Thursday, January 26, 2012
Othello
Throughout all three acts so far it is very apparent how Iago feels towards Othello, Cassio, and his other companions. Yet, Shakespeare never mentions how the others really feel about Iago. It is hinted that Iago is respected and regarded as "honest", but aside from this there are no other personal reactions towards him. The mystery about Iago and his manipulations definitely creates suspense throughout the plot. The audience is constantly questioning what Iago will do next. I think Shakespeare may be trying to create the idea that nobody has any idea about Iago and his plans. Iago seems a bit unsure at times as well. Regarding his wife and whether or not Othello slept with her, he bases everything off of mere suspicion. "But I for mere suspicion in that kind will do as if for surety." (I.iii.369-370) Iago doesn't even seem to have proof or motive for why he does everything in such an extreme way.
Othello, Act II
Is the play a tragedy or comedy, a melodrama or a farce?
I think that Othello is a tragedy. This becomes evident in the play when Iago reveals his true intentions to ruin Othello's marriage and get rid of Cassio (II.i.265-291). Iago's manipulation of Othello throughout the play creates the proper feeling for a tragedy and provides a means for tragedy to occur. Knowing that the play is a tragedy puts Iago's and Othello's actions into a different context. Iago's personality and demeanor revealed through certain situations make it evident that he is not sympathetic or worried about anyone but himself. It seems that Iago's personality in itself makes a tragedy very much in sight. The first three acts characterize Iago as a deceitful, lying, selfish man. In turn, something happening, specifically involving Cassio, Othello or Desdemona seems very inevitable with Iago's constant manipulation with every character.
I think that Othello is a tragedy. This becomes evident in the play when Iago reveals his true intentions to ruin Othello's marriage and get rid of Cassio (II.i.265-291). Iago's manipulation of Othello throughout the play creates the proper feeling for a tragedy and provides a means for tragedy to occur. Knowing that the play is a tragedy puts Iago's and Othello's actions into a different context. Iago's personality and demeanor revealed through certain situations make it evident that he is not sympathetic or worried about anyone but himself. It seems that Iago's personality in itself makes a tragedy very much in sight. The first three acts characterize Iago as a deceitful, lying, selfish man. In turn, something happening, specifically involving Cassio, Othello or Desdemona seems very inevitable with Iago's constant manipulation with every character.
Othello, Act I
What themes does the play present?
The theme that hatred is often based on preconceived notions is prevalent in the first act of "Othello". In the very first act, Iago has an important soliloquy in which he discusses how he "hates the Moor". Iago states "But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor. And it is though abroad that 'twixt my sheets. He's done my office. I know not if't be true, but I for mere suspicion in that kind will do as if for surety." (I.iii.336-370) The hatred towards Othello is caused by "mere suspicion" that Othello slept with Iago's wife. In this way, we are able to see the character that Shakespeare made Iago to be. Iago, though often referred to as honest and loyal, is very motivated by selfishness and greed. Othello, who has a better position than Iago, may have slept with Iago's wife, which makes Iago even more envious of Othello. It seems to me that Iago's hatred is caused by envy or jealousy. Iago's hatred of the Moor carries onto the other acts in the play and seems to serve as the premise as to why Iago behaves the way that he does.
The theme that hatred is often based on preconceived notions is prevalent in the first act of "Othello". In the very first act, Iago has an important soliloquy in which he discusses how he "hates the Moor". Iago states "But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor. And it is though abroad that 'twixt my sheets. He's done my office. I know not if't be true, but I for mere suspicion in that kind will do as if for surety." (I.iii.336-370) The hatred towards Othello is caused by "mere suspicion" that Othello slept with Iago's wife. In this way, we are able to see the character that Shakespeare made Iago to be. Iago, though often referred to as honest and loyal, is very motivated by selfishness and greed. Othello, who has a better position than Iago, may have slept with Iago's wife, which makes Iago even more envious of Othello. It seems to me that Iago's hatred is caused by envy or jealousy. Iago's hatred of the Moor carries onto the other acts in the play and seems to serve as the premise as to why Iago behaves the way that he does.
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