How Do Iago's soliloquies set the play up for act 3 scene 3?
Jo Winter Year 10 Shakespeare Coursework Othello III.iii How does Iago transform Othello's character in III.iii and in what ways does Shakespeare show us this change William Shakespeare's works have stood the test of time, and this is definitely not due to coincidence. The use of language throughout his plays to portray ideas and intentions are what set him aside from other play writes of his time, and the tragic Othello is no exception. The play is driven by the depiction of the transformation of the play's leading role, Othello, whose love for his wife Desdemona is manipulated and twisted by the antagonistic Iago. The outcome of the ordeal is that Othello's character drastically changes. It is this change that creates this masterpiece. The setting of the play is a vital part in defining the character Othello, as it places him against a back drop of political chaos which acts as a perfect catalyst to the confused marital issues faced by the character due to the clash of his public and private life. Initially the play is set in Venice, where all is well. A land of peace without confusion and conflict, it is here where Othello is regarded as a highly respected general, and a war hero. His status is shown by the articulate nature of his speech, which is apparent in his meeting with the Duke in Act one, scene three "Most potent grave and reverend signors," "my very noble
Is Othello a 'noble hero' brought down by 'a devil of motiveless malignity' or is Othello 'flawed and selfregarding' and brought down by a 'worldly realist'?
Is Othello a 'noble hero' brought down by 'a devil of motiveless malignity' or is Othello 'flawed and self regarding' and brought down by a 'worldly realist'? As is shown above, there have been many differentiating opinions of the two most inscrutable characters in Shakespeare's history. As both these characters never fully reveal their true selves or their motives, it has always been difficult to determine their disposition from just the play as a source. Yet, despite this many scholars have brought forward their suggestions for the nature of both Iago's and Othello's characters. One of the first examinations into the true characters of these players comes from the nineteenth century, proposed by the scholars Coleridge and Haditt. This suggestion was that Othello was the character of innocence, whilst Iago was the 'devil' ultimately responsible. From the first time and the first words we hear from Othello it is obvious to the audience that he has a natural patience with people, and seems to be a laidback character. His first line can be termed, as composed "Tis better as it is" is what Othello answers, when hearing that men have spoken bad words of him. Iago is the one to inform him of this and even suggests that he should fight them about it. Since these are Othello's first words it would be quite easy to determine that he is a peaceful man, and it could be considered
Othello for 16th and 21st century audiences
The first Scene opens with two male characters, Iago and Roderigo in the middle of an intense argument. Othello, or 'The Moor' as he is called, is only spoken about as 'him,' 'his,' or racist comments. These include 'Black Ram' and 'Barbary horse.' You'll notice these last two are both animalistic terms. This could possibly be because he is thought of as having the same importance as animals even though he is the general of the Venetian armed forces. Not once in the first two scenes is Othello's name mentioned. Straight away, just from the first scene as a 21st century audience we feel direct sympathy towards Othello. Why should someone who is a general of an army (so is of high importance) be talked about in such a way just because of the colour of his skin. In this day, although everyone isn't treated exactly fairly, we have a lot more equal rights than the 16th century. Personally, I feel complete antipathy towards both Iago and Roderigo. A 16th Century audience might look at it differently. I think they weren't so equal with their views. Especially as we find out that Othello has deceitfully married his new wife Desdemona, referred to as 'White Yew.' The 16th Century audience would think it was appalling that Othello, a black man, could marry Desdemona, a beautiful white woman, without her father's (a Venetian senator) permission. The fact that it was an inter-racial
How does Iago affect the audience in Act 2, Scene 1?
