With Iago’s excellent use of logos and repetition, Iago now has strong control over Othello. In the final scene, Othello even cites Iago’s word as his reason for murder to Emilia, rather than citing the physical evidence of the handkerchief, “Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else…Thy husband knew it all. If we agree that Iago has no real motives for hurting Othello, we could also argue that Iago's character is a kind of "Vice" figure. Iago will obviously not live long with the crimes on his head, but Shakespeare decides instead to show his “death” as the demise of his silver tongue. Anytime he refers to Roderigo in his soliloquies, Iago dismisses the Venitian as an idiot from whom he can extort money, proclaiming, “For I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit. G. Blakemore Evans. Othello As the play’s title indicates, Othello is the protagonist. If Cassio was the antagonist, Iago would certainly have mentioned hating him as well. In William Shakespeare Othello, Iago is the well-liked, trusted, and brave ensign of the great Venetian general Othello, or so it … Even Othello’s greatest enemy, Iago, confesses in act I, scene i, “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago,” or rather, he would not want to be Iago if he could be a man like Othello. position of lieutenant (I.i. While he is flawed by his paranoia and pride, Othello is only unstable and destructive after intricate deception. So, a "Vice" figure is stock character from medieval morality plays like "Everyman." Othello is a brave and competent soldier of advanced years and Moorish background in the service of the Venetian Republic.He elopes with Desdemona, the beautiful daughter of a respected Venetian senator.After being deployed to Cyprus, Othello is manipulated by his Ancient (pronounced Ensign) Iago into believing Desdemona is an adulteress. How about getting full access immediately? Othello is the protagonist because the story revolves around something that happens to him and changes him (from loving husband and successful officer to madman and murderer). Iago’s murder of Emilia could also stem from the general ... Iago Othello… The Moor commander is constantly respected by Venetian senators, soldiers, and ladies alike, even after murdering his wife and committing suicide. This material is available only on Freebooksummary, We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. With these attributes, the clearer protagonist in Othello is the villainous Iago. This series of events would be seen as injustice by any man in Iago’s position. of Othello, and Iago’s lack of motivation—or his inability or unwillingness He is often able to convince people that his motives are meant only for good. Iago also proceeds to manipulate Brabantio, a Venetian senator, a well-known citizen, and Desdemona’s father. Protagonist Character Role Analysis Othello. He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. Why would Hamlet’s revenge be considered more valid than Iago’s? These soliloquies show the audience the inner workings of Iago’s twisted mind, and not Othello’s. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the a compelling figure. What is relevant is that Iago believes that Othello has cuckolded him. This text is NOT unique. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1974. Othello. He is a master of deceit and a servant of the devil. Don't plagiarize, get content from our essay writers! In any conflict, the positions of hero and villain can only be set when a certain point of view is prescribed to the conflict. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our, The whole doc is available only for registered users, Analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare. All this makes Iago possibly the most interesting character of the play, which one would think unlikely since Othello is the hero, and Iago is the villain. Cassio is shown racially as someone more refined and suited to the Florentine aura where Othello is treated as an “Other” by Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio. a streak of cowardice in Iago—a cowardice that becomes manifest This is easy to believe with regards to Iago as the protagonist, because there is such rich detail surrounding him, and most of the play is devoted to his twisted mind. Ed. Othello from enjoying marital happiness, and he expresses his love In the first scene, he In Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams, Iago claims he was born to be a peac… In Shakespeare’s tragedies, the protagonist often gives epitaphs or soliloquies when on-stage alone, and makes lasting changes on other characters. At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that … Iago’s true, underlying motive for persecuting Othello is his homosexual love He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. In Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad. He is the evil one, and the character initiating all of the problems. Hence, Othello is the protagonist, Iago the antagonist. What's interesting is that we spend more time with the villain than the protagonist, which is one of the more unique qualities of Othello. These unfavorable and evil attributes serve Shakespeare’s main characters by presenting them as realistically written men, and there always seems a degree, however small, of sympathy associated with their respective downfalls and tragedies. Iago is the antagonist of the play; in fact, his character is often cited as one of the clearest examples of an antagonist in all of literature. Iago is a major character in William Shakespeare's 1607 play Othello. