the time the play was written, 1604, even the Queen of England was racist so there must have been a strong hatred of blacks around that time. Most racist comments in the play are said by people that are angry or upset. For example, when Emilia found out that Othello had killed Desdemona she was extremely mad and she called Othello a Blacker devil, this was the only time in the play that she had said anything racist about Othello. The main characters that have racist attitudes are Iago, Brabantio, Roderigo and Emilia, with the hatred of Othello as the basis for their racist actions and comments towards him. Iago is the most racist character in the book as he has it in for Othello right from the start. What sparks off Iago's hate towards him is the fact that when Othello chose his lieutenant , it was Cassio who was chosen instead of Iago. What made Iago angry was the fact that Cassio had no experience in war when he did and Cassio was chosen instead of him. Iago does not say anything racist to Othello's face but he has a lot to say against him behind his back. He schemes to destroy Othello and anything in his way including Cassio and Desdemona. The first time we hear one of his racist comments is when he's talking to Brabantio about Othello and Desdemona, Even now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe. Iago says this to try and turn Brabantio against Othello. Iago uses racist comments all the way through the play, as he tries to turn people against Othello, for example calling him a Barbary Horse. He never says anything racist to Othello's face because in his plot he had to be his best friend, so as not to make him suspicious that Iago was causing all the trouble for him. Iago is jealous of Othello for many reasons, one being that Othello has higher ranking in the army than him, and also he has a good marriage with Desdemona which Iago does not have himself with Emilia. These are the main causes of his hatred for Othello and the reason he adopts such a racist attitude. Roderigo is another one of the racist characters in the play, being so right from the start. He is Iago's accomplice and will do anything that Iago wants him to. I think he does this because of the way Iago can twist a situation to make it sound as if Roderigo would get something good from it but in the end he doesn't. One of the racist names he calls Othello behind his back is Thick-lips . He hates Othello because he's jealous of him as he also loves Desdemona but cannot have her. I don't think he views Othello in a very bad, racist way but uses the racism against Othello because he's jealous of him. Neither Roderigo or Iago would say anything racist to Othello's face as he is the general of the army. Brabantio is also a racist character, and is enraged when he finds out that his daughter, Desdemona, has been seeing the moor behind his back. Brabantio is so mad he sends out his guards to catch Othello and put him in prison. Brabantio views Othello as a foul and dirty no good black, I think this racist view of his is because he's angry when he finds out that his daughter has been seeing this moor. Unlike Iago and Roderigo, Brabantio will openly make racist comments about Othello to his face such as, lascivious moor, Wheeling stranger. Brabantio can do this because he is the Senator of Venice and is higher in rank than Othello. The other character who is racist towards Othello is Emilia, the lady in waiting to Desdemona. Emilia is disgusted with Othello when she finds out that Othello had killed Desdemona this is the time she gets a chance to express her feelings about Othello, O, the more angel she, and you the blacker devil! Although this is the only time she says what she thinks of him, I think that she was racist towards Othello all through the play and did not approve of his relationship with Desdemona but just could not show it because she would get in trouble with her lord. Because Shakespeare wrote a play about a black and white union, which was later destroyed, I think it shows that he's not racist. I think he feels that the union between the two is right, but the relationship would never survive in a racist community at that time. He portrayed the union between Othello and Desdemona as a good thing, and the people who destroyed it, mainly Iago and Roderigo as evil. This shows once again that he approves of a black and white relationship and therefore was not racist himself. Once before Shakespeare wrote a sonnet about his mistress which says, for example, If snow be white, why then her breast be dun He writes about his mistress being black when other poets of that time wrote about how their mistresses were white. The other poets were the racist ones, they girlfriends were always white and perfect, Shakespeare wrote about how his mistresses is black and not very beautiful. Although the play has a strong racist theme against blacks I don't think that the play is racist.
