The traditional role for soldiers in Elizabethan times was as a hero, very brave and fighting for the country. Black characters were normally seen as slaves and not important people. I agree with the title that Shakespeare has inverted these roles in Ot

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Othello

The traditional role for soldiers in Elizabethan times was as a hero, very brave and fighting for the country. Black characters were normally seen as slaves and not important people. I agree with the title that Shakespeare has inverted these roles in Othello. I am going to study the two characters Iago and Othello. Iago plays a soldier who hates Othello and causes a lot of trouble. Othello is a black General who thinks that Iago is his loyal friend. In Iago Shakespeare has turned the idea of soldiers being brave, heroic and fighting for one's country to a villain who only looking out himself and has no sense of loyalty. Othello is different to traditional Black roles because he is seen as a powerful soldier who is sophisticated and respected instead of savage and low in society.

Iago's philosophy is contrary to how soldiers are expected to behave. He is not following Othello out of loyalty 'In following him, I follow but myself.' This shows he is only following Othello for personal gain, whereas soldiers are expected to fight for country and leaders. This would have intrigued the audience and given them something new that they weren't used to.

Unlike the traditional image of black characters in Elizabethan plays Othello is portrayed as sophisticated and important. When he is accused of witchcraft and corrupting Desdemona by Brabantio he stays calm and controlled handling the situation in a civilized manner, convincing Brabantio that maybe it is not a bad marriage after all. When Othello is talking to Brabantio he recounts the times he has told him tales from his life 'of being taken by the insolent foe and sold to slavery; of my redemption thence and portance in my travellers history' this shows us that he has been through a lot so is worldly and experienced. His 'redemption' shows us he is not a pagan as Brabantio described him. This would fascinate the audience who normally saw black characters in a very different light, and would shock them to see a black person in such a place of power.
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The impression we get of Iago as he persuades Othello is that he is very manipulative and cunning. He thought out his plan, scheming, almost like he playing a game of chess as each part of his plan falls into place.

Iago knows that Othello is a bit insecure in his position so he uses flattery to get his trust. 'My Lord you know I love you.' This makes Othello feel more secure. The way that Iago uses the things he knows about people shows us he is the one in control making things happen, as if ...

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