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. Iago says this line to Roderigo at the start of the play as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. The antagonist in the play is Iago. Iago Motives In Othello 1060 Words | 5 Pages. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Iago is a manipulative villain who serves as an antagonist, or an enemy to the protagonist, and develops a plan to destroy the lives of Cassio, Othello and Desdemona.Iago seems to … Part of what makes Iago such a chilling antagonist is his lack of clear motivation for tormenting Othello. in the final scene, when Iago kills his own wife (V.ii.231–242). Iago’s Strategic Acts of Character Control W. H. Auden when said, “There is more than fulfills the eye”, recommending that there may be a surprise or deeper meaning behind a person’s preliminary look. In The Return of Jafar, Jafar mentioned that he purchased Iago in the bazaar at some point in his life. However, it has been hinted at a few times. the desires of those around him that makes him both a powerful and foolish Roderigo, which serve as a showcase of Iago’s manipulative -abilities. This does not detract from his responsibilities of the plot’s progression, however. and shortly thereafter Emilia facilitates a meeting between Desdemona and Cassio, and encourages her mistress to advocate on behalf of Cassio. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. His apparent madness presents some sympathy for Iago, as well. Hamlet’s death marked the end of the story, as did Lear’s and Macbeth’s. From the very beginning, Iago speaks at great length about his hatred, his revenge, and his brilliantly orchestrated scheme. Even Cassio’s rank of lieutenant is taken and presented to Iago in Act I due to his treachery. Made a Slave: In Othello… Othello still holds Iago to be his closest friend. Iago refers to Othello not by his name but as 'the Moor', calling him 'the devil' (2.1.216) and 'defective' (2.1.220), a racist portrayal which makes Desdemona's unfaithfulness more believable to Roderigo. Protagonists are not necessarily the heroic or inherently good characters in a play’s plot. with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. The events of the play have brought him the decision to never speak again, which violates his very nature to talk and sling insults and weave great webs of deception. From this time forth I never will speak word. Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer. This repetition is like a mantra for Iago, as if to convince himself habitually that Othello is his enemy, and to justify his actions. Othello has the hamartia, and suffers the inevitable defeat. It is almost unanimously believed that Othello had never bedded Iago’s wife, Emilia, but that is not relevant. Roderigo, even Emilia—at the slightest provocation and enjoys the Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. ” Desdemona’s handkerchief is stolen by Emilia, but because “My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it. There are various motives that may have contributed to Iago’s distaste for the protagonist Othello. As his name suggests, he has a large ego. He states, “Demand me nothing. When Iago wants to set up the appearance of inappropriate behavior between Cassio and Desdemona, he decides that “my wife must move for Cassio to her mistress” (2.3.) Although this is just Iago’s plan to ruin and destroy Othello. Iago actively works to thwart Othello by convincing Othello that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him, knowing that this belief will torment Othello. If Iago is considered the protagonist of Othello, then which character would be considered the antagonist? A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. Fatal Flaw: His jealousy. Othello. Probably, yes! He has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty–“Honest Iago,” according to Othello–but the audience is immediately introduced to his vitriol and desire for revenge, despite his lack of proved reason. Though there is little sympathy made for him, and his arrangement as the diabolical villain is cemented in place, empathy can be achieved for Iago if his viewpoint is thoroughly explored, as it is. Othello is so affected by Iago efforts and his ability to manipulate that all these thoughts soon abandon Othello’s mind. No. that says I play the villain,” and know that it will laugh as though He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona. In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. Both are preyed upon and fall victim to Iago’s devices, as well. Luckily, FreeBookSummary offers study guides on over 1000 top books from students’ curricula! skill. He wants to bring down Othello because he thinks that he has slept with his wife, even though Emilia says that she did not(IV.ii.147). Othello Essay: Iago’s Acts of Character Control. freebooksummary.com © 2016 - 2021 All Rights Reserved. While Othello is respected and loved, and Cassio is trusted, Iago is only given the lowly position of “his Moorship’s ancient,” or flag-bearer. Iago