How Iago is portrayed in Othello

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Rosie Arnell

The audience becomes complicit in Iago’s intention and, like it or not, is soon involved in his vengeful potting. He actually asks them what he should do…Many actors who have played the part have been capable of getting members of the audience to share Iago’s delight in his own powers of evil intention.

The inevitable question the audience are to ask themselves when reading or watching this play is weather they see Iago as remarkably clever or Othello as a fool. I personally believe that it would be near to impossible for Othello to disbelieve in Iago, as the way he distorts perception ( which is one of the main themes in the play), and his dangerously persuasive and deceptive personality come together to create the tragic catastrophe at the climax of the play. The character of Iago makes the not only the other characters, but also the audience see what he wants them to see. Shakespeare’s use of Iago’s soliloquies enables the audience to see Iago’s true intentions, which is something the characters are unaware of. As these soliloquies involve only Iago and the audience, they are bound to feel similar to his ally. Shakespeare also uses the other characters opinion of Iago, language, imagery and themes to show the audience just how clever yet manipulative the character is. However, Shakespeare also makes the audience aware of Iago’s misogynistic, nasty and damaging personality, which makes them hate him, yet admire his ingenuity.

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In his soliloquies, Iago directs questions personally to the audience. For example, on page41, Iago says ‘which thing to do if this poor trash of Venice…’ By asking the audience their opinion of what he should do to Othello, effectively they will feel their opinion is valued, therefore making them feel an ally. He also says ‘How how, lets see…’ By the end of this speech Iago has an answer to his own questions, making the audience see his ingenious mind and also again feel part of the plot. Iago asks ‘To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, directly ...

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