Othellos traveled the world where hes encountered cannibals and a race of men whose heads grow beneath their shoulders. On the surface, Iago is angry with . The reader can infer Iago has been deceiving Roderigo all along when suggests Othello, goes into Venice and takes away with him the fair Desdemona (4.2.232-233). Yet his behaviour is no more explicable in this novel than it is in any of the biographies. Iago is only after one thing, to be appointed lieutenant, and he will do whatever is necessary to reach his goal. Once Othellos suspicions are aroused, he cant let the notion of Desdemonas unfaithfulness go. Brabantio accepts Othello as an occasional house guest, but not as a son-in-law. The following analysis reveals a comprehensive look at the Storyform for Othello. He understands she has also made the voyage at risk to herself just to be with her husband, and says that if he were to die at that moment, it would be at the peak of his happiness. He has told Roderigo, Desdemonas rejected suitor, the news in hopes of using the degraded Roderigo in his plot to destroy Othello. Secondly, Iago uses Othellos hatred and jealousy of Cassio and Desdemona to not only get Cassio out of the way, but to harm Othello. A romantic and heroic warrior with a frank and honest nature, he has a weakness which makes him vulnerable to Iagos diabolic temptation. Although openness is evident in the subjective story its the use of preconception that carries greater impact. Desdemona says that Cassio won't say that, and Othello counters, "No, his mouth is stopp'd; / Honest Iago hath ta'en order for't" (5.2.71-72). George Eliot is intensely present in her novels. Working from their surviving letters, OShaughnessy successfully recreates their literary comradeship; their true intimacy proves harder to represent. Othello has promoted Cassio to the rank of lieutenant over Iago, his long-time ensign. To him, her denial is an attack on his honor. He suggests that Cassio ask Desdemona to influence Othello to reinstate him, causing conflict between husband and wife; Desdemona thinks shes helping Cassio by insisting that Othello reconcile with him immediately, but she is only implicating herself; Emilia tries to bolster Desdemonas spirits by telling her about the nature of men, advice Desdemona does not want nor need. Desdemonas so much in love with Othello that when she sees his shocking change toward her, she cant accept that he doesnt love her anymore. It is possible that he is jealous of Cassio not for being promoted, but for his closeness to Othello. Cassio mourns his ruined reputation. His immediate reaction to being demoted for his drunken brawling is shock and shame. In many cases however, this love proves to be misguided or false. When Iago tells Othello of Desdemonas affair with Cassio, he pledges his loyalty to Iago. Although Othello is a highly respected general in the Venetian army, hes also a Moor. At this point the reader understands the young relationship forming between Othello and Desdemona. He keeps up his torment of Othello, finally telling Othello that Cassio has confessed to an affair with Desdemona to Iago himself. IS IAGO GAY? Later in the scene, after Emilia has revealed the truth about Iago and the handkerchief, Lodovico shows Othello letters found on Roderigo. Because of Desdemonas past deceit, we see Othellos struggle between his love for Desdemona and endearment for Iago. Othello questions Emilia about Cassio and Desdemona's relationship, acting as if Emilia is the mistress of a brothel and Desdemona one of her prostitutes. When Iago accuses Desdemona of adultery, Othello asks for proof. In the same way balance provides structure in ones life, imbalance can also bring about ones undoing. I havent! Othello focuses his attention on where he thinks the problem is, Desdemonas unfaithfulness. Interleaved with the biofiction are chapters set in the present day, featuring an academic called Kate who works at a fictional London university and is trying to write a novel about Eliot, based on fact biography, letters, diaries. Love is just one of the many presented circumstances that require such attachments, the purest and most, Shakespeare does not provide any clear hint about the specific ethnicity of Othello. As an example of an unessential condition put on the story requirement of memory, Emilia should have remembered her husbands unsavory past, and used her suspicions to envision a plan to thwart his interference with Othello and Desdemonas marriage. However, there is no. Iago has vowed revenge on Othello for the oversight. Forth, my sword: he dies" (Act V Scene 1). Hell and night/Must bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light. (I,iii,421-22). As it turns out, the testimony of Othello and Desdemona persuades everyone, even Brabantio, that Desdemona married Othello