portrays Desdemona as lustful, desperate to trade Othello for a more refined Cassio. Crazy Jealous Guy: It's his Fatal Flaw. Iago soon uses this trust that was gained to turn Othello into a man that is nothing better than himself. doubt him; he is able to tell the audience, “And what’s he then Iago, the villain in Othello, is perhaps the most sadistic and consummately evil character in all English literature and his eventual downfall illustrates the triumph of love over hate, a key theme in many of Shakespeare’s plays.Iago, an ensign serving under Othello, the Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, is undoubtedly the most interesting and perplexing character in Othello. the trait that is most lethal to Othello: trust. / He has done my office” (I.iii.369–370). The Riverside Shakespeare. You can view our. Shakespeare creates Othello’s main objective to stay true to who he is; a person that we are meant to infer is filled with duty, honor, trust, respect, nobility, and the desire to do the right thing. While Othello’s past and present are somewhat mythical and mysterious, an audience gets to delve into Iago’s, making him the principal character. None of these claims seems to adequately explain Iago’s deep hatred 7–32). Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, is “Honest” Iago. From the start of Shakespeare's Othello, Iago makes it very clear that he holds no love for the title character. Is Iago the protagonist of Othello? The Character of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello The antagonist in Shakespeare’s Othello is a demi-devil; unequalled in malice, proficient at con and dexterous at manipulation. Likewise, Othello would not have grown paranoid and murdered Desdemona without continuous prompt by Iago’s advice. If Shakespeare had intended Iago as the principal character, why is the play entitled Othello? Iago is clearly a sociopath, as he unscrupulously betrays his commander Othello, his wife Emilia, and his friend and patsy, Roderigo. Some readers have suggested that Othello. Iago is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello. He is boisterous, egotistical, sometimes witty, and all too eager to seek revenge. In fact, many truths that society clings to are based on individual points of view, and Othello is a play that is based, in large part, on Iago’s perceptions and motivations. The play’s protagonist and hero. Almost a suicide as profound as Othello’s or Oedipus, Iago cuts his only somewhat admirable trait from society and withdraws inward. An obvious refutation of Iago as the protagonist stems from the most obvious of places: with the other examples of Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth are all named for the protagonists that give insightful monologues that reveal their inner turmoil. Also, these tragic protagonists always died on-stage or were specifically depicted in death. most inveterate liar, Iago inspires all of the play’s characters That is Iago. Cassio obstructs Iago in his goals, no doubt, but Othello evokes the sinister nature of Iago’s revenge and drives him to commit terrible acts. This is a complete reversal of Iago’s character. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. This level of respect helps Othello become a tragic character indeed, but not a typical Shakespearean tragic protagonist. As previously referenced, Iago decides to never again speak, an odd idea for a man so skilled at verbal persuasion. Antagonist Character Role Analysis Iago. Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. If his experiences in battle were as explicit as he claims, then his psychosis may be a result of post-traumatic stress. Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. Shakespeare shifts the action from Venice to Cyprus. The protagonist of Othello is Othello himself. It however becomes clear that Iago’s antagonist is Othello, because an important aspect of the position is to cause some fundamental change in the protagonist. You can't get much more antagonistic than Iago is towards Othello. At the same time, you could make the argument that Iago is the real protagonist, since his character dominates the play and he is the one with the most soliloquies (which is a pretty clear "main character" signal in most Shakespeare plays). Othello. Jealous – Over time, Othello starts to show his jealousy and how reckless he really is. However, he is one of the most dangerous examples of evil. to express his true motivation—makes his actions all the more terrifying. Iago makes him insecure from the mere character of Cassio. Iago is portrayed by Shakespeare as a racist character, and since there is only one coloured man, his racism is hence focused with full force onto Othello. As previously stated, Iago claims an impressive battle record, “At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds Christian and heathen,” and he was rejected for promotion in favor of Cassio, who allegedly “…never set a squadron in the field, nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster. This does not detract from his responsibilities of the plot’s progression, however. Eventually, Iago commits the supreme theft of life by killing defenseless Roderigo, and then his own wife. The play revolves around his corruption by Iago and his descent into a dangerous jealousy. 