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An analysis of Iago's character in Shakespeare's Othello, focusing on his manipulative language and deception of Othello, Roderigo, and Cassio. Iago's racial prejudice and exploitation of Othello's trust are explored, highlighting the contrast between their inner realities and societal perceptions.
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Location Quote Analysis
1.1.10 Iago I know my price
Iago has overweening self confidence and is full of arrogance and pride. In the figure of Iago, Shakespeare comes close to personifying outright malice- the play shows how easy it is for someone to be malicious, ruthless and clever to manipulate others. It offers the audience a disturbing view of human character as changing and unstable: we are all more vulnerable to manipulation than we like to think.
1.1.13 Iago Horribly stuffed with epithets of war Iago believes Othello is full of violence and hatred
1.1.41 Iago I follow him to serve my turn upon him Iago's language is menacing as he openly admits he is a self serving deceiver
1.1.57 Iago In following him I follow but myself
Iago only follows Othello for his own benefit. Othello is presented a pompous and conceited man who has shown nepotism in appointing Cassio as his Lieutenant, gravely misjudged Iago's "worth"
1.1.64 Iago I am not what I am
self confessed deceiver- He is selfish and reveals himself to us early on in the play. The audience watch on in fascination as Iago cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.
1.1.65 Roderigo thicklips emphasises Othello's otherness
1.1.69 Iago poison his delight...plague him with flies
suggests Iago has a darker purpose. Shakespeare uses the image of poison and its debilitating and deadly effects of it. Iago is metaphorically poison and its destruction. He is a self confessed deceiver, revealing himself to us early on in the play. The audience recognise his selfish intentions and watch as he cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.
1.1.87 Iago an old black ram is tupping your white ewe racial differences are evident here as Iago reduces sexual intimacy between a married couple to animal copulation
1.1.110 Iago Barbary horse again reduces Othello to an animal like status. Animalistic imagery presents Othello as different and uncivilised. Iago suggests Othello has strong atavistic instincts.
1.1.123 Roderigo knave of common hire.. gondolier insults Othello and reduces him to working class - Knave = uneducated male servant
1.1.127 Iago lascivious Moor shows how Othello is defined by his race, unlike any other (white) characters.
1.1.132 Roderigo a gross revolt Othello and Desdemona's relationship is an unnatural alliance, seen as a subversion of the natural order
1.1.134 Roderigo an extravagant and wheeling stranger Roderigo describes Othello as an unreliable vagrant who does not belong in Venetian society.
1.2.17 Othello Let him do his spite; My services..shall out-tongue his complaints
Othello has confidence in his work and status. He is proud of his leadership but is also humble. Othello's entrance diminishes Iago's attempts to decrease his integrity.
1.1.25 Othello I love the gentle Desdemona Othello does not mention lust or sexual desires, contrasting to Iago's accusation of him being 'lascivious'.
1.2.30 Othello My parts, my title and my perfect soul
Purity and openness. He has nothing to hide and Othello's inner reality of his nature contrasts to Iago. The instability of Venice physically is also reflected in Othello's relationship with the city. As a foreigner, Othello would naturally be an enemy, yet somehow he is not only fighting for it but represents it at the highest level; and this position is what Othello needs to give him his sense of place and identity within the Venetian world. Othello is clearly very secure due to his position. However, as has been seen, the Venetian state also needs Othello, leading to a mutually needy relationship which is insecure and easily broken - as happens in the play when, by chance of fate ( the storm) Venice ceases to need Othello for a time.
1.2.58 Othello Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.
Othello's magnificence dramatised. He is authoritative and calm. The vivid imagery gives the line a moral dimension. Othello avoids violence and his behaviour contradicts the racist slurs. Othello shows fighting over a private matter is dishonorable and he is authoritative, clear-sighted and moral.
1.2.63 Brabantio thou hast enchanted her... thou hast practised on her with foul charms
Racist connotations. Believes Desdemona should fear black men and this is a contrast to Othello's openness, integrity and honesty. Brabantio voices one aspect of Venetian racism, which perhaps mirrors the ignorance beliefs of Shakespeare's audience, seeing as the play was first performed to a mainly white audience in Jacobean London. Ironically, Othello later uses this ignorance to frighten Desdemona when talking about the handkerchief. ( there's magic in the web of it')
1.2.71 thing
Brabantio's main objection is Othello's race- he uses racist language, dehumanising him. Shakespeare explores the societal expectations of marrying someone of the same race and class, and Othello and Desdemona's unnatural relationship.
