"IAGO: ...For whiles this honest fool
Plies Desdemona to repair his fortunes,
And she for him pleads strongly to the Moor,
I'll pour this pestilence into his ear,
That she repeals him for her body's lust,
And by how much she strives to do him good,
She shall undo he credit with the Moor."
Much of the dramatic suspense in this play is created through hearing Iago stating his plans to revenge himself against Othello, but then having to wait for them to play out. The reader knows so much more about what is actually going on because there are many moments where Iago soliloquizes and let's the audience know his true motives or plans, but these do not often come out when he is speaking to other characters. Because the audience knows what is about to happen, they become anxious to see if the plan will work out or not and to see how deceitful Iago will really be. The quote above is found at the end of Act 2 which make it somewhat of a cliffhanger, drawing in the audience so that they don;t lose interest during the break. Seeing Iago build up lie after lie is also suspenseful because the audience constantly wonders if he will be found out. Characters like Iago keep the audience interested with their constant informing and risky behaviors.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Othello: Representations of Prejudice
"IAGO:..She was a wight, if ever such wight were--
DESDEMONA: To do what?
IAGO: To suckle fools and chronicle small beer."
pg. 1387
I am not really surprised by the fact that prejudice exists in this play, but that it is present so often. There are many racial slurs directed at Othello even though he is a noble black man. He is referred to by his fat lips, his soot covered chest, and even called animal names. Iago talks about him as though he were animal, not human. Sexism against women is also very prevalent. In Iago's conversations with Emilia, the reader understands that he does not respect her and they do not get along. He finds her an obnoxious disturbance to his life. Though this may have something to do with the rumors that she committed adultery against him, he is also degrading to women in general. He concludes his discussion with Desdemona by basically stating that all women, no matter their looks or wit, are deceitful and untrustworthy to men. They use what they have to manipulate them. He states that even the least deceitful woman does not deserve honor, but to be a housewife, taking care of children and tending to the cleaning. These derogatory references that Iago and others make add to the reader's dislike of the character. They are viewed as mean and conniving, using things a person cannot change as their argument against them. These types of clues, though unpleasant and somewhat surprising in number, give obvious hints as to who the antagonist is.
DESDEMONA: To do what?
IAGO: To suckle fools and chronicle small beer."
pg. 1387
I am not really surprised by the fact that prejudice exists in this play, but that it is present so often. There are many racial slurs directed at Othello even though he is a noble black man. He is referred to by his fat lips, his soot covered chest, and even called animal names. Iago talks about him as though he were animal, not human. Sexism against women is also very prevalent. In Iago's conversations with Emilia, the reader understands that he does not respect her and they do not get along. He finds her an obnoxious disturbance to his life. Though this may have something to do with the rumors that she committed adultery against him, he is also degrading to women in general. He concludes his discussion with Desdemona by basically stating that all women, no matter their looks or wit, are deceitful and untrustworthy to men. They use what they have to manipulate them. He states that even the least deceitful woman does not deserve honor, but to be a housewife, taking care of children and tending to the cleaning. These derogatory references that Iago and others make add to the reader's dislike of the character. They are viewed as mean and conniving, using things a person cannot change as their argument against them. These types of clues, though unpleasant and somewhat surprising in number, give obvious hints as to who the antagonist is.
Othello: Characters
"IAGO: Oh, sir, content you,
I follow him to serve my turn upon him
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly followed."
pg. 1363
The protagonist of Othello, the Moor of Venice is Othello himself. Depicted as war hero and a crusader that has triumphed over discrimination, he represents the noble and likable character in the story. The only fault found against him are stories like those that claim he kidnaps women or sleeps with the wives of other men; however, these are either false or have not been proven valid. The character who has taken the most obvious role in the story is Iago. He is the antagonist. No matter what Othello does, he is sure to try to ruin it for his own pride and grudge against the man. Because Othello chose to promote Cassio to office and not him, Iago is set against him and tries to ruin his life by any means possible, even the deceit of others. Minor characters such as the Duke serve to move the plot forward. He ends the dispute between Brabantio and Othello, and in turn, gives Iago an idea on how to get revenge upon Othello. Without both major and minor characters and those representing good and bad, the story would lack intrigue and appeal. The plot consists because of these contrasting characters.
I follow him to serve my turn upon him
We cannot all be masters, nor all masters
Cannot be truly followed."
pg. 1363
The protagonist of Othello, the Moor of Venice is Othello himself. Depicted as war hero and a crusader that has triumphed over discrimination, he represents the noble and likable character in the story. The only fault found against him are stories like those that claim he kidnaps women or sleeps with the wives of other men; however, these are either false or have not been proven valid. The character who has taken the most obvious role in the story is Iago. He is the antagonist. No matter what Othello does, he is sure to try to ruin it for his own pride and grudge against the man. Because Othello chose to promote Cassio to office and not him, Iago is set against him and tries to ruin his life by any means possible, even the deceit of others. Minor characters such as the Duke serve to move the plot forward. He ends the dispute between Brabantio and Othello, and in turn, gives Iago an idea on how to get revenge upon Othello. Without both major and minor characters and those representing good and bad, the story would lack intrigue and appeal. The plot consists because of these contrasting characters.
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