OTHELLO’S CHARACTER
Character Analysis of Othello In the play Othello, the character of Othello has certain traits which make him seem naive and unsophisticated compared to many other people. This is why Iago, to get his just rewards uses him as a scapegoat. Iago told Roderigo, O,sir, content you. I follow him [Othello] to serve my turn upon him (I, i lines 38-9). Iago is saying, he only follows Othello to a point, and upon reaching it he will not follow him any longer. Iago has opened my eyes to see the real meaning of deceit. No matter what, Iago will try to take advantage of Othello any time and he will be easily lead to believe the lies of Iago. The Moor, as many Venetians call him, is of strong character. He is very proud and in control of every move throughout the play. The control is not only of power but of the sense of his being who he is, a great warrior. In Act I, Othello has a scuffle with Brabantio, who has come to kill him, but before anything could happen Othello said, Hold your hands, both of you of my inclining and the rest. Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it without a prompter (I, ii, lines 80-3). The power shown here is quite astounding. The nature of Othellos character is of a dark man. A dark man, not only because he is black, but also because his whole person is very mysterious. He is mysterious in that he believes there is magic brewing everywhere. With this dark side he is also very outgoing, and not very bright. He isnt observant and the schemes of Iago work well on him. Though he doesnt reflect too much on his past, except occasional ventures of wars fought, he does let his emotions run his life. For all the dangers and encounters he has been involved in, this man is still naive of the corruptness of other individuals. Othello has a trusting nature in which he gives it all. He put all his trust in Iago during times of war and during Othellos marriage to Desdemona. This wasnt very bright of Othello, even if he wasnt trusting or more corrupt he still wouldnt realize Iago was lying. Everyone considered Iago as honest, and would be out of character for Othello to believe any different. For example, Othello had told the Duke, So please your grace, my ancient; A man he is of honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, With what else needful your good grace shall think, To be sent after me (I, iii, lines 284-8). The control over any situation is one Othellos strong characteristics. Through the whole first act you can picture a man so much power and natural leadership and when he changes you cannot believe it. For example, when Lodovico had witnessed Othello hit Desdemona, he said: Is this the noble Moor whom our full Senate Call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake? whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance could neither graze nor pierce (IV, i, lines 264-8)? While Iago, being the honest man he is, answers: Hes that he is, I may not breathe my censure. What he might be (if, what he might, he is not) I would to heaven he were (IV, i, lines 270-2). Another place where Shakespeare shows Othello taking control over a situation is when Cassio and Montano are fighting after Roderigo antagonized him. These words Othello said are important now, but they will be more important later when he is alone with Desdemona in their bedroom. He will say: Now, by heaven, My blood begins my safer guides to rule, And passion, having my best judgement collied, Assays to lead the way. If I once stir Or do but lift this arm, the best of you Shall sink in my rebuke (II, iii, lines 203-8). You must feel sorrow for Othello because with all the power he has and the endless trust he gives, you try to reach out and show him the truth. By having his ancient or friend, Honest Iago bring him the news of his wifes bad habits. Othello had no alternative but to believe him. If any man was brought news of this type they would surely go off the deep end. Iago not only told him but he told him in a way that it was hard not to believe. He didnt tell a couple who have been married for years, and who would know the likes and dislikes of one another, but he told a newly wed couple. Othello didnt really know Desdemona before they were married. Othello said, She loved me for the dangers I had passed, and I loved her that she did pity them(I,iii, lines 166-7). This man had really fallen in love with someone whose life was boring and needed adventure. Othellos origin also inhibited him from understanding European women. He did see for himself the deception of Desdemona toward her father and remembered the words he had said to him: Look to her, Moor, if thou has eyes to see: She has deceived her father, and may thee (I, iii, lines 286-7). When Othello has been given information from Iago in Act III scene iii, he cannot take any more so he asks Iago to leave in which he does. Upon returning, Iago continues to enforce his previous statements and Othello seems not bothered for he replies, Fear not my government (III, iii, 256). With all this there is no man who can withstand such news like the news that Iago has given to Othello. Most of the men who are would do much worse than in the case of Othello. This doesnt show jealousy, but when he is alone and has time to contemplate the situation and has seen the handkerchief in the hands of Cassio, now is when his blood begins his safer guides to rule. After realizing Othello had been tricked into believing the lies of Iago. He couldnt handle the anguish of knowing he had murder in jealousy rather for justice. This devastation in Othellos character brought the strong warrior back into the scene. Where he transformed into his own judge, jury, and sentenced himself. He told the people around him in their letters to write of him not in malice, then he said: Then you must speak of one that loved not wisely but too well (V, ii, line 344). After the speech was done he carried out his sentence, took a knife and stabbed himself. He then said: I kissed thee ere I killed thee. No way but this, Killing myself, to die upon a kiss (V, ii, line 359-60). He then laid down on the bed and died with dignity ( Stauffer 173). Othello was jealous. He was told his wife was cheating on him and he thought he was killing for justice. He even said he loved not wisely but too well. When he did kill it was not very smart of him to believe another man about something he should know more about. This play introduced changes in Othellos character when these changes evolved there was Iago lurking and waiting for the chance to jump in and take advantage of Othello. This why my belief of Othello is one of a man whose character is brought to light of a horrible situation by a deceitful devil named Iago
OTHELLO’S SOLILOQUAY’S
Analysis of Othello’s Soliloquy
During Othello’s soliloquy in Scene 3, ll. 299-318, Shakespeare uses the literary devices of imagery, symbolism, and antithesis to develop the state of mind of Othello during this strenuous time in his life. Othello, who seems to intrinsically believe that as a public figure he is fated to be unsuccessful at marriage, is torn between his love for Desdemona and the possibility that she is having an affair with Michael Cassio. This particular passage comes at a juncture after he denies that this could be true, and before he is finally convinced of his wife's infidelity.