of her own free will. Mar.05.2021. "Othello" is one of William Shakespeare's most acclaimed tragedies. (5.2.63-66). Fast tracking all the way to act four, we see one of the most cleverly executed methods of building Othello's jealousy through the use of miscommunication. weep'st thou for him to my face?" Iago uses logic to inflame Othello with jealous rage so that hell disgrace himself and satisfy Iagos need to feel superior over him. Come lieutenant. Hes destroyed by his own man. Iago's lies about Cassio feed into Othello's self-doubt to the point that Othello doesn't believe the truth when he hears it; he believes the "evidence" that fits with his . Iago uses logic to take revenge against Othello, and to satisfy his craving for power over everyone around him. Why does Iago think that Emilia has slept with both Othello and Cassio, and where in the play does he voice these suspicions? Evidence of jealousy in Iago is more prominent and very evident in the beginning of the play when he explains to Roderigo that Othello has moved Cassio to lieutenant (the position Iago desires) although three of Venices most noble nobleman have informed Othello and Iago has fought in front of Othello in Rhodes and Cyprus (Shakespeare 1.1. He dupes Roderigo into giving him money to promote Roderigos suit for Desdemona; convinces Roderigo to sell his lands, get the money, and follow her to Cyprus; uses him to discredit Cassio; persuades him to kill Cassio so that Roderigo can finally have Desdemona. Another form of misguided love in Othello occurs between Bianca and Cassio. In act One, scene one we see Iago's conversation with Roderigo about Cassio being promoted ahead of him and how Iago believes that this is because of favourtism. Cassio, insensible to his responsibilities, is demoted. Iago badgers Emilia into stealing Desdemonas handkerchief so he can use it to inflame Othellos jealousy of Cassio. Infographic PLUS Why does Iago hate Othello? Iago tells him: Othello is a play about jealousys causes and effects. After he learns that Cassio served in the trusted position as go-between when Othello was wooing Desdemona, Iago implies that Cassio betrayed that trust by pursuing her himself. Cassio considers that he cant tolerate wine, but gets drunk, gets involved in a brawl, and is demoted as punishment. Iago does not stop there, his jealously leads him to start infecting others and the first is Roderigo, a nave gentleman in Venice. Othello and Iagos relationship grows closer the more Iago uses events in the past to taunt Othello. The reader can see an internal struggle form in Othello when he goes to kill Desdemona. He manipulates Cassio into discrediting himself. Registration number: 16320965. As Iagos manipulations progress Othellos future crumbles rapidly until there is no love and no life left. Othellos driven toward closure, so much so he cant wait a few hours to let Desdemona defend herself. He has built his self-worth and future upon Desdemonas faith in him as a man, so when shes accused of breaking that faith, Othello is shattered. Tall, dark-skinned man, part Berber, part Arab, in his early forties. Although Desdemonas willing to sail with him to Cyprus, Othello leaves her under Iagos protection to bring her only when its safe. His plan would not have otherwise come to fruition had Othello not allowed his emotion to overpower his logic. . When Desdemona awakes Othello accuses her of having an affair with Cassio and says "That handkerchief which I so loved and gave thee / Thou gavest to Cassio" (5.2.48-49). The appointment, undeserved in Iagos eyes, justifies the villains cruel revenge against him: We know that Cassio is of good standing due to Desdemonas passionate defense of him. When Iago tells Othello that Brabantio will try to annul his marriage to Desdemona, Othello replies that he is worthy of her, and that for her he has given up some precious freedom. This appears to be the turning point for Othello, when here after he completely changes; he becomes too deep into jealousy that there seems to be no return. Perdition catch my soul/ But I do love thee! fool!" The fact that it actually happened is still pretty unbelievable. Ed. When he learns, too late, that his wife is blameless, he asks to be remembered as one who loved not wisely but too well, and kills himself. (Merriam-Websters Encyclopedia of Literature, p. 844). Why does Iago hate Cassio? Iago gets his wish when Othello makes him his lieutenant after he vows to kill Cassio. Later, still desiring proof of Desdemonas guilt, Othello demands that she give him her handkerchief. Initially, Othello is a respected and honorable military general, admired by his peers and superiors. Roderigo is Iagos dupe, his fool. Their differences, namely Othellos age and race, however, appear to linger in his mind, causing him some uneasiness. / 