7–32 ). ” That is his last dialogue in the play. What you know, you know. With any idea about Shakespeare’s plays, no matter how convoluted or over-reaching, it is probable that Shakespeare crafted the idea first. Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. In Othello, there are clues before his first entrance in Act I, scene ii, that give the audience the impression that Othello is the play's protagonist -- the title of the play for one. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a … Iago is a character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello. Iago's character and his techniques of illicit manipulation hav Othello’s decisions as the general, including promotion of Cassio, may have given some disease to Iago’s good nature. His final speech reveals a change in his behavior. Othello's uncontrollable and empowering jealousy transformed him into a savage and irrational character. Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer.He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona.Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the It cannot be an accident that he is the most detailed and human character in Othello. Shakespeare is universally revered for his characterization of flawed and psychologically unstable protagonists. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Sparknotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. Iago was able to alter Othello's views on his own wife with the help from Rodrigo. Emilia and know that he can deflect her questions; he is able to Without Iago’s diabolical persuasion, Roderigo would not have been present in Cyprus to help frame and wound Cassio. explaining that he lusts after Desdemona because he wants to get Print. His role is one of Othello's outwardly loyal courtier and friend, while at the same time manipulating his friends and master into doing his bidding, eventually persuading Othello to believe that his wife, Desdemona, has been having an affair, resulting in Othello killing her in a jealous rage. In \"Fowl Weather\", he mentions that he once lived in the rainforest, but did not enjoy its unpredictable weather, prompting him to move to the desert. Iago is clearly a sociopath, as he unscrupulously betrays his commander Othello, his wife Emilia, and his friend and patsy, Roderigo. While in a revenge tragedy Iago would be the main character, Othello is a classical tragedy rather than a revenge tragedy. This is something that Iago wants done but does not need to do himself. Yes, but barely; Othello has 274 speeches, two more than Iago (the next most number of speeches is Desdemona with 165). Iago's past is mostly shrouded in mystery. he is with Roderigo, but the interactions between the two also reveal Iago mentions this suspicion again at the end of Act II, scene i, He certainly seems to take great pleasure in preventing He is willing to take revenge on anyone—Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, He is a senior officer in the Venetian army under the command of its general, Othello. Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. This never ends, even when killing Roderigo, but eventually Iago sees his plan played out in full with the deaths of Othello, Desdemona, and even Emilia. Othello, however, is an anomaly. Indeed, he seems maddeningly perfect to his adversaries. Iago was, presumably, a good and decent soldier in Othello’s army before the beginning of the play. pain and damage he causes. Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer. Hamlet is a crazed, murdering prince, Lear is narcissistic, senile, and a verbally abusive father, and Macbeth is a murderous traitor to his king and country. The changes in Iago are clearly Othello’s doing, as well. No one has time to read them all, but it’s important to go over them at least briefly. Iago has seven soliloquies of ten lines or longer (plus an additional handful of asides); Othello, on the other hand, has only three (including the “put out the light” speech in the final scene over what he assumes [and probably] is Desdemona’s sleeping body). The play revolves around his corruption by Iago and his descent into a dangerous jealousy. On top of that, the positions of hero and villain are irrelevant in the face of who presents the story to a reader or audience, as the protagonist. At the beginning of the play, Othello occupies a complex position within Venetian society. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. The essay is a critical examination of the character of Iago in the play Othello written by Shakespeare. