Iago's Homosexuality is the key to understanding Shakespeare's characterisation

Iago’s Homosexuality is the key to understanding Shakespeare’s characterisation.

Homosexuality doesn't really occur in renaissance drama, particularly tragedies. So it’s quite surprising that as an audience we are left to wonder if Iago is infact gay.

What can be confirmed is that Iago's sexuality is extremely twisted. He clearly shows negative feelings towards his wife and she could be seen as just a helper in his plans, or even a cover up to his true sexuality. “ You rise play, and go to bed to work.”, he is completely degrading women. Emilia replies, “ You shall not write my praise.” Shakespeare set’s up their rocky relationship from the first exchange we see between them. This means there could be more tension to come from the loveless couple.

Iago tells Othello, “ I am yours favour” this almost sounds like vow for a marriage and sets up the indication that Iago might be gay. Iago describes to Othello, how he "laid" with Cassio, and in Casio’s dream, he mumbled his love for Desdemona and how Cassio started feeling up Iago; perhaps this is an indication of Iago's 'lust' for Cassio in that he is describing to Othello, what he wants Cassio to do to him. It might not be that he's exactly gay, just not really into women either. Iago could be played as vein and love himself ...

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Shakespeare has presented in Iago a character whose only motive is evil for it’s own sake. Do you think either of these views encapsulates Iago and his motives?

There are a number of images of poisoning, which we come to associate with Iago and his methods of manipulation. In act 1 scene 1 the ensign says that he wants to “ Poison his delight” referring to Brabantio. In the following act we learn that Iago’s jealousy of the moor is so strong that it “ Doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards.” Then again later on Iago says he will “ pour this pestilence into ear” and destroy Othello’s “ sweet sleep.” All these references to poison from Iago links with his character, as he is very infectious and deadly like poison. The contrast between Heaven and Hell is represented between Iago and Desdemona. Desdemona is described frequently by other characters, "she is divine, the grace of heaven",

While Iago in contrast is present as the devil from hell. At times Iago's schemes seem to work unrealistically well which you could say proves this idea of magic and potions. The speed that he works at as well shows his power. As soon as everyone arrives in Cypress Iago puts his plans in effect.

At times Iago's schemes seem to work unrealistically well which you could say proves this idea of magic and potions. The speed that he works at as well shows his power. As soon as everyone arrives in Cypress Iago puts his plans in effect.

Peer Reviews

Here's what a star student thought of this essay

groat

20th of Feb 2012

Quality of writing

The essay has a clear introduction, but is lacking a solid conclusion. The last paragraph is duplicated which in my opinion shows a lack of effort to proof read! The language used is overly colloquial at times "we are left to wonder if Iago is in fact gay" which should be avoided. I would have liked to have seen "the audience" used in place of "we" but other than that spelling, punctuation and grammar are fine.

Level of analysis

The analysis in this essay is sound, but I would've liked to seen more close analysis of language and imagery techniques. I did like how this essay shows potential in addressing Shakespeare's constructs, rather than writing as if the characters dictate their actions. However, this is only done a few times, whereas it should be done throughout! There is little awareness of the audience response or dramatic effect when analysing quotes. If I were doing this essay, I would be confident with my argument, suggesting Iago's homosexuality is used by Shakespeare to make the audience hate him further. Being bold with an argument, if evidence is there, rather than sitting on the fence will gain credit! I like how the essay picks up on Iago's use of poison imagery, however there is little discussion of what effect it has. There is no use picking out a good point if it's not fully elaborate upon.

Response to question

Although the first task is ridiculous, this essay engages with the question quite well. It is key to note that there are two questions being set here! I would've liked to have seen some links to a contemporary audience shunning homosexuality, thus linking this to their hatred of Iago's demonic qualities and his manipulation over Othello. There are some brash assumptions made with the homosexuality question. The section regarding motives also engages well with the task, exploring the poison imagery well.

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