'Tis but a man gone. The line "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" appears in Act 1, Scene 1. He sets to work with such zeal, weaving every new piece of information into his diabolical plot to discredit Cassio and turn Othellos finer qualities against him. Iago, putting his plot into action, persuades Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with . He overlooks her devotion and innocence: she gave up her home and family for him and has had no opportunity to have a thousand times committed adultery with Cassio. Othello learns that he is As ignorant as dirt! (V,ii,197) from Emilia, Desdemonas waiting-woman; it was Emilia who took Desdemonas handkerchief and gave it to Iago; that he, Othello, has murdered his innocent, loving wife. "'Othello': Cassio and Roderigo." HoweverIn the end, Roderigo is betrayed by his lover in the end when Iago stabs and kills himIago betrays Roderigos love and stabs him. He faces them with calm and confidence. Desdemona anxiously waits for Othello. However, Othello trusts the erroneous advice from Iago and brings himself to kill his true love. While on the surface Iago helps others, his efforts are directed toward hindering Othello, Cassio, and Roderigo. Othello endeavors to prove or disprove his wifes infidelity. Her recollections cause Iago to kill her for revealing the truth. Shakespeare utilizes Desdemonas dying cries to signify not only her death, but also the death of the only true love in the play. The more the characters use memory the greater the problems become in the story. Get your custom essay, Dirty Pretty Things Acts of Desperation: The State of Being Desperate, Remember! Alone for a moment, Iago tells us that he's going to drop the handkerchief in Cassio's lodging where Cassio will be sure to find it. However, Roderigo finally outsmarts him by quickly writing a letter which he places in his pocket, pointing to Iagos involvement in the plot and his guilt. 10 - 30). Othello will think that Cassio is laughing about his relationship with Desdemona, and "As he [Cassio] shall smile, Othello shall go mad" (4.1.100), Iago's plan works more than perfectly. Iago convinces his dupe, Roderigo, to slay Cassio. However, when he and Bianca are together, Cassio refers to her as, Sweet Bianca (3.4.180). Othello wants evidence of his claims before he finally decides if she was cheating on him with Cassio. Roderigo contemplates his chances of winning Desdemona if Cassio is discredited, and agrees to pick a fight with him during the celebration. Desdemonas unshakable love for Othello keeps her from realizing shes in real danger, until its too late. Jamieson, Lee. He makes Iago his new lieutenant, creating a strong bond between them for the future. Because Othellos relationship with Iago outdates the love with Desdemona, Othello begins to question the purity of his bond with Desdemona. Othello is tempted to question his marriage, asking himself, Why did I marry? (III,iii,276) Hes also tempted to know what Iago is holding back from him, giving Iago even more power over him. Excellent wretch! From the beginning he tells us, In following him [Othello], I follow but myself. The play describes the protagonist Othellos disintegration and the tragic consequences of his moral deterioration. Iago Character Analysis Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. The biographers could only suspect as much. Wise, ironical, psychologically subtle, she speaks to us in the first person. As a result of this failure: Othello and Desdemonas marriage is destroyed; Othello goes mad from Iagos insinuations and murders the naive Desdemona; Roderigo, tricked into trying to kill Cassio, is then murdered by Iago; Emilia is murdered by Iago when she reveals his treachery; Othello commits suicide when he learns of Desdemonas innocence; Iago himself is sentenced to torture and execution contrary to his plans for his future. Brabantio thinks of Othello as the Moorish soldiera well-behaved barbarianand will never accept him as a son-in-law. Othellos openness to Iagos suggestions drives him to denounce his marriage, abuse his wife, eavesdrop on a man he once trusted, bond with Iago, and plan the murders of his wife and Cassio. Noses, ears, and lips. In his desperation, Cassio falls into Iagos trap once more as he implores Desdemona to help him win his job back. As the new leader, he is given the responsibility of dealing with Othello's fate: As a result, the audience is left to ponder whether Cassio will be cruel to Othello or forgiving. thou dost stone my heart, / And makest me call what I intend to do / A murder, which I thought a sacrifice: / I saw the handkerchief!" In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready This is Othello's last chance to prove to himself that he's in the right, that he knows the truth, but the evidence of the handkerchief does not make her confess. Homosexuality is a theme both hinted at and explicitly referenced within the story. In doing this, he won Othellos trust, ruined Desdemona and Othellos relationship, as per Roderigos payment to him, and eventually became named lieutenant after Cassios demotion. Indeed, Iagos able to manipulate everyone because they think hes honest, responsible, and an ever-loyal ensign. He proudly states, I am not what I am. (I,i,69) His capacity for deceit is astounding and lethal. She denies everything and continues to deny it, even when he warns her against perjury. Roderigo does not feel any loyalty towardsOthello, who he believes has stolen his love from him. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best In love with Desdemona and prepared to do anything to get her, Roderigo is easily manipulated by the evil Iago. Iago uses Roderigos jealousy of Othello to manipulate him into doing his dirty work because, he too, wants to see Othello taken down. Already a member? His name is cleared by Emilia and as Othello is stripped of his duties, we are told that Cassio now rules in Cyprus. In order to sort out the adulterous situation, Othello confides in his long time friend Iago. Later Iago reminds Othello of Brabantios warning about Desdemona, She has deceived her father, and may thee. (I,iii,318), Othello, a general serving the Venetian state, unwittingly provokes the jealousy of Iago, his ensign, who had expected promotion, by instead promoting Cassio, who, Iago claims, has little experience. The show is much better than the book which is unusual. Although we know little about the context of the conversation, Shakespeare utilizes the syntax of speech to give character traits. OShaughnessy has also plundered these for shards of her dialogue; there is a great deal of Eliot uncontestably there in the novel. The evening in which the story begins, Othello has eloped with Desdemona, a Venetian senators young daughter. Iago. Emilias outrage at Desdemonas murder drives her to defy Iago and expose him as a liar which causes him to kill her. Iago takes advantage of the desperate former suitor of Desdemona and controls his emotions like a puppeteer pulling strings. ThoughtCo. Once Othellos temper is engaged any conscience he has is swallowed up by his blood-thirsty need for revenge against his wife and Cassio. Nature would not invest herself in such shadowing passion without some instruction. Once he decides to end his torment by killing her, nothing Desdemona says can make him look beyond himself for the truth. Othello at the End of the Play: By the end of the play, Othello undergoes a tragic transformation. nonetheless it was a good read. In Shakespeares time, homosexuality was often frowned upon and not considered socially acceptable. Cassio says that he found it, and Iago has just now confessed that he dropped the handkerchief where he was sure that Cassio would find it. He does this by planting false evidence and manipulating Othello's emotions, leading him to believe that Desdemona is unfaithful. If the characters fail to see through Iagos deceit and save Othello and Desdemonas marriage, many of them will not have a future. Patent #5,734,916; #6,105,046. Why does Othello care about Desdemona's handkerchief How does Iago manipulate Desdemona? However, Iago's manipulations and the seeds of jealousy planted in . Brabantino believes only, spells and medicine, could allow a moor to take his daughter from him (1.3.63). Desdemonas love for and obedience to Othello compels her to let him smother her. In the tragedy Othello, Shakespeare develops themes of trust and betrayal and employs dramatic conventions such, This is an essay on the play Othello. After this victory, Iagos still unwilling to ease up on his torture of Othello, and ruins himself along with the Moor. The use of closure accelerates the story. Roderigo is a simple-minded fool who believes that by giving money to a lowly ensign he can win the love of Desdemona, have her marriage to Othello dissolved, and restore her virtue. His motive throughout the play is to get Cassio demoted from the. Othello has plans to live happily ever after with his wife while Iago is dedicated to shatter the Moors future. At all points of ones life, one has desires; what separates and defines a person is determined by how that person goes about dealing with those desires. Having been presented with evidence Othello accepts it on face value, without considering why Iago is defaming Desdemona, or contemplating the larger issues surrounding the accusation. Othello wants Desdemona, and by winning her he hopes to gain the acceptance of Venetian society at large. The objective characters deal with the effects of the storys problems which occur when help is used. His manipulation over each character truly put him as