1.2.82 Othello Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it Without a prompter.
deflects Brabantio's raw and direct accusations with courtesy and respect. Othello does not respond to his challenge but instead calmly agrees to deal with it in court. This shows he is brave and dignified.
1.3.48 Senator Here comes Brabantio and the valiant Moor contrasts to lascivious Moor and shows Othello's reputation is rooted in his military success.
1.3.57 Brabantio flood gate.. engluts and swallows
Brabantio uses the metaphor of a violent flood to reflect his turbulent emotions. It links to the actualised storm through which Desdemona and Othello will pass through in the next scene.
1.3.61 Brabantio she is abused, stolen..and corrupted, by spells and medicines
Brabantio suggests that Desdemona's reputation has been tarnished. Brabantio continues to be critical of the marriage and sees Desdemona as property. To the original audience, the link between a black man and the devil would have been a powerful one.
1.3.83 Othello Rude am I in my speech Othello diminishes himself and suggests he lacks sophistication and eloquence. Nevertheless, his very words belies this.
1.3.294 Brabantio She has deceived her father, and may thee.
Brabantio believes if Desdemona can betray her father she can betray her lover. This anticipates the fact that Othello will become convinced of Desdemona's deception even though she remains loyal.
1.3.295 Othello My life upon her faith contrasts to his doubts of her in Act 3 Scene 3 and the rest of the play. Proleptic Irony
1..3.347 Iago These Moors are changeable in their wills Iago believes Othello will change his mind soon
1.3.385 Iago sport and profit
ruthless- exploits people for entertainment. In this soliloquy, Shakespeare develops the character of Iago and emphasises the Machiavellian tendencies. This is exemplified in when Iago talks to Roderigo and exploits him for money, when he tells Brabantio about Desdemona's marriage. He stirs trouble and relishes conflict and we see his duplicitous nature when he talks to Othello and avows his loyalty. He talks to Roderigo about the nature of virtue and encourages Roderigo to continue his pursuit of Desdemona. However, when Iago is alone on stage, he reveals his attitude and motives. Shakespeare uses Iago as a dramatic device to bring about the tragedies. He directs the action and the characters, fitting the stereotype of the typical villain.
1.3.385 Iago I hate the Moor Avows his hatred for Othello before he gives reasons for his feelings.
1.3.388 Iago mere suspicion Finds justification for his hatred. He is not bothered about true, valid reasoning- prolepsis and foreshadows Othello's treatment of Desdemona.
1.3.389 Iago he holds me well
Exploits Othello's kind nature. Iago exploits the fact that Othello trusts him against him. This reflects his exploitation of Cassio's attractive and courteous nature as a lover.
1.3.341 Iago Cassio's a proper man Iago has facility with language. He manipulates his words and this shows how dangerous he is. He makes us reconsdier our assumptions of Othello and Cassio.
1.3.396 Iago He hath a person and smooth despise Iago hates Cassio and plots and exploits the weakness of others
1.3.398 Iago free and open nature Othello is not the sort of man who would deceive anyone. This is evident in Othello's honesty in his dealings with Brabantio and the senate. Contrasts to Iago
1.3.399 Iago thinks men honest that seem to be so
Othello is transparent. This contrasts to Act 3 Scene 3 when he is secretive and deceitful under the influence of Iago. Because of Othello's integrity has has no awareness of others and their lack of virtue. Iago plans to take advantage of Othello's trusting nature.
1.3.403 Iago Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth
diabolic language- the birth of jealousy. Iago refers to the formation of his plan as a birth, twisting the language of birth and new life to talk about something deathly. It links to Iago's hellish language which associates him with dark and evil forces. At the end of this scene, Iago's plan solidifies into action.The storm comes immediately after Iago's invocation to hell and night-he has conjured evil and witchcraft. This is a dramatic symbol of evil and destructive conflict which Iago releases. The storm has separated Othello and Desdemona and prefigures the discord and fragmentation to come. The storm could be perceived as a metaphorical representation of Iago as he brings trouble and destruction to Venice.
