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In the context of both the original and adaptation of Shakespeare’s, ‘Othello’ Iago is seen as an honest and loyal character. In the play he is constantly referred to as ‘honest Igao’. In the film Hugo is said to be Odin’s ‘man’ that will always have his back. Iago gives the perception to the other characters that he is honest, but to the audience he is obviously a dishonest person. The audience can see his vile intentions and his evil nature which is hidden from the other characters in the play by his acts of illusional honesty. ‘I am not what I am’ (Act 1 Scene 1). Iago boasts that nobody really knows him. Iago’s scheme is brought upon by his craving for revenge against Othello. As Othello promoted Cassio to be lieutenant instead of…
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Honesty can be defined as both truthfulness and loyalty. And an honest friend is one who is always there and always tells the truth. In William Shakespeare's Othello, the Moor of Venice, Iago, an ancient, villian, and antagonist, has a reputation for honesty. Known distinctly as "Honest Iago," Iago utilizes his honesty for dishonest purposes. Perhaps "Honest Iago" is best known for his articulation since he is ironic and sarcastic. He mocks other ideas that he considers excessive and not his own, yet portrays himself to be grounded. By asking many questions and appealing to common sense, Iago's wit surpasses all major male characters in this captivating drama. Through the personalities of Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, Iago precisely locates each man's weakness; love,…
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In Othello, Iago is a power thirsty, problematic man of deception. Iago admits to his knowledge of his trickery QUOTE. This proves that he is fully aware of what he is doing and he plans on using this to his advantage. Iago plants thoughts of doubt in Othello's mind repeatedly…
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In contrast, tricking people into thinking that false statements are true and going out of your way to hurt someone is another flaw Iago relinquishes; this time, on the star of the play. He tricks Othello into thinking that his wife is cheating on him with his best lieutenant. Knowing this false fact, Othello is devastated and his jealousy towards Cassio builds greatly. Every little thing that Iago hints at increases Othello’s jealousy by another…
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Being as smart as he is, Iago is quick to recognize the advantages of trust and uses it as a tool to forward his purposes. Throughout the story he is commonly known as, and commonly called, "Honest Iago." He even says of himself, "As I am an honest man...." [Act II, Scene III, Line 285] Iago is a master of abuse in this case turning people's trust in him into tools to forward his own goals. He slowly poisons people's thoughts, creating ideas in their heads without implicating himself. "And what's he then that says I play the villain, when this advice is free I give, and honest," [Act II, Scene III, Line 356] says Iago, the master of…
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In the play, Othello by William Shakespeare, one of the main characters Iago is a master of both deception and manipulation. One will see throughout the play how Iago manipulates people, even the mighty black war general, Othello.…
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Another method that Iago uses to persuade Othello with is pathos, or passion. Iago uses this method to his advantage. Iago says to Othello, "I am sure it was your wife's - did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with" (3.3.435). Iago claims that he witnessed Cassio using Desdemona's handkerchief to wipe his beard. He is lying to Othello to make him think that Desdemona gave away the handkerchief, to Cassio. Othello says, "Within these three days let me hear that Cassio's not alive" (3.3.469). Othello falls into Iago's trap and now wants his friend Cassio dead. Othello should not put all of his trust in Iago, but should talk with Desdemona and Cassio first before taking such harsh actions. Iago is making Othello have a strong feeling of hate for both Cassio, and Desdemona.…
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Many of the characters portrayed in Othello are successful in creating a deceitful and two-faced persona to an extent that how they are perceived in the public eye is not how they behave in reality. This is seen through Iago, as he uses public perception that he is in fact an honest and trustworthy man which he uses to deceive and manipulate others for his personal…
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Throughout the play Iago displays an ability to identify flaws and weaknesses of others, which allows him to create devastation through subverting others who follow their own agenda, to achieve a web of events. In the quote “Where I the Moor, I would not be Iago. In following him, I follow but myself” – Act I, Scene I, Iago explains to Roderigo, that he follows Othello, not out of love or duty, but because he feels he can exploit Othello’s flaws. Iago identifies Othello’s trusting nature, as seen in the quote “That thinks men honest that but seem to be so” Act I, Scene II and plans to use Othello’s trust in him, which he considers is a flaw, to bring about Othello’s downfall. Shakespeare uses the character Iago to highlight issues relating to trust and betrayal “I follow him, to serve my turn upon him”- Iago, Act I, Scene I. Iago is the ultimate protagonist, his lack of morals, duplicitous nature and ability to manipulate others allows him to make Othello trust in the untrustworthy, Iago, and betray the people loyal to him, Desdemona. The central themes of trust and betrayal in Othello are reliant on the character Iago to create and accentuate. It is this reliance on Iago that suggests that he is a central for the understanding and interpreting of the play…
