Unit 9. Post 4.

My Mistress' Eyes by William Shakespeare. 

This poem is hard to get a read on. I think that in the beginning, the speaker is pointing out the flaws that his mistress possesses. However, by the end, the speaker admits that despite all the imperfections, he still loves her for what she is. This poem seems to be a response to the poem Barbie Doll in that the speaker is disregarding all the judgement that he is making about his mistress.  While in Barbie Doll the character was consumed by her flaws to the point of self mutilation  the speaker in this poem seems to suggest that all of her flaws are what make her special. Who knows, I might be missing the mark completely, but that is what you get when you don't understand completely what is being said. 

"I grant I never saw a goddess go" (Shakespeare, line 11).

Another off the cuff idea is that the speaker is trying to reason why he is with this woman. Not sure if this is within the cone of meaning, but it seems that he is arguing with himself, pointing out all of the flaws, and then redacting his criticisms by saying he still loves her. Just a theory.

Unit 9. Post 3.

Barbie Doll by Marge Piercy. 

This poem tells a dark and rather realistic story with an extreme end. Commercialism today emphasizes flaws that women have and how the world today teaches women to be passive. The beginning creates the image of the dolls that pee and the mini kitchen set, which is very in line with the ideas of the 50's, that women were made to cook and mother children. 

The extreme in this poem is the woman's response to the criticism, she cut off her nose and legs to rid herself of the imperfections that others saw in her. 

"To every woman a happy ending" (Piercy, line 25).

This poem like the previous two stories, highlights a stereotype that is present in the real world. That is that women are expected to be pretty and do their duty as a woman, something that sounds absurd to the ear, but if you look at the material world, toys for women are essentially raising girls to cook and take care of children. Scary right. 

This seems to be a poem to inspire girls to resist the material world and the judgement of others. 

Unit 9. Post 2.

Jury of her Peers by Susan Glaspell.

This story, like Hunters in the Snow, stereotypes the female gender. This story exemplifies female comradeship in the end when the two women decide to hide the dead bird so that Mrs. Wright would not be judged as harshly. This story also stereotypes the male gender as disrespectful to females and uncaring of women's opinions. The women in this story present the stereotype that women gossip about everything. 

"When they spoke now it was as if they were afraid of what they were saying, but if they could not help saying it" (Glaspell, 422).

The women seem to do nothing more than gossip about the woman who murdered her husband the entire story. The men, oblivious to the fact that their wives were investigating the murder in their own way, disregard any idea or comment that the women have to tell them. The gender type casting in this story seems to resonate with early twentieth century logic, that women belonged doing chores, and men belonged doing any real work. The suspense was created in the story by the women coming up with their own ideas over why the murder took place, and the answer was not revealed until the end of the story. 

Unit 9. Post 1.

Hunters in the Snow by Tobias Wolff.

"'Next thing you'll be wearing a nightgown, Frank. Selling flowers at the airport'" (Wolff, 188)

This story was absolutely hysterical to me. This story exemplifies the stereotypical male characters in such a perfect way that it makes it funny. Frank, the peace loving guy, who loves younger women. Kenny, the angry guy who has no feelings. Lastly, Tub, the fat guy that pretends to be happy but who's insecurities are eating him alive. All three of these characterizations represent a stereotypical male gender role in today's society.

The author did a great job of making an example of male bonding and how the men relate to one another. From personal experience, I can say it is pretty accurate to the real world and how men talk and relate to one another. The setting of what the guys are going to do is excellent for stereotyping the male gender. What better way to exploit the over manliness of the situation then by putting the characters on a hunting trip.

This story also revealed that men have much more under the skin than most people think. Tub and Frank both battle with their own demons which shows dynamics within their characters.

Othello Post 8.

Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act V. Scene ii.

Ah, much like the Shakespearean tragedy we all know and love, not many people come out of the story alive. Cassio and Roderigo are presumed dead, Bianca is out of the picture, and in this scene I would not be surprised if Othello and Desdemona both bit the bullet. 