The fact that Othello is wavering between believing Iago and trusting his wife is reflected in the imagery Shakespeare uses in the soliloquy. The first image that is used is that of a falcon. Lines 301-304 read: “If I do prove her haggard, / Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings, / I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind to prey at fortune.” This shows that Othello is still unsure about Desdemona, and claims that though he is in love with Desdemona, he would drop her if he found out she was cheating. This is quite a strong willed statement, but it is diminished by lines 319-320, which follow the entrance of Desdemona and Emilia into the chamber. Othello says, “If she be false, heaven mocks itself! / I’ll not believe ‘t.” This is an example of how turbulent Othello’s state of mind is. The steadfast determination expressed using the falcon image sort of “melts” when he sees Desdemona, and he immediately professes denial that she could be untrue to him. Yet, just ten lines earlier (l. 308), Othello says, “She’s gone! I am abused!” and proceeds to lament the very institution of marriage: “O cure of marriage, ? That we can call these delicate creatures ours / And not their appetites!” Shakespeare’s placing of these three different conclusions Othello has drawn in such close proximity is an example of antithesis, and a testament to the changing and chaotic state of mind of Othello.
Additional symbols are used in the soliloquy which exemplify this as well. In lines 311-314, he says: “I had rather be a toad / And live upon the vapor of a dungeon / Than to keep in the corner the thing I love / For others’ uses. Using a “toad” living on “the vapor of a dungeon” as a symbol of a preferable option to having a cheating wife is quite a powerful statement, considering the negative archetype of the toad.
This symbol, combined with the falcon imagery and the antithesis found in Othello’s statements, testifies to Othello’s turbulent state of mind during the passage.
FATHER/DAUGHTER
Brabantio, father of Desdemona in William Shakespeare's "Othello," is not happy that his daughter is marrying the title character. This father/daughter conflict impacts the work significantly by foreshadowing the climax, giving antagonist Iago material for his evil plot.
Brabantio is a Venetian Senator with definite ideas on the subject of his daughter. He wants to choose a husband for her who he feels is of her caliber and who can provide her a good life, as well as raise the family's esteem in Venetian society. At that time, this was his right as Desdemona's father. Then, when life expectancy was short, Brabantio would have wanted a son of a rich house who could inherit the family wealth, and was only a couple years older than his daughter, so she would not be widowed or have to return to her father's dependence.
Desdemona acts contrary to these plans by choosing to marry Othello who is a Moor, not a Venetian, which automatically lowers his stature. He is also an army general; he does not have a lot of money, only some prestige. In addition, he is old - he could be Desdemona's father nearly; in fact, he is Brabantio's friend. Army life would keep him (and her) out of Venice, and prevent Brabantio from seeing his daughter, or future grandchildren. Consequently, Brabantio is extremely upset when he learns that they have eloped.
Brabantio's anger at Othello's "thievery" leads him to entreat the Duke and Senate to annul the marriage. It is also true that the scene involving Iago and Roderigo telling Brabantio of his daughter's eloping does much to develop the character of Iago as a meddling weasel early in the book.
The scene in which Othello and Brabantio argue their cases before the Duke is the culmination of the underlying conflict between Desdemona and Brabantio. Desdemona's direct part in the saga is less important than the effects of this conflict on Othello, who emerges an honorable and lawfully wedded man after his appearance before the Senate. However, the dubious nature of the marriage is to cause conflict later in the story, as Brabantio effectively disowns Desdemona and gives fuel to the gossip machine. Several times the fact that Othello stole Desdemona is given as proof that she can be stolen from him. This casts a foul shadow over the relationship, "doomed" from the start.
The underlying causes of Brabantio's wrath were not mistaken - Iago successfully exploits them. Roderigo is fed the feeble reasons such as age and ability to satisfy and provide proof that Desdemona can be his. Othello is fed many of these same reasons by Iago to drive a wedge where, at the time of the marriage, the heavens themselves could not drive. It could be said that the conflict between Desdemona and her father Brabantio is the direct cause of the outcome of the play.
Othello: When Honor is Gone, What is Left?
This is the question we ask ourselves while reading Shakespeare’s Othello. Throughout the play Iago’s mission is revealed as trying to strip Othello of all honor, and reduce him to his bestial state. Iago sees Othello as a beat from the beginning of the play and is determined to expose him to everyone. In order for the world to see what Iago already views Othello as, Iago intends to persuade Othello to violate his code of honor; the honor which is the only thing that separates the beasts from the men. Ironically, as Iago tries to coax the beat out of Othello by making him violate his code of justice, we see that Othello’s bestiality was there all along.
