What might be the thoughts and feelings of the audience as they watch the following sequence in Othello? Act 2 Scene 3, Line 321 – 383
The sequence progresses in a way that when Cassio leaves the scene, Iago has time to contemplate his next actions, and with the arrival and exit of Roderigo, Iago again formulates his devious plan according to the development of the situation. In a way, Iago is going with the flow, and that should the actions taken by the other characters in the play have unpleasant consequences, his part was not significant as he is not the “villain”. This sequence allow us to see Iago’s manipulative nature in a continuous form; from the way he has made others see him to the revelation of his true self. Audience might feel a sense of revolt and disgust at Iago’s lack of emotional attachment to others and yet, be amazed by his mastery at switching from one façade to another in a trice, manipulating even men of import who command much respect with such perfection that his plans are not revealed or realised, except by the audience through his soliloquies. Towards the rest of the characters, both appearing in this sequence and not, audience might sympathize with them because of the impending tragedy that ensues of which Iago have already let them in on.
Iago is able to capitalise on the weaknesses of others to attain what he covets. Iago pretends to be a true friend by advising Cassio to seek help from Desdemona upon being stripped of his lieutenant position. Iago knows of Othello’s “weak function” when it comes to Desdemona. He associates Othello and Desdemona’s love with religion, something divine, more specifically, Christianity, as in “All seals and symbols of redeemed sin”. Without gaining insight on his true motives for advising Cassio, one would believe that his advice is sound, as Othello respects Desdemona dearly and would likely take her advice. Even Cassio, a man of knowledge as made known in Act 1 Scene 1, believes that Iago “advise me [him] well”. Iago, acting ever so godly, replies “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness”. The audience will be able to see this as proof of Iago’s lack of moral values, as this is an outright lie because he has no love for Cassio and he is certainly up to no good, as the audience and himself would know. The audience thus feel it is appropriate when in his soliloquy that he should use the devil’s work to compare to his own deceitful work The devil will suggest “heavenly shows” initially to tempt one into sinning, whereas for him, he will rose-tint the whole situation to lure the people into doing things that would ultimately lead to their doom. In this case, sinning is similar to the actions the characters would undertake, as by doing both, they will suffer eventually, in the temporal world or beyond life. By associating Othello and Desdemona’s love with divinity and godliness, Iago is by no means putting them on a pedestal as he finds greater pleasure and satisfaction being evil and devious. As a matter of fact, Iago is even mocking them and their love for each other.