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago Why is Iago instead carried off after being granted the final word on his fate? Othello is the tragic protagonist of the story. In Act , Scene i, the soliloquy reveals that Iago is not merely an evil man, but possibly a good man who has become murderously insane with jealousy. even with Othello “wife for wife” (II.i.286). In keeping with Iago’s unorthodox tenure as protagonist, the conclusion is more subtle and implied. He decides, “That Cassio loves her (Desdemona), I do well believe ‘t. Iago is also the character who gives soliloquies to the audience, mapping the progression of the play and of his ill deeds, as if he were the narrator. Every time Iago speaks of Othello, he repeats, “I hate the Moor,” in every act. ” The tragedy, and the general development of the play, comes solely from Iago’s motivations and actions, evil as they may be. Shakespeare may have entitled the play The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice to show that the tragedy belongs to Othello, even though the control of the play is stolen by Iago. Also, he wants to bring down every other character until he … Iago (/ i ˈ ɑː ɡ oʊ /) is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello (c. 1601–1604). At the Otherwise he would have been dismissed, as Cassio was for a drunken misunderstanding. WORKS CITEDShakespeare, William. He is valued for his loyalty and there is a consensus that he is very honest and straightforward and, in fact, he is repeatedly greeted as ‘honest Iago,’ and spoken of with the same language. Racial and female stereotypes also dominate. Though the Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. hatred of women that he displays. Like many Venetian men of the time period, Brabantio’s reputation is the upholder of his honor. While this change is speculation, there is another alteration to Iago through the course of the play. Iago is a manipulative and intricate character who can be interpreted in several ways. Iago is a character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello.He is a senior officer in the Venetian army under the command of its general, Othello. The role is thought to have been first played by Robert Armin, who typically played intelligent clown roles like Touchstone in As You Like It an What's interesting is that we spend more time with the villain than the protagonist, which is one of the more unique qualities of Othello. A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. Othello is the tragic protagonist of the story. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. While the general is responsible for promoting Cassio and ignoring Iago’s bid for lieutenant, Cassio himself is the actual obstacle to Iago’s resolution. Do we as an audience focus on him? Clearly, Othello himself would be the primary candidate, but Cassio would also serve as a suitable antagonist to Iago. He seems almost to wink at the audience as he revels in his own he were a clown (II.iii.310). Rather, a protagonist is the principal character, propelling and leading the plot’s progression. That she loves him, ’tis apt and of great credit,” which marks Iago as crazy enough to believe his own lies. Shakespeare did not write such accidents. Iago is able to take the handkerchief from Protagonist Character Role Analysis Othello. Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. His insanity could also be explained due to the extensive war record that he claims in Act I, Scene i. Iago as the Hero of Othello A Shakespearean play always includes a typical villain character. end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept (2.1.191–93) Setting the scene. Iago represents evil and cruelty for its own sake. Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. These motivations for Iago’s villainy are the first plot points that are revealed in Othello, and cast Iago as a victim before anyone else. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … With these attributes, the clearer protagonist in Othello is the villainous Iago. for the general. On the subject of the conclusion of Othello, a notable difference in Shakespeare’s style is present. As entertained spectators, we find ourselves on Iago’s side when After all, Hamlet had no proof that Claudius killed his father, and many argue that Hamlet’s insanity invented the ghost that told him of the murder. It is Iago’s talent for understanding and manipulating Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. Iago says this line to Roderigo at the start of the play as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. tell Othello of the handkerchief and know that Othello will not Iago displays many morally ambiguous and downright dirty traits. This happened through the tragic events of manipulation from Iago. of convincing motivation for his actions. The central protagonist of Othello is none other than Othello himself, a man whose background ultimately shape and dictate his life during the play. Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, is “Honest” Iago. Iago has very few redeeming qualities. for Othello frequently and effusively. Deuteragonist: Despite being the Character Title, Othello is actually the deuteragonist, with Iago being the main character. Key quotation (Aside) O, you are well tuned now!But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am. In Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, Iago is an evil character. A possible explanation is Iago’s nature of robbery. In his opening argument with Roderigo, Iago says that his anger stems from the fact that Othello unfairly passed him over for promotion and made Michael Cassio his lieutenant, even though Cassio, unlike Iago, has no military field experience. In spite of his elevated status, he is nevertheless easy prey to insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his race. If Iago is in fact the protagonist, why is his death not the resolution of the play? Character Title: Othello is called Othello, of course. Another sympathetic aspect of Iago stems from Cassio’s promotion.
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