William Shakespeare’s play “Othello” like most of his plays is about the premature death of a character who may or may not be considered a tragic hero. Othello, the Moor of Venice, follows him, his wife Desdemona, Cassio, and the main protagonist Iago through a series of unfortunate events that are supposed to be about jealousy between coveting a boss’s wife and a job promotion. The story turns to Iago when he turns into a commanding force that dishevels every character in the play. This is all done through the a simple fact that Iago is consisted an honest man and honest men would not do something so devious. Just by Iago talking Iago changes the tone of the whole scene. With Iago’s plot to destroy Othello just by being his friend and …show more content…
While Othello is in this questioning state towards Desdemona’s honesty and integrity, Iago makes certain claims knowing it would set off Othello’s jealousy and paranoia specifically focusing on the relationship between his wife and Cassio. Phrases like “Did Michael Cassio, When you wooed my lady, know of your love?” is the start to Othello searching for suspicious action from Cassio in past events that did not occur( 3.3 105). His use of repetition makes Othello think and creates problems or negative thoughts where there were none before “Think, my lord?” By heaven, thou echo’st me As if there were some monster in thy thought Too hideous to be shown. Thou dost mean something” (3.3.121-124). Iago’s use of Desdemona’s handkerchief turns Othello’s conceptual paranoia into a more physical entity. Even though it is known the audience that there is no affair between Desdemona and Cassio the lost handkerchief provides tactile evidence to Othello allows Iago’s false accusations to become true “I have use for it. Go, leave me. I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ” (3.3.369-373). Because Iago disrupted Othello’s thoughts of his wife Desdemona, his friend Cassio, and his marriage with the use of paranoia, uncertainty, and jealousy, Othello’s behavior from this point on will be more erratic he even says “now, forever Farewell
There are many reasons of why Iago hates othello so much, some speculate it’s because he was passed over for the promotion or because he believes Othello had sex with his wife Emilia. But the true reason of why Iago does this is unknown he may just be simply because he loves to be in control and twists everyone lives to his liking. Without any proof or evidence Iago repeatedly tells Othello of the affair between his wife and Cassio. He states In sleep I Heard him say "Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves." And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, Cry "O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard, As if he plucked up kisses by the roots, (.......). Iago first sets the visions of the affair into Othello’s head. Othello already started to believe Iago because he is a “moor(black) and believes he is not handsome enough for Desdemona while Cassio is. Eventually, Iago tells othello about Cassio having the handkerchief that he gave his wife, “I know not that; but such a handkerchief I am sure It was your wife’s did I to-day see Cassio wipe his beard with.” (3.3.437-439) The only reason why Cassio has the handkerchief is because Iago obtained it and put it in his room, yet Cassio has no idea who it belongs to. Instead of Othello talking to Cassio, he believes Iago and this was more than enough evidence for Othello. Othello has believed everything Iago has said and believes he has seen it all and vows to kill Cassio and Desdemona, Yet she must die, else she'll betray more men. Put out the light, and then put out the light, If I quench thee, thou flaming minister, I can again thy former light restore.” (5.2.3-9). Iago uses Othello’s insecurities and trust to put a false affair of his wife and Cassio into his head. Othello has no doubt and kills Desdemona and when he realizes that Iago tricked him he takes his own
In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, he teaches the audience a valuable lesson and gives insight to how flaws in our character can be used to bring about our downfall. He uses clever characterization methods to teach that a human's inner turmoils and characters flaws can be used against them and lead to their downfall. His use of characters such as Othello, the tragic hero, and Iago, the villain, work together to create the overarching theme and lesson of this piece.
In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, the Iago is the most important character. It is his dreams, hopes and desires that turn him evil, bringing out the worst possible characteristics in order to achieve all the things he wants. Iago’s manipulative traits, deceitful actions and love for Othello eventually cause the death Emilia, Desdemona and Othello himself.
. He is admired by everyone in the play, even Iago comments on what a good man Othello is. Secondly, a tragic hero can not be perfect. He or she must have a flaw of some kind. In Othello’s case it is that he allows his emotions to take over. Manipulated by Iago’s lies, Othello is forced to confront emotions he obviously can not handle. His wisdom and patience are replaced by anger and hate. The power of these destructive emotions ultimately lead to Desdemona’s death and Othello’s suicide
In Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, Iago is uncharacteristically honest when he says "I am not what I am". However, he is not the only character whose appearance differs from the reality. Nonetheless, he is possibly the only person who intends this duplicity. Unfortunately everyone is under the impression that Iago is "honest and just". Once alone, Iago reveals "when devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows as I do now". Iago is two-faced in his relationships, even in the language he uses. After referring to Othello as a "black ram", he then tells him "my lord, you know I love you". Iago has no shame in appealing to heaven and godly images in
serve god if the devil bid you” and he also says “the moor is now
The second event to this process of tragedy is when Iago uses the handkerchief that he had his wife take to create “proof” that Desdemona was cheating on Othello with Cassio. Already ridden with jealousy, Othello demands Iago that he must have “ocular proof” to Desdemona's “deception.” In line with his devilish plan, Iago tells Othello that, “but such a handkerchief—I am sure it was your wife's—did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with” (Shakespeare 1330), knowing full well that the handkerchief was a precious symbol of love between the moor and Desdemona, although he pretended to be oblivious. His plan once again works its “poison” upon Othello as the moor says, “now do I see
Though the name of the play written by William Shakespeare is called "Othello," the character Othello is not the main character, but rather Iago is. Iago is the character who drives the play, he is the one who makes things happen. Without his greed and hated, there would be no play at all. The whole play is centered around Iago's revenge and in doing so, he is willing to make other people's lives miserable. Through "Othello," Iago uses the other characters to avenge the wrong doings which Othello has inflicted upon him, and will go to any means to do so.
