The character Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moore of Venice is a cunning individual whose jealousy is his sole purpose for existence (Bevington, 2014). Moreover, Iago is a student of human weaknesses, likely due to his military background, that becomes adapt a manipulating those around him. Also, manipulation to serve his purpose is not enough, but rather he intends to ruin the lives of those around him whether or not they have truly harmed or disrespected him. So, the picture of Iago is an angry, jealous, manipulative individual who takes pleasure in the pain of others.…
In almost everything you read or watch there is a villain. Villains have been used in stories for a very long time. One particular villain, Iago from the play Othello by Julius Caesar, is a very famous villain. Iago was an extremely bad guy in this play and was always up to no good. The character Iago and his traits have influenced many more modern villains. Iago influenced other villains with his criminal traits of being evil, egotistical, and dishonesty.…
Shakespeare has created the character of Iago as the villain of the play. He drives the plot as he schemes and manipulated other characters. He fascinates and terrifies the audience with his revengeful plotting which he has no real motivation for.…
"I am what I am... Iago" hides under a facade of honesty for his own evil gains. The language clearly conveys his dishonest approacch to bring Othello down. The hatred he feels is based on the flimsy motive of the rumour about his wife. "It is though that betwixt the sheets he hath done my service". The characterization of this machiavellian villain sets up the downfall of the noble "Moore".…
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…
Iago is a cruel and evil man who uses ways to ruin Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. Othello appointed Cassio, to be his lieutenant. Iago was mad when he heard about it, he believes that he should be the one for the position since he knows more. This started off with his jealousy of Cassio. When Othello and Desdemona got married without letting anyone knowing, Iago begins to plot his plan. He used Roderigo to help him throughout the process of his plan to bring down Cassio. He then told Othello lies to ruin his own relationship. He also use Bianca as his part of the plan. Iago got people into thinking he was a nice honest guy, but he uses other people's jealousy and gullibleness for his own benefit.…
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,…
Iago is seen, by other characters in the play as honest and trust worthy and is often referred to as “honest Iago.” Through dramatic irony it is revealed, to the audience, that Iago is in fact a cunning, evil and insidious character as he is “serving [Othello] to take advantage of him” for not promoting…
Iago has the ability to charm and convince all the characters of his loyalty and honesty “Honest Iago”. But to the audience, Iago is a treacherous manipulator always looking to help himself by using the downfall of other characters. He uses many characters to his benefit, recognizing how trustworthy and oblivious these people are. Iago cannot be relied on as he has many masks, behind which he hides. He has many disguises and secrets that he hides from everyone. “I am not what I am” (Act 1, Scene 1, line 67), Iago’s opinion and treatment of women in the play also contributes to the audiences’ perception of him as cruel and unpleasant. Iago treats his wife Emilia in a very derogatory way, “It is a common thing…To have a foolish wife” Iago’s…
Honest Othello: The Handkerchief Once More Author(s): Michael C. Andrews Source: Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900, Vol. 13, No. 2, Elizabethan and Jacobean Drama (Spring, 1973), pp. 273-284 Published by: Rice University Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/449739 . Accessed: 18/07/2013 21:44…
“The story of an hour” by Kate Chopin is a story of enlightenment based on an event that did not occur- the death of Mrs. Mallard’s husband. The main character, Mrs. Mallard, is a woman confined by her marriage. When she discovers that her husband has died tragically, she becomes overwhelmed with a great deal of surprising relief. As if for the first time in her life, she experiences a moment of pure clarity. The surprising elements in the story can be compared to the constant change and unpredictability of nature.…
What holds us back from being evil? What power hinders us from murdering, stealing, and hurting others? Most would say there is the sense of guilt and possible punishment, but regardless, they say that they still would never commit these offenses even with the repercussions not present. This is not true, we overestimate our actual compassion and to be evil is just a matter of being chastised; and with a lack of punishment, we would all be much more evil than we imagine. In Shakespeare's Othello, we tend to empathize with Othello, the honest Moor, in spite of being much more similar to Iago. We would like to imagine that Othello's actions are human nature, but deep down we understand Iago's behavior. Iago's motivations for monetary gain through…
In Othello, Shakespeare exposes Iago’s true self to the audience, or what we think of as his true self. During the last passage in Act I Scene III, Iago is alone on stage and delivers his first soliloquy, where the character shares his inside thoughts. When Iago shares his thoughts concerning Othello, his character starts to come out more. Shakespeare characterizes Iago as someone who wants revenge on Othello and plans a scheme to quench his thirst for vengeance. Shakespeare shows us how vengeful Iago is through his tone, figures of speech and diction.…
directs him as to what identity he holds. By imaging himself as Othello he is able to see the…
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…