He contends that "a careful survey of the plot as it unfolds shows Iago as an opportunist who cleverly grasps occasion" (Draper 726). He believes that Iago and Othello are similar in that they are both noble soldiers. He goes on to defend Iago, noting that he is "less culpable than the king in Hamlet... Iago has no inherent wickedness like that of Richard III" (Draper 736). Draper maintains that Shakespeare made Iago "more realistic than the original; and his motives and character are indeed human, all too human" (736). Iago is "honest as this world goes caught in the fell grip of circumstance... attempting... To vindicate his honor" (736). This is an interesting point-of-view and many would choose to debate it because, in the end, the whole reason behind Iago's jealousy and anger toward Othello was because Othello did not perceive him as a noble soldier, other wise he would have been promoted to lieutenant and the whole fiasco could have been avoided. The two are quite different when it comes to matters of finality as well. Bowman maintains that at the end of the play, Iago "suffers defeat with stoical endurance" (Bowman 468), realizing that his original quest for influencing the thoughts and actions of others has been realized. The man we see at the end of the play is indeed a man that knows he has been "far more successful than his wildest anticipations" (469). Iago does not try to redeem himself nor does he attempt to "impair one's impression that revenge may be wicked but nevertheless natural" (469). Othello, on the other hand, is remorseful to the point of death when he realizes what he has done. The valor has left the soldier's countenance...
He realizes he is Desdemona's killer and admits to Lodovico that the unfortunate man is "Othello: here I am" (V.ii.281). One man experiences regret; the other regret that his plan did reach fruition.
He does so to mask his true malicious intentions. Here he shows how his manipulation is actually paying off, "[...] He [Othello] holds me well; / the better my purpose shall work on him," (I.3.382). Iago shows his audience yet another motivation for his ensuing treachery in this passage as well. Earlier in the play, Iago spoke about his own jealousy towards Cassio when Othello choose him over Iago
Othello Iago is introduced in the first scene of the play, setting its tone and offering foreshadowing of the impending tragedies about to befall Othello. His opening statements to Roderigo garner some initial sympathy among audience members or readers. Iago is irate because Othello chose Michael Cassio, "a Florentine," to be the head lieutenant. According to Iago, Cassio is "mere prattle without practice," a man completely undeserving of the political post
Shakespeare's Othello Iago's view of sexual desire contrasted with Othello's In the play Othello, William Shakespeare is showing the conflict of sexual desire between a man and woman. This is taking place, when Othello (a military commander) marries a woman named Desdemona. However, her father (Roderigo) is upset about this relationship. The reason why, is because he has heard some negative rumors about Othello from Iago (his aide). Iago, was supposed to
Othello as Tragic Hero While Othello is not Greek and Shakespeare is not a Greek playwright, Othello embodies many characteristics of a tragic hero as outlined by Aristotle. What is a tragic hero? Person who is neither perfect in virtue and justice, nor someone who falls into misfortune through vice and depravity, but rather, one who succumbs through some miscalculation. Othello is manipulated by Iago to murder Desdemona Iago uses Othello's trusting nature against him Hero
" (Blackwelder) Like Shakespeare's original and Parker's version, Odin's fame and popularity and his love for Desi Brable played by Julia Stiles who is the daughter of the school's headmaster just tees Hugo off. With jealousy and envy guiding him, Hugo plots to bring Odin down. In Parker's version Othello, Iago is given the opportunity to take over the movie by being the one who tells the story. When Fishburn as
Othello: The Tragedy of Internalized Racism William Shakespeare's tragedy of the Moor Othello is the only major drama of the great playwright in which race plays a major role. The title character begins the play a great and esteemed general, despite the fact that he is a member of an 'othered,' despised race against which some whites have great prejudice. Othello's apparent nobleness, his military prowess, and his eloquence (despite his
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now