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Iago is the character that made the lies and slowly but surely plotted. Everyone in town knows that Iago is honest. Therefore, Othello has no real reason to doubt Othello. “Iago is most honest” (2.3.7) when in reality Iago can’t stand the thought of Othello being happy. This is the most ironic part in the play to me because Iago is the least honest man in the whole play. “the moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest and seem to be so, and will tenderly be led by thee’ nose as asses are” (1.3.392) this shows how Othello lacks hubris. Othello’s blind trust of Iago and his lack of understanding of Desdemona shows that he still had a mindset of a war time soldier-trust no one but your male companions.…
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In Shakespeare’s Othello, the main characters Cassio and Iago portray how important reputation can be. Iago uses his reputation as an advantage; he manipulates Cassio, Othello and his wife Emilia. No one knows that Iago has two colors and is masking his true self. Othello is under the impression that Iago is an honest man, and he puts his faith and trust on him. Iago starts hinting that Desdemona is being unfaithful to Othello, “She did deceive her father, marrying you ;( III, iii, 206-208). Othello becomes paranoid and doubtful and becomes doubtful of his wife. Iago had malice towards Cassio and he convinces Cassio by…
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Perfect people does not exist in this world of lies, deceits, temptations and failures. In fact, every single person has their own strengths and weaknesses, and there is always the chance that someone will use this flaw against that man. Shakespeare’s play Othello shows a great example of how one can control others exploiting their weakness and flaw. The character Iago, cunning, envious, and manipulative, is the centre of all evil in the play, managing to deceit everybody under his own disguise.…
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“Deceit and falsehood, whatever conveniences they may for a time promise or produce, are in the sum of life obstacles to happiness. Those who profit by the cheat distrust the deceiver, and the act by which kindness is sought puts an end to confidence”(Johnson218).Iago’s motives for his actions may be jealousy, greed, paranoia , and even the simple fact of seeing if he can get away with it. Iago has built a reputation that yields its own gravity. If Shakespeare’s setting took place in America, Iago would be the American dream. He’s married, he is a sound soldier, has an affinity for people, and is always there to help someone in need. Iago is the typical role model. What society fails to realize is that Iago does noble acts when visible but it remains unknown as to what his true intentions are. Iago’s relationship with Othello is one that gives with the right hand and takes with the left. In the right hand, putting race aside, Iago looks up to Othello as a father: he desires his attention, always wants to be involved in his life, and is someone whose footsteps he’d like to follow. Then we have Iago’s left hand, which takes race into account, cannot stand Othello to the point that his very own existence is to become the poison that fills his lungs and the host of the illusion that clouds his mind. The relationship between them is almost incredulous. Iago literally wants to be everything for Othello, the good and the bad. For this reason I believe it vindicates Iago’s methods towards Cassio.…
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Probably, Iago's most potent weapon in helping him manipulate others is the fact that he is known as "honest Iago". All the main characters trust him and due to this he is able to give them advice, which they think might benefit them but rather is getting them caught in Iago's web. This occurs many times and one such moment is when Cassio thinks Iago is trying to aid him by telling him to "Confess yourself / freely to her", meaning that Cassio should ask Desdemona for help in restoring friendly relations between himself and Othello. Although what Iago intends to happen is very…
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Iago is one of the most interesting characters in Othello. He is full of jealousy, greed, selfishness, and hatred. At first, it seems Iago is only jealous of Othello because he has chosen Cassio for lieutenant instead of Iago. When it is revealed Iago is developing a plot in order to take down Othello, a shift in Iago’s character is seen. He is not only jealous, but he acts on his jealousy, making him appear crueler than when first introduced. As Iago explains, “The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by th' nose as asses are. I have ’t. It is engendered! Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light” (I.iii.336-341). Iago notices Othello’s character and acts on his weaknesses, showing both his cruelty and intelligence. Iago deceives Othello, who trusts him the most throughout the story, often referring to Iago as “honest Iago” (I.iii.294). Shakespeare uses irony continuously throughout the play when it comes to Iago. One of the most ironic parts of the play is the fact Othello puts great trust into Iago, who lies…
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