In Othello by William Shakespeare, the villainous Iago devises a plot with the hopes that Othello and his wife, Desdemona, will be separated so that he can take Othello’s position as head of the Venetian Military. Iago’s scheme consists of him convincing Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with his lieutenant, Cassio. Iago has told no one else about his ploy so while everyone else’s actions remain true, he manipulates their every move for his benefit. While their actions may not lead to results that they expected, exploring the reasoning behind everyone’s actions, can give insight to their values since the actions were based on what they believed was the best thing to do. To the characters of Othello, honor is more important than
Iago quickly tried to come up with false evidence to apparently, to prove to Othello that this is indeed, reality, “I know not that; but suck a handkerchief – I am sure it was your wife’s – See Cassio wipe his beard with.”(3.3.496). Iago was supposedly ‘thickening his proofs’, and he insisted that Cassio has Desdemona’s handkerchief. Notice how Iago is exaggerating false allegations, only to make Othello think that Desdemona is unfaithful. It becomes fairly manageable for Iago to sell his tale to Othello, as he takes advantage of Othello’s trust, and reports what he ‘apparently witnessed’. After Iago successfully manipulates Othello, to consider his wife as a false-hearted woman, he doesn’t even think to reflect upon his sinful deeds, revealing his cold-hearted soul to the audience. By now, the viewers can only look down upon Iago with disgust, as he is also breaking a loving relationship between an honest man and his innocent wife. Why would Iago want to harm Desdemona when he clearly hates the Moor, and only the Moor? What was Iago’s purpose in slandering a beautiful, innocent woman? Well, Iago’s villainous schemes continue to leave the audience in disbelief. Then, Iago also vividly describes to Othello, about how Cassio is yearning for Desdemona, “There are a kind of men so loose of soul that in their sleeps will mutter their affairs. One of this kind is Cassio. In sleep I heard
He gets Cassio to talk to Othello’s wife, Desdemona, to ask for his position back and he begins to point out small things like them whispering. When Cassio exits the scene when Othello approaches, Iago does not hesitate to make his move and mentions it. Asking of Iago’s suspicions, Iago says, “Good my lord, pardon me, Though I am bound to every act of duty I am not bound to that all slaves are free to Utter my thoughts” (138-140). This places Othello in the position of being alarmed because what could be so horrible that this “honest” man would want to keep secret from him. Eventually, Iago comes out with his fake suspicions and Othello somewhat believes it but wants some kind of evidence. Fortunately, Iago’s wife, Emilia gets a hold of Desdemona’s handkerchief and gives it to him. He puts more of his plan into action saying, “in Cassio’s lodging [I] lose this napkin. And let him find it. Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ. (331-334). This is enough to convince Othello of Desdemona’s affair with Cassio, enraging him to want to murder the two. Othello decides he will kill his wife, and asks Iago to do the same to
Shakespeare is very well known for his inclusion of tragic flaws throughout the storylines of his novels. Hero’s, as courageous as they may seem, are just like any other person and go through flaws throughout their lifetime regardless of the extent of their situation. In Shakespeare’s novel Othello, with all the events twisting the readers mind from one side to another, there are many distinct qualities that portray Othello’s tragic flaw. Iago was portrayed as an honest character but with his careful deceptions jabbing in Othello’s mind, he is far from honest. Othello’s tragic flaw is that he trusts others opinions more than his own perceptions and Shakespeare develops this flaw by using convincing persuasive appeals and strong syntax throughout
Othello is one of the greatest plays due to its variety of character and themes. The immorality seen in Iago, the gullibility in Othello, and the desperation of Desdemona make the story. The theme of social status plays a huge role in the story. In addition, the theme of appearance versus reality also plays a huge role in how each tragedy happens. In the critical essay “Othello” it discusses the idea that the characters are cast as outsiders due to false interpretation of what is happening or what is being said. On the other hand, the piece “Othello Character Analysis” emphasizes how characterization reflects the greatness of the piece.
Iago is the manipulative villain in the play and cause Othello to be jealous. “I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets he has done my office. I know not if’t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety” (1.3 430-433). Iago reveals his motivation to destroy Othello as there’s a rumor that Othello is sleeping with his wife, Emilia. This rumor caused only more hatred towards Othello. Later on, Iago had malicious plan which involved to create an illusion of Desdemona and Cassio sleeping with one another. Also, he used the handkerchief as a way to show affair of Desdemona and Cassio’s relationship. “Trifles light as air. Are to the jealous confirmations strong. As proofs of holy writ. This may do something” (3.3.370-372).Handkerchief symbolizes the love of Desdemona and Othello. It shows how much they care for one another. Iago realizes the significance of the handkerchief and takes advantage of it. Iago saying that the handkerchief is in Cassio’s possession shows that Desdemona is faithless. Losing the handkerchief was the push that drove Othello to become a violent and vengeful
saying he will “tear her all to pieces” and he tells Iago to let him