Location Quote Analysis
2.1.33 Gentleman With foul and violent tempest
The storm is significant because it quickly eliminates the threat of the war by destroying the fleet. This is an example of deus ex machina which is an unrealistic plot device that resolves problems in the plot. This allows the play to focus solely on the disintegration of Othello and Desdemona's marriage. The shift from peaceful, civilised Venice to the unfamiliar, war-like Cyprus, a place of conflict and disorder, prepares us for tragedy. Isolated, Iago can prey on their weaknesses, the characters are trapped.
2.1.73 Cassio divine Desdemona Even nature responds to her beauty. Cassio is polite and gallant
2.1.83 Cassio The riches of the ship the grace of heaven
views Desdemona as valuable and holds respect and admiration for her. Cassio is gentlemanly and refined. He uses the religious imagery to convey the Godly grace in which Desdemona represents. She is pure and innocent.
2.1.99 Cassio bold show of courtesy
Cassio kisses Emilia, telling Iago it is a show of courtesy where he is from. However, Iago translates this courtesy as lust and manipulates these characteristics to convince Othello of the affair.
2.1.108 emilia You have little cause to say so Emilia does not speak much in the play but when she does she is bold and defiant. She defends herself against Iago's mockery.
2.1.109 Iago You are pictures out of doors Bells in your parlours
Says all women are the same. Iago's role as a villain is reinforced here as his conversation with Emilia and Desdemona is full of misogyny. Iago is contemptuous of women and believes their primary function is for reproduction and copulation, viewing them as mindless and unreliable.
2.1.115 Iago You rise to play, and go to bed to work.
Another example of Iago's sexism and misogyny as he reduces women to sexual objects.
Desdemona How wouldst thou praise me?
Shows Desdemona in a new light as she understands Iago's sexual innuendos and shows she can be flirtatious. This is a contrast to 'maid, so tender' and 'never bold' 1.3.94.This sexual flirtation of verbal humour and interaction between Desdemona and Iago provide light relief before more serious scenes. Sometimes, the scene resonates with sinister undertones, in which the joking has more worrying and threatening implications, provoking anxiety in the audience.
2.1.168 Iago With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio
spider imagery. Iago will use Cassio's courtesy and 'choler' to manipulate Othello. Imagery of entrapment. The prose of Iago's aside changes to the majestic blank verse of the reunion of Othello and Desdemona whose language moves to a higher plane.
2.1.179 Othello My fair warrior!
Highlights equality and associates Desdemona with his military role, recognising the danger she has chosen to be in. Contrasts to Iago's internalised misogyny.
2.1.183 Othello O my soul's joy
Othello's words express the idea that Desdemona's love for him is the pinnacle of his happiness and she is the source of all his joy. Nevertheless, in taking them to Cyprus, Shakespeare removes them from the social structure and the security of the environment in which their love developed.
2.1.184 Othello May the winds blow till they have wakened death
hints death will be wakened at end of play. Elevates their love to a spiritual significance. Sea imagery is a prophetic image as the 'storm' is indeed about to hit their relationship as Iago's plan begins to come into action. These excesses of emotion and strong feelings used by Othello to demonstrate his love for Desdemona hint that his negative emotions will also be as intense and destructive.
2.3.201 Othello My blood begins my safer guides to rule And passion, having my best judgement collied.
Othello is capable of powerful emotions which threatens his calm, controlled and reasonable manner. Contrast to Act 1 Scene 2 and makes his jealousy credible and obliterates his relationship. His passion is compromising his judgement and overrides reason.
2.3.218 Othello tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio Evidence of Iago's deceitful nature
2.3.258 Cassio
reputation, reputation , reputation! O, I have lost my reputation, I have lost the immortal part of myself- and what remains is bestial.
Cassio's personal integrity corresponds to the public report/opinion of him. It is the immortal part of himself which will make him remembered after his death.
Location Quote Analysis
1.1.10 Iago I know my price
Iago has overweening self confidence and is full of arrogance and pride. In the figure of Iago, Shakespeare comes close to personifying outright malice- the play shows how easy it is for someone to be malicious, ruthless and clever to manipulate others. It offers the audience a disturbing view of human character as changing and unstable: we are all more vulnerable to manipulation than we like to think.