How does Iago affect the audience in Act 2, Scene 1? In Act 2, Scene 1, Iago presents himself as the most important individual on stage. Through his actions and his soliloquy the audience are clear on who is moving the scene along. Iago plays the role of bluff soldier in his exchange with Desdemona. This is shown as a mark of his power, and when he is most 'honest' Iago presents a captivating figure to the audience, one who is outspoken, which is amusing for the audience because of the contents of his lines but also very entertaining for the way in which Iago says them. His honesty and frankness towards Desdemona and Emilia would be a new feeling for the audience, used to Iago's asides, 'Players in your housewifery, and housewives in... Your beds!' Although initially speaking to Emilia Iago includes Desdemona by the use of the plural, stating the fact that they do not conduct themselves with skill in the house but are very experienced and skilful in bed. This would be amusing to the audience but quite shocking at the same time, for Iago appears very open and truthful when relating this point. Although predominantly Iago's scene, Desdemona plays an important part because of her playful nature with Iago, 'I am not merry, but I do beguile The thing that I am by seeming otherwise'. Desdemona adds a new angle to her character by revealing that she hides what she really feels
Othello is a play about a black man in a white man's world. In Act I we never identify Othello until scene II, when Roderigo says "signor it is the moor."
Othello is a play about a black man in a white man's world. In Act I we never identify Othello until scene II, when Roderigo says "signor it is the moor." Our initial perception of Othello is greatly influenced by Iago and his view of the moor. Through Iago, Shakespeare manipulates our perception of Othello until we are in left in amazement at the confidence of the Moor in scene II. Iago is a public servant with a complex and mysterious private life. Act I begins with Iago and end with an important soliloquy by Iago. In scene I, Iago's first like is "...If ever I did dream of such a matter abhor me." Although we are not aware at the time, he refers to the moor, and harbors far from affectionate feelings as an ancient towards his employer; he calls him "thick lips". As Iago's speech ends Act I, he clearly professes his hate for Othello. "I hate the moor." Iago, the master puppeteer in Act I demonstrates his manipulative characteristics. In scene I he instigates Roderigo to wake Brabantio. At this point of the play, Iago's sense of practicality is revealed. Iago well aware that having an affair with the senator's daughter is not strong enough a reason to get the moor dismissed, he conveniently, "show(s) out a flag and sign of love."(To the moor) Iago proves true to his character and swears by Janus, the Roman two-faced god of beginnings. Iago's character cannot forgive or
Othello Act 2, Scene 3
Christina Williams Othello Act 2, Scene 3 In this section this situation is tense for the audience because they know that all the things that have happened are because of Iago's plan, despite the fact he is coming across as the nice guy to Cassio. Iago doesn't show his concealed anger towards Othello to Cassio but in this scene Iago's evil plan becomes clearer. Iago is a very cunning character and he adds tension to the play the audience know what he is planning but the other characters don't so they give him a lot of trust and respect. On the other hand there is Cassio who is the complete opposite. He is a kind hearted and trust worthy man with good intentions, but, he loses Othello's trust because he is easily led astray by Iago and then provoked by Roderigo. Iago conceals his intentions well: 'What was he that you followed with your sword?' He cunningly makes sure that Cassio is not suspicious of him by enquiring about Roderigo. Turn taking is very important in this scene because Cassio has a lot of respect for Iago and Iago is pretending to have a lot of respect for Cassio. Therefore, they have no desire to talk over one another. The pace of the conversation is quite fast because Cassio is panicking about the loss of his reputation. The opening line of Cassio's, however, slows the pace: 'Ay, past all surgery.' This is because the audience and Cassio are led
othello. DISCUSS THE DRAMATIC IMPACT OF ACT 1 SCENE 3 AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE PLAY AS A WHOLE
DISCUSS THE DRAMATIC IMPACT OF ACT 1 SCENE 3 AND ITS IMPORTANCE TO THE PLAY AS A WHOLE In this essay I shall discuss the importance of Act 1, Scene 3 to the play as a whole. 'Othello' is a classic play written by William Shakespeare in the 17th century. The play is about evil, betrayal, trust and demonstrates the society of the time. It also has a classic tragic ending much like 'Romeo and Juliet'. The main character is Othello, the only black character in the play. Desdemona, a white woman, gives up her family for her love for Othello. It seemed that the 'noble moor' had a perfect marriage. This perfect marriage and bond however is destroyed by Iago's deception and trickery. Iago's motives are that he wants revenge on Othello promoting Cassio over himself and through planting the seeds of suspicion into the moors mind his marriage dies and in its place jealousy and anger grows to the point of death. Iago is a deceiving, untrustworthy and evil character in the play. As a result of Iago's evil, not only Othello's but also other innocent lives are lost. Act 1 scene 3 opens with the Duke and the Senators in council, they are in a very important meeting about their enemy the "Turks". The first stage direction in Act 1 Scene 3 is 'set at a table with lights'. These candle lights are an indication that it is night time because during Shakespeare's time his plays were all
"Desdemona's naivety and goodness are the cause of her own destruction."
