"Aye, that's the way. Dull not device by coldness and delay." II.iii.350-351
Othello is much different from other plays, or Shakespearean plays. The reader is gaining information from the antagonist's point of view. This creates a weird understanding towards the antagonist. Although Iago is deceitful and dishonest, we know what his motivations are and understand. This also creates suspense because it makes us want to tell the protagonists what's really going on. Personally, I don't like Iago. Although we are supposed to have an understanding for him, I don't. What put me off the most was the rude comments about different types of women. However, it is true his soliloquies keep me wanting to know more.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Othello Act II
"If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit, The one's for use, the other useth it." II.i.129-130
During scene one of act II, Iago speaks disrespectfully about women to Desdemona and Emilia. On the other hand, Cassio treats them both with respect. He kisses their hand and calls them 'madame'. This separates the protagonists and the antagonists. Iago, the antagonist, is shown here as disrespectful and rude. He is trying to ruin Othello through manipulation of Cassio and Desdemona. Although this scene is not the determinant of the antagonist/protagonist, it shows the true characters of the two. This scene also shows Iago as a foil character. In the scene, he speaks disrespectfully about women and shows his true character. However, in front of Othello and Cassio, he is honest and trustworthy.
During scene one of act II, Iago speaks disrespectfully about women to Desdemona and Emilia. On the other hand, Cassio treats them both with respect. He kisses their hand and calls them 'madame'. This separates the protagonists and the antagonists. Iago, the antagonist, is shown here as disrespectful and rude. He is trying to ruin Othello through manipulation of Cassio and Desdemona. Although this scene is not the determinant of the antagonist/protagonist, it shows the true characters of the two. This scene also shows Iago as a foil character. In the scene, he speaks disrespectfully about women and shows his true character. However, in front of Othello and Cassio, he is honest and trustworthy.
Othello Act I
"I have 't. It is engendered! Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light." I.iii.383-384
Above is an example of one of Iago's dramatic soliloquies. His soliloquies are the reason this play has dramatic suspense. Through his soliloquies, we learn that he has a devious plan to ruin Othello because there is suspicion he slept with Emilia, Iago's wife. In act I, we don't know the plan, which creates suspense. We also see Iago manipulate Othello and others to like him, even though it is only part of his plan. The fact the audience knows this and the characters don't creates dramatic suspense. The contrast of the audience's knowledge and Iago's kind interactions with others also informs us of the characteristics that make him a foil character. Iago is deceitful and dishonest, and his soliloquies tell us the truth of this.
Above is an example of one of Iago's dramatic soliloquies. His soliloquies are the reason this play has dramatic suspense. Through his soliloquies, we learn that he has a devious plan to ruin Othello because there is suspicion he slept with Emilia, Iago's wife. In act I, we don't know the plan, which creates suspense. We also see Iago manipulate Othello and others to like him, even though it is only part of his plan. The fact the audience knows this and the characters don't creates dramatic suspense. The contrast of the audience's knowledge and Iago's kind interactions with others also informs us of the characteristics that make him a foil character. Iago is deceitful and dishonest, and his soliloquies tell us the truth of this.
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