"Thou hast not half that power to do me harm as I have to be Hurt. O gull! O dolt! As ignorant as dirt! Thous hast done a deed II care not for thy sword, I'll make thee known, through I lost twenty lives" (V. ii. 161-164)

Here we witness Desdemona die just before Emilia comes in to accuse her husband Iago of lying to Othello. Othello, believing Iago to be honest, disbelieves Emilia and threatens to kill her too. EVERYBODY gets threatened to be killed in this story apparently. 

Then enters Iago, and gets questioned. His answers are clever and free him of any real guilt. Iago defends himself with the argument that he gave nothing more than his speculation and thought and left it up to Othello to decide what was true. 

Emilia reveals Iago's whole plot to everybody and it appears that things will not go well for Iago until Iago stabs Emilia and leaves. Cassio is apparently hanging in there at the end and in a ironic twist, Iago is taken prisoner. 

For Iago, everything seemed to be going according to plan, until Emilia unraveled it all. It turns that Iago did not even make it out of his plan. 

Final Death Toll

Desdemona

Emilia

Roderigo

Cassio, mortally wounded.

Brabantio, it was mentioned in there.

Finally, justice is served to Iago, a sick and twisted villain. 

Othello Post 7.

Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act V. Scene i.

Finally, Iago gets his hands dirty, well kind of. The beginning of this scene is a battle between Roderigo and Cassio where Iago wants Roderigo to kill Cassio as part of his brilliant and devious plan. Like I said, this is really the first time Iago causes direct and deliberate physical harm to anyone, other than the handkerchief thing which was in a way him doing something deliberately. Anyway, Iago slashes Cassio in the back of the leg and then leaves the scene for Roderigo to finish Cassio off. What happens next? Iago comes to the rescue as an innocent and helpful first-responder. This guy is so two faced it is impressive. After responding to Cassio's cries, he kills Roderigo!

All bets are off as to who survives now. Iago kills his friends, his enemies, upsets relationships that had nothing to do with the original problem, takes money, and lies like a politician.

"Oh damned Iago! Oh, inhuman dog!" (V. i. 62)

Ok, so Iago is perhaps the most evil person I have learned about. His actions might as well have been done by the devil himself!

Othello Post 6.

Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act IV. scene ii, iii.

This is where we see the most change in Othello and where we see Iago's plan being put into plan. We witness Othello question Emilia about Desdemona's affair with Cassio. Emilia denies any activity between the two, which infuriates Othello. My psychological analysis of Othello is that he feels backed into a corner with everybody against him, which makes him react with irrational, misdirected anger. The Othello we see in act four is worlds different from the stoic and reserved Othello of act one. Another change we see in Othello is his more direct questioning to Emilia and Desdemona, whereas in previous acts, Othello never directly asked anybody other than Iago about Desdemona.

"Heaven truly knows that thou art false as Hell" (IV. ii. 39).

The foreshadowing that is seen in these scenes is very precise in depicting Iago's plan. In scene three, Iago tells Roderigo to kill Cassio after midnight.

Everyone is confounded by Othello's unreasoning behavior. Iago's plan is all falling into place.

Iago is now at the top of my list of evil. His is a special kind of evil, an evil that destroys love and builds hatred, without any direct physical action... Brilliant!

Othello Post 5.

Othello the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act III. Scene iv.
Act IV. Scene i

These two scenes are perhaps the most evidence of Iago and his deceptive ways. In the first scene of Act IV, Iago finds a way of convincing Othello that his wife is having an affair with Cassio, and even finds a method to get Cassio to incriminate himself. This is where Iago plays the innocent friend trying trying to not get caught in the crossfire between Othello and Cassio. It is evident that what Iago is telling people about other people is beginning to tear the relationships that other characters have with each other apart. We also see Othello drastically change from the initial characterization seen in the first act.

"Fire and brimstone!" (IV. i. 218)

Iago again demonstrates a miraculous ability to manipulate the meaning of what people are saying. It is also amazing how dynamic Iago can be when he is faced with multiple people challenging him. His emotional reaction time makes him capable of adapting to every situation.

I am convinced that Iago is a pretty evil character. His manipulative ability is what makes him such an evil character, and he has demonstrated a magnificent ability to do so. Still, the guy who throws the Tetris blocks might still be more evil.

Othello Post 4.

Othello: The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act III. Scenes i. ii. iii.