1.1.41 Iago I follow him to serve my turn upon him Iago's language is menacing as he openly admits he is a self serving deceiver
1.1.57 Iago In following him I follow but myself
Iago only follows Othello for his own benefit. Othello is presented a pompous and conceited man who has shown nepotism in appointing Cassio as his Lieutenant, gravely misjudged Iago's "worth"
1.1.64 Iago I am not what I am
self confessed deceiver- He is selfish and reveals himself to us early on in the play. The audience watch on in fascination as Iago cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.
1.1.69 Iago poison his delight...plague him with flies
suggests Iago has a darker purpose. Shakespeare uses the image of poison and its debilitating and deadly effects of it. Iago is metaphorically poison and its destruction. He is a self confessed deceiver, revealing himself to us early on in the play. The audience recognise his selfish intentions and watch as he cultivates a deceptive appearance of service and loyalty.
1.1.87 Iago an old black ram is tupping your white ewe racial differences are evident here as Iago reduces sexual intimacy between a married couple to animal copulation
1.1.110 Iago Barbary horse again reduces Othello to an animal like status. Animalistic imagery presents Othello as different and uncivilised. Iago suggests Othello has strong atavistic instincts.
1.3.285 Othello A man he is of honesty and trust The first of many testimonials of the public figure of Iago
1.3.385 Iago sport and profit
ruthless- exploits people for entertainment. In this soliloquy, Shakespeare develops the character of Iago and emphasises the Machiavellian tendencies. This is exemplified in when Iago talks to Roderigo and exploits him for money, when he tells Brabantio about Desdemona's marriage. He stirs trouble and relishes conflict and we see his duplicitous nature when he talks to Othello and avows his loyalty. He talks to Roderigo about the nature of virtue and encourages Roderigo to continue his pursuit of Desdemona. However, when Iago is alone on stage, he reveals his attitude and motives. Shakespeare uses Iago as a dramatic device to bring about the tragedies. He directs the action and the characters, fitting the stereotype of the typical villain.
1.3.385 Iago I hate the Moor Avows his hatred for Othello before he gives reasons for his feelings.
1.3.388 Iago mere suspicion Finds justification for his hatred. He is not bothered about true, valid reasoning- prolepsis and foreshadows Othello's treatment of Desdemona.
1.3.389 Iago he holds me well
Exploits Othello's kind nature. Iago exploits the fact that Othello trusts him against him. This reflects his exploitation of Cassio's attractive and courteous nature as a lover.
2.3.190 Othello unlace your reputation Cassio's open and naive good nature contrasts to Iago's deceitful manipulation of him. We also see Othelllo's resolution, impartiality and keen sense of responsibility.
2.3.218 Othello tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio Evidence of Iago's deceitful nature
Location Quote Analysis
1.1.87 Iago an old black ram is tupping your white ewe racial differences are evident here as Iago reduces sexual intimacy between a married couple to animal copulation
1.1.110 Iago Barbary horse reduces Othello to animal like status
1.1.123 Roderigo knave of common hire.. gondolier
insults Othello and reduces him to working class - Knave = uneducated male servant
1.1.127 Iago lascivious Moor shows how Othello is defined by his race, unlike any other (white) characters.
1.1.132 Roderigo a gross revolt
Othello and Desdamona's relationship is an unnatural alliance, seen as a subversion of the natural order
1.1.134 Roderigo an extravagant and wheeling stranger Roderigo describes Othello as an unreliable vagrant who does not belong in Venetian society.
1.2.17 Othello Let him do his spite; My services..shall out-tongue his complaints
Othello has confidence in his work and status. He is proud of his leadership but is also humble. Othello's entrance diminishes Iago's attempts to decrease his integrity.
1.1.25 Othello I love the gentle Desdamona Othello does not mention lust or sexual desires, contrasting to Iago's accusation of him being 'lascivious'.
1.2.30 Othello My parts, my title and my perfect soul
Purity and openness. He has nothing to hide and Othello's inner reality of his nature contrasts to Iago. The instability of Venice physically is also reflected in Othello's relationship with the city. As a foreigner, Othello would naturally be an enemy, yet somehow he is not only fighting for it but represents it at the highest level; and this position is what Othello needs to give him his sense of place and identity within the Venetian world. Othello is clearly very secure due to his position. However, as has been seen, the Venetian state also needs Othello, leading to a mutually needy relationship which is insecure and easily broken - as happens in the play when, by chance of fate ( the storm) Venice ceases to need Othello for a time.