"Desdemona's naivety and goodness are the cause of her own destruction." I will now discuss the given title. To a point, I actually agree with this statement and reading up to the act where Desdemona has started to pester Othello about Cassio shows some significance of her immaturity. She probably does not 'love' Othello on the basis that she had implied and after eloping with him has starting to notice his habits and perhaps doesn't prefer them. But there are many hitches that add to Desdemona's destruction her not knowing at times what she says and where she involves herself into is what makes her the one to suffer. I believe that Desdemona is clearly innocent of the charges of her having an affair with Cassio. Iago as usual uses his cunning ways and is therefore again presenting Desdemona to look low in Othello's eyes, he uses his mysterious plans and we see Desdemona who doesn't some how make it clear but after not doing any wrong is the one who suffers. Nevertheless, Desdemona has put herself in a position to be a victim of her decision to marry the Moor and to elope with him, when hardly knowing him. In Othello, conflict on the social and political levels is an essential part of the story. Yet within the relationship of Othello and Desdemona, one that should be conflict-free, we find the most important and the deepest rifts. There are factors at work in their
How do you respond to the presentation of racial and sexual issues in Othello in Act I scene iii?
Adheela Rafique How do you respond to the presentation of racial and sexual issues in Othello in Act I scene iii? Bear in mind: * Opposing points of view * How this scene fits into the context of the play as a whole when you present your argument. Othello is a play by Shakespeare which is said to be written in the first quarto of 1622, according to William Rolfe. There are several ideas explored through the play: Sex and violence, Love and Hate, Honour and Dishonesty, Loyalty and Betrayal, Trust and Suspicion. There are also many themes in this play, some of these are: pride, jealousy and racism. However the main theme throughout the play is the love between Othello and Desdemona. William Rolfe in his book of A life of William Shakespeare explains that stokes were written in the quarto of 1622, the oath 'S' blood while this is omitted in folio. In 1622, Othello was first put into print by Thomas Walkley which was the last edition of single play before collected edition. Othello was Shakespeare's best plays during the seventeenth century. Othello had made the transition from stage to film over twenty times and from stage to TV at least 5 times. The most recent adaptation was by Laurence Fishborne and Kenneth Brannagh, which was open in 1995. Othello was set at the end of the sixteenth century in the backdrop of wars between Venice and Turkey. Venice was the opening
How does Shakespeare create dramatic tension in Act 3 Scenes 3 and 4, in order to involve the Audience?
How does Shakespeare create dramatic tension in Act 3 Scenes 3 and 4, in order to involve the Audience? To identify the main events leading to Act 3 scenes three and four we only have to look at the soliloquies made by Iago. These can be found in Act 2 scene 1, Act 2 scenes 2 and 3. The first shows how Iago begins to think about trying to displace Cassio form his position "...to get his place..." and he will do this by tricking both Cassio and Othello, "In double knavery." After that he tells the audience that he will some how use Cassio's "smooth dispose" (charming manner) and that he will take advantage of Othello's "...free and open nature..." from this we see that Iago already has a semi formed plan which he will reveal further into the play. This is done in the second soliloquy where Iago develops the plan further. This is done by telling the audience that Cassio does loves Desdemona and it would not be too difficult for the other characters in the play to believe that she would love him back. He also tells us of the reasons behind his hatred of Othello. Iago appears to have created the idea that Othello has slept with his wife, Emelia, this is shown when he says that he suspects "...the lusty moor hath leaped into my seat," but this could also be in reference to Iago believing Othello has taken what should be Iago's place within the army. This along with Iago's idea