the most powerful character, at least until his true intentions were later revealed. Roderigo, Desdemonas rejected suitor, has been paying Iago to help him win her. Othellos openness allows Iago to manipulate him into murder. When Brabantio accuses him of witchcraft in front of the Venetian senate, the members disbelieve the charges because of his stellar reputation. Free UK p&p over 15. But Othello is corrupted and quickly becomes an irrational, despondent madman, an abusive husband, a murderer, and after realizing his colossal mistake, he kills himself. He must start to question Iagos motives for accusing Desdemona of being unfaithful, and look beyond the surface of events for their true meaning and greater implications. As the play starts to unwind, you can see jealousy is the major cause of all the drama in the play. If she is sometimes sententious, it is because she is passing on hard-won lessons. Although Bianca sees his treatment as affection, Cassio, being a womanizer, complements her to get attention in return. Othellos blind trust in Iago keeps him from seeing his ensigns malice. Print. By using this device, Shakespeare hints that Iago may think of Roderigo as a fool that can be easily manipulated. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/othello-cassio-and-roderigo-2984780. I will describe Iago and Othello's character, also how Iago poisons his mind and how Othello's character changes throughout the play.In the play we study the character of Iago and how he acts towards and, Graduateway.com is owned and operated by Clarketic O During that time he fell in love with Brabantios young daughter, Desdemona, who became enchanted by his life story. The fact that it actually happened is still pretty unbelievable. He says, "Out, strumpet! Desdemona loves Othello and will continue to love him no matter how he treats her. Iagos use of denial prevents Othello from discovering his true nature, and this slows the growth of a positive relationship. In addition to the Storyform, you'll also find any additional analysis or media related to the story in question. As a result, Othello goes from truly loving his wife to hating her with a passion. Iago is awarded the lieutenancy. He however promotes Michael Cassio over Iago as his lieutenant. With him, it's a tense drama with a devastating conclusion. She becomes sad, singing the fatalistic Willow song as she prepares for bed. When scheming to make Othello think that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, Othellos lieutenant, he plays on her concern for people, and her willingness to help Cassio come back into Othellos favor: So will I turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her goodness make the net/ That shall enmesh them all (II, iii, 360-62). The Turkish fleet encounters a storm off of the coast of Cyprus and turns back, ending the threat of war. In order to inflame Othellos jealousy, Iago pretends to be his friend and gives him a warning. Othello is driven to torment Desdemona. OShaughnessys title refers not just to her own literary passion. match. At this point, the reader can see Cassio loves the attention from women not necessarily the women themselves. Iago twists the love between Desdemona and Cassio to derail Othellos relationship with Desdemona. Summary: Act II, scene i On the shores of Cyprus, Montano, the island's governor, watches a storm with two gentlemen. As the opposite of all that is valued in the play, Iago is able to make the virtue of the other characters into their downfalls without them suspecting it. At the start of the play, Iago is presented as crafty, deceitful, and resentful. Iago wants to become Othellos lieutenant by discrediting Cassio. By continuing well Latest answer posted April 07, 2021 at 11:18:50 AM. If Othello had used the approach that made him a fair and noble man, he could have been successful in discovering Iagos deceit and keeping his marriage intact. Together, Othello and Iagos weaknesses for temptation create a situation where theyre both destroyed. If Othello goes to Mauritania, Cassio will be assigned Othellos place. He is convincing in his . M.A., Theater Studies, Warwick University, B.A., Drama and English, DeMontfort University. When Roderigo disagrees, Iago continues to lie by telling Roderigo that Desdemona believes Cassio is much more handsome than her ugly husband, who she is no longer interested in. To order a copy go to guardianbookshop.com. lie on her! Cassio helps Othello court Desdemona by acting as go-between before their marriage, and his kindness is used against him later; Brabantio hopes to save his daughters reputation by rescuing her from Othello on her wedding night, yet he only alienates Desdemona; Iago offers to help Roderigo steal Desdemona away from her husband; Iago gives advice to Cassio after his reputation is ruined.