1.2.58 Othello Keep up your bright swords, for the dew will rust them.
Othello's magnificence dramatised. He is authoratative and calm. The vivid imagery gives the line a moral dimension. Othello avoids violence and his behaviour contradicts the racist slurs. Othello shows fighting over a private matter is dishnourable and he is authorative, clear-sighted and moral.
1.2.82 Othello Were it my cue to fight, I should have known it Without a prompter.
deflects Brabantio's raw and direct accusations with courtesy and respect. Othello does not respond to his challenge but instead calmly agrees to deal with it in court. This shows he is brave and dignified.
1.3.389 Iago he holds me well
Exploits Othello's kind nature. Iago exploits the fact that Othello trusts him against him. This reflects his exploitation of Cassio's attractive and courteous nature as a lover.
1.3.398 Iago free and open nature
Othello is not the sort of man who would deceive anyone. This is evident in Othello's honesty in his dealings with Brabantio and the senate. Contrasts to Iago
1.3.399 Iago thinks men honest that seem to be so
Othello is transparent. This contrasts to Act 3 Scene 3 when he is secretive and deceitful under the influence of Iago. Because of Othello's integrity has has no awareness of others and their lack of virtue. Iago plans to take advantage of Othello's trusting nature.
2.1.179 Othello My fair warrior!
Highlights equality and associates Desdemona with his military role, recognising the danger she has chosen to be in. Contrasts to Iago's internalised misogyny.
2.1.183 Othello O my soul's joy ( 2.1.183)
Othello's words express the idea that Desdamona's love for him is the pinnacle of his happiness and she is the source of all his joy. Nevertheless, in taking them to Cyprus, Shakespeare removes them from the social structure and the security of the environment in which their love developed.
2.1.184 Othello May the winds blow till they have wakened death
hints death will be wakened at end of play. Elevates their love to a spiritual significance. Sea imagery is a prophetic image as the 'storm' is indeed about to hit their relationship as Iago's plan begins to come into action. These excesses of emotion and strong feelings used by Othello to demonstrate his love for Desdemona hint that his negative emotions will also be as intense and destructive.
2.1.186 Othello Olympus-high As hell's from heaven
Elevates their love to a spiritual magnitude. It shows their relationship is strong and reinforces the idea that their love is transcendent. Shakespeare refers to heaven and soul to express the totality of their love. It is clearly not a lust of the flesh but a love that affects their whole being. Shakespeare contrasts 'the hills of the seas' and 'hells from heaven'. It prefigures the fall of Othello from the divine perfection of this moment into a hell of jealousy. He seems to suggest the peak of fortunes has been attained and will not last.
2.1.287 Iago constant, loving, noble nature moment of honesty to acknowledge Othello's integrity.
2.3.7 Othello Iago is most honest superlative strengthens idea that Othello is unaware
2.3.162 Othello Hold, for your lives!
terse, short, half-line. Contrasts to 'keep up your bright swords' in Act 1 Scene 2 where he remains calm and avoids conflict. Othello restores order but he is furious. His fury is shown in his fragmented speech, unlike the lyrical verse we heard in Act 1 Scene 2. His use of shorter sentences and questions shows anger and frustration. The love between Othello and Desdemona is interrupted by conflict, and thus Othello contributes to the tragedy as his personal and professional life collides.
2.3.170 Othello he dies upon his motion
threatens to kill the next person who moves. He is aggressive and volatile and this marks tragedy to come as we prepare for his fury and loss of control. In Iago's interaction with Othello, Cassio and Montano, we see his exploitation and manipulation. For example, he cajoles Cassio, persuading him to drink ; Lies to Montano about Cassio; Appears reluctant to speak and pretends to be impartial.
2.3.190 Othello unlace your reputation
Cassio's open and naive good nature contrasts to Iago's deceitful manipulation of him. We also see Othelllo's resolution, impartiality and keen sense of responsibility.
2.3.201 Othello My blood begins my safer guides to rule And passion, having my best judgement collied.
Othello is capable of powerful emotions which threatens his calm, controlled and reasonable manner. Contrast to Act 1 Scene 2 and makes his jealousy credible and obliterates his relationship. His passion is compromising his judgement and overrides reason.