Analyse Iago's techniques of persuasion and provocation, and
Iago is an almost subtle villain in Othello. At first glance Iago's character seems to be pure evil, however, such a villain would distract from the impact of the play and would be too stereotypical for an evil character. He does, however, possess the classic revenge motive behind all his actions, the basis of his corruption and ultimately the reason for his downfall. Iago is extremely amoral, and spends the majority of the play influencing people to suit him, for which he has a huge ability. We are first introduced to Iago's manipulating Othello, when Othello sees Cassio leaving Desdemona. "Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would steal away so guilty-like seeing you coming". Iago has planted the first seeds of suspicion in a brilliantly astute way. He has made Othello suspect that Cassio is guilty of something; something that affects Othello, and at the same time represented himself to Othello as a loyal servant by his use of the words 'my lord'. Desdemona fuels Othello's suspicions when she calls for Cassio's reinstatement as lieutenant. "Good love, call him back". To the audience it is obvious that Desdemona is simply doing a favour for Cassio, an old friend, and trying to resolve the schism between Othello
and Cassio; Othello is suspicious however, and is unconsciously twisting what she says to him. Desdemona only further compounds the problem almost immediately after, by being so persistent for Othello to meet with Cassio, that it boarders on her begging. Once again, she is only fulfilling her promise to Cassio, but worsening Othello's jealousy. "Why then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn; On Tuesday, noon or night; On Wednesday morn!" Othello then sums up to true consequence that Iago's efforts could result in. "Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul but I do not love thee! And when I love thee not chaos is come again". Othello is saying that if he ever does not love Desdemona, then disorder has returned to the world, as this idea is still so implausible to him, despite the small suspicions. This is a reference to the classical legend, wherein Love was the first god to spring out of original chaos. Othello's reference to chaos is already true in a way, as the ensign, Iago, is commanding the General, Othello, and this is certainly a social chaos. Othello has moved on from a small, almost dismissible suspicion to a larger suspicion, but still fraught with doubt, and he now yearns for some evidence to either confirm or dismiss his suspicions. "As if there were some monster in thy thought too hideous to be shown". Iago, being ever perceptive of people, leaps on this to provoke Othello even further. Iago is clearly evil, and seems to act as a counterbalance and contrast to the good in the play, especially Desdemona. He is extremely amoral, as he easily and constantly lies to his wife and friends. He also manages to tricks Othello into believing that his own wife is having an affair, without any concrete proof. Othello is so caught up in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies the whole thing. It is a curiosity as to what corrupts Iago. It is possibly the aspiration and possibility of power or, as some believe, that he is the devil in
Some common words found in the essay are:
Emilia Desdemona's, Cassio Othello, Othello Iago, Iago Iago, Iago Cassio's, Desdemona Cassio, , Cassio Wear, Emilia Desdemona, Othello Cassio, othello iago, iago iago, chaos othello, handkerchief iago, night morn, othello cassio, desdemona cassio, extremely amoral, love thee, heart hand,
Approximate Word count = 1328
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
|