From the beginning of the play, Iago’s view of Othello as a beast is obvious. Iago repeatedly describe Othello in terms of animals. When Iago tries to anger Brabantio when news of his daughter marrying the Moor erupts, Iago describe his new son-in-law in vulgar, bestial terms. Iago says “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram... is tuping your white ewe.” (I.1 lines 89-90) He also states “you’ll have your daughter cover’d with a Barbary horse; .you’ll have your nephews neigh to you; you’ll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans.” (I.1 lines 110-114)
Iago truly thinks Othello a beast, as he even refers to Othello in animal terms when he is by himself. In Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1, Iago says that Othello “will as tenderly be led by th’nose; as asses are.” (I.3 lines 395-396)
Everyone else sees Othello a man of justice who is spoken of by the Duke as he says, “If virtue no delighted beauty lack, Your son-in-law is far more fair than black” (I.3 lines 330-331) Iago is determined to bring out the beast in Othello, as he sees it is more just for everyone to know Othello for what he truly s, a beast. “Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me; for making him egregiously an ass.” (II.2 lines 302-303)
Just as everyone views Iago as “honest Iago” everyone holds Othello in high regards. We see how wrong the characters can be as they do not see the true evil inside Iago, we are implored to think that Othello truly is evil as well.
Early in the play Iago realizes that Othello’s idea of honor is intertwined with his concept of justice. Othello, more than any other character in the play, is obsessed with justice. Iago recognizes this; he realizes that for Othello to become a beast he has to violate his own sense of justice. With this realization, Iago concocts his plan to have Othello murder Desdemona. He is convinced that in wrongfully murdering his wife, Othello’s manhood will be destroyed and his beastiality will be exposed.
4 FACES OF MAN
The four main characters in the play Othello represent four different character traits of manhood: Roderigo, the failure; Othello, the hero, yet the insane lover; Cassio, the noblemen; and Iago, the villain, yet the strongest character of the play.
Of these four characters Roderigo reveals the weakest character traits. Iago effortlessly profits from Roderigo’s deficiency in a intelligence, in fact Iago himself said he would not waste time and effort on “such a snipe”(I iii 387) except for “sport and profit.” Towards the end of the play Roderigo reveals some traits that might classify him as a man with a spine. He finally stands up to Iago and threatens to expose the conspiracy against Othello and Cassio, but ultimately his flaws overpower his virtuous traits and he is persuaded by Iago to kill Cassio instead.
Likewise, Othello is the tragic hero of the play but his character is also weak. Jealousy is Othello’s major downfall. He reveals his insecurities in the scene where he strikes Desdemona and calls her a “devil”. Similarly, in the brothel scene, Othello’s insecurities arise when he cruelly questions Desdemona. He condemns her as a “simple bawd” and a “whore”, which he has no real proof of. Iago also easily manipulates Othello, like Roderigo, throughout the play. Othello is naive. He demonstrates that a few well-placed suggestions can alter his train of thought, such as when Iago was talking to Cassio and made Othello believe that the lieutenant was speaking of Desdemona instead of Bianca. On the whole, Othello was a weak character and a naive man.
In contrast, Cassio’s character is strong. He spoke about Othello with dignity and grace, which no other character in the play does. Also, Cassio showed extreme loyalty to the Moor. Cassio’s only flaw is that he temporarily lost his power of reasoning when he was drunk and let himself be manipulated by Iago. All in all, Cassio is a good example of how a man should act; with dignity and honor.
Likewise, Iago’s character is also strong. He is an intelligent man as can seen in the soliloquy where he is hatching a plan to frame Cassio “to get his place “(I iii). In the soliloquy Iago’s intelligence is revealed in the statement “How, How? - To abuse Othello’s ear / That [Cassio] is too familiar with his wife.”(I iii 396-39). Iago used his intelligence to think of a plan to frame Cassio and bring down Othello at the same time. Iago is also a confident man. Throughout the soliloquy Iago is confident “That the moor …Will be tenderly led by the nose./ As asses are ” (I iii 401- 404) and will be easily manipulated. However, if Iago had used his good character traits for good he would have been the hero of the play instead of Othello.
On the whole, Shakespeare did an excellent job on setting the character traits for the male characters in the play: Roderigo was the “snipe”; Cassio, the noble gentleman; Othello, the fallen “noble Moor”; and Iago, the intelligent, confident and arrogant self-made villain. All the Characters in the play had some good traits but each of them had an appalling attribute that led to their downfall.