It is masterful how well Iago is able to create a situation so caustic for everybody around him. While not much happens in the first two scenes of act III, the third scene is full of Iago slithering his way into people's sense of reason. Iago, while talking to Othello alone, makes it seem that he is defending Cassio but he is really building a case for Othello to be more watchful of his wife and who she is coming in contact with.

"Oh, beware, my lord, of jealousy. It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss who, certain of his fate, loves his wronger. But, oh, what damned minutes tell he o'er who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves" (III. iii. 166-175).

While that sounds like a reassurance to Othello, it is really playing to Iago's advantage of creating a reason for Othello to be more paranoid about his wife. What Iago says, while it sounds friendly, should really be making Othello ask himself 'what do I have to be careful about being jealous of' .

This is really a prime example of how Iago is gaining rank in evil. His work is subtle which makes it especially dangerous because people do not know that they are playing directly into his plan. Right now, Iago is practically equal with the Tetris piece guy.

I found a hen kerchief around Act III, Scene iii, line 291, but I have no clue what its significance is or where it is going to end up or what it leads back to. Nevertheless, I was paying attention to that.

Othello Post 3.

Othello: The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act II. Scene iii.

This is where the light of Iago's true dark genius shines. In this scene, Iago plays puppet master to so many people at once it is amazing how everything falls according to his plans. He simultaneously and seamlessly controls Cassio, Othello, Roderigo, and Montano all without skipping a beat. It is an art form  in its own twisted respects.

Where he kills two birds with one stone is when he stages Cassio's demise. He beautifully executes his plan to make Cassio look like a low life, and to make him look like a cherub. It is amazing how well he can control people solely with his words and misinformation.

The perfect example of this is when he tells Montano that Cassio is a drunk, when he really tried to avoid getting drunk and Iago manipulated him into getting hammered.

"'Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. He'll watch the horologe a double set, if he drink rock not his cradle" (II. iii. 110-113).

I feel like the only reason people find Iago so trustworthy and honest is that they have never been given a reason to not believe him. Anyway, Cassio gets fired from his position as Lieutenant to Othello.

This is where Iago's evil really begins to shine. I just thought it was impressive that Iago was capable of orchestrating all that manipulation at the same time without failing. While he is not yet as evil as the guy that throws the Tetris pieces, he is getting there.

Othello Post 2.

Othello: The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act II. Scenes i. ii.

In this section of reading, we learn about more of Iago's stunningly hideous personality. His conversations with Cassio, Desdemona, and Emilia reveal his intentions and reasoning behind some of his actions.

Moreover, we learn that Iago is a jerk. In his conversations with Emilia and Desdemona, it seems that Iago has a deep seeded hatred for the idea that women have any authority. His remarks reveal his sexism toward against women. One of his remarks essentially says that women should do nothing more than make babies and do house chores.

"To suckle fools and chronicle small beer" (II. i. 159).

While Iago demonstrates the classic signs of a sociopath, and he, along with everybody else, is a racist against Othello, that alone does not justify him being the most evil villain ever. I still need to be convinced of his evil doings. I can say that thus far, the fact that people call him Honest Iago is nothing short of a foolish miracle. There is nothing honest about this guy. Still not as evil as the guy that throws the Tetris pieces.

Othello Post 1.

Othello: The Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare.

Act I. Scenes i. ii. iii.

There was a lot going on within moments of the play opening. Immediately in scene one, we are introduced to Iago, the evil villain in this tragedy. From what is seen in the first act, Iago is not really ever directly acting to achieve his goals, rather he is manipulating other people, like Roderigo, to do his will. The first instance of his manipulation of others is when he goes to the senator Brabantio. Iago uses his words to manipulate and skew reality so it works in his favor.

While talking to Brabantio, Iago says "Thieves! Thieves! Thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and your bags! (I. i. 78)". The context of his statement is that Brabantio's daughter and money was stolen by Othello. This is the first of many instances where Iago will manipulate someone to get what he wants.

Throughout my analysis, I am going to address and develop the argument that Iago is the most evil villain ever.

At this point, there is valid argument that he is one of the most suave villains ever, but I cannot say definitively at this point that he takes the title of most evil. He still falls behind the guy that throws the Tetris pieces.