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!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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!
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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