Iago deceives many characters, not just Othello. 223-229). By clicking Check Writers Offers, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy. William Shakespeare. He is manipulating Othello, influencing him. Evil in a modern society, Othello is the He is cold, calculative- a sadist. Additionally, it would have been interesting to see a comparison of Iago to other Shakespearean villains, as this would have highlighted his uniqueness and the reasons for his villainy. After all the lines dedicated to describing how fair and just Othello is, it is highly unlikely that Shakespeare wrote this line as truth. For this love he will forsake anything. Clearly, Iago controls the general population around him by utilizing their shortcomings: Many have credited William Shakespeare 's plays as being the greatest of all time, and The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice is no exception. Shakespeare also uses an oxymoron, Divinity of Hell! to represent Iagos conflicting personality. Iago fooled Montano, the governor of Cyprus, into believing that Iago is an alcoholic. And whats he then that says I play the villain, When this advice is free I give, and honest, are the two lines that open his final soliloquy. The soliloquies also help Iago gain, and lose empathy. Shakespeare, Iago is the perfect villain. 7-32 ). But some readers of Othello interpret it as the tragedy of Iago, a good man bought down by his egotistical nature. (2017, Oct 19). This essay will explore the complex character of "honest Iago. They are left unsatisfied yet intrigued by Iago, a being who remains enigmatic for eternity. Iago as the Perfect Villain of Othello Iago, the villain in Shakespeares Othello, is a round character of great depth and many dimensions. Well occasionally send you promo and account related email. He believes Othello will trust his word because Cassio is good looking and a smooth talker. I agree that Iago is one of the most interesting villain figures of Shakespeares repertoire. Jennifer Putnam explains, He is clever in his diction to avoid confrontation that can easily erupt (Putnam, 2). Iago as the Perfect Villain of Othello Iago, the villain in Shakespeare's Othello, is a round character of great depth and many dimensions. Iago then begins with small comments and remarks towards Desdemonas loyalty. Lie with her! True, he has the power to both betray and murder those he once worked alongside, but Iago isnt the complete cold-blooded murderer in the same sense of Macbeth or King Claudius from Hamlet. How Cosmic Horror Made Paganism Great Again, The Map That Came To Life: A Memento from Childhood, The Transition from Internet Content Creation to More Traditional Media, The Evolution of Mills and Boon Romance Novels, The representation of women as the hero in YA novels, The Relationship Between Odysseus and Telemakos. In William Shakespeares tragedy Othello, the character Iago is considered evil. Iago even manipulates Othello to strangle her, which is a much personal and vengeful death than poison. Utilizing their trust to plant suspicion and ideas in their heads. He has proven his loyalty and intelligence to Othello, and deserves a promotion. Iago as the hero of Othello Essay, Othello - on Study Boss Iago is the villain in the play. It is always important to consider your source of information, can the information source be trusted? This all contributes to making Iago the perfect villain; he is unreadable and unpredictable, unlike other Shakespearean characters that remain the same character throughout. This ultimately contributes to him being the perfect villain, he is unrestricted, Shakespeare can take his character anywhere and the audience will never be able to second-guess him. This character trait is explored further by Shakespeare in Iago's soliloquies. These traits contribute to his overall evil character. Iago manipulates Cassio to get him drunk and gets Roderigo to bring him into a fight. Most of the time this comes out when a person is obsessed with meeting their personal desires at any costs. William Shakespeare`s Othello is a tragedy based on the retaliation between two characters, Iago and Othello. During this time Iago poisons Montanos impressions of Cassio by telling him, I fear the trust Othello puts in him,(II.iii.120). The author accurately captures Iagos complicated character and the different layers that make him the perfect villain. Annes daughter Elizabeth I was a great patron to Shakespeare. He is portrayed to the audience as a symbol of power and strength. Shakespeare uses the soliloquies an instrument to engage readers he makes the audience fall in love with Iago before shaping him into an evil person. Did Iago screw up? I would have mentioned his explicit racism and jealousy too: his hatred for Othello is partly due to the fact that Othello is black and in a higher military position than him. Iagos manipulative traits, deceitful actions and love for Othello eventually cause the death Emilia, Desdemona and Othello himself. Unlike Richard III, apart from telling stories, Iago carries out a downright fraud through other means of manipulation, which makes him the most evil and intelligent character. that's fulsome. William Shakespeares Othello involves a man named Iago who wants to get revenge on Othello who is known as the Moor of Venice. First, I must tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him. (Act 2, Scene 1, Line 210). The quotation also compares Iago to the Devil, which would have shocked the Jacobean audience. She seems to know nothing of his supposed rage toward Othello at being overlooked for the promotion to lieutenant. Throughout the play, Iago evidences his love of talking and communicating and, when presented with no other characters to interact with, he instead communicates with the audience in his soliloquies. What is it about how Iago is characterized in the play Othello and how he acts that makes him such a vivid villain, even today? Iagos expertise is saying the right thing to the right people for them to believe exactly what he wants them to believe. Cite This Essay Download Did Iago screw up? We never know what face Iago is going to show next, never know what move he is going to make, partly helped by the fact that for long stretches of the play Iago is in good mode. It is important for Iago to control Cassio in the way that he does because it allows Iago to get exactly what he wants. Iago is Shakespeares most interesting and complex villain; he not only deceives people or steals from them, he also kills to get what he wants. These actions eventually lead to a tragic event. He shows instantly that he exploits people and revels in it. Iago Is The Perfect Villain - 274 Words | Cram The tragedy of Othello was believed to have been first performed in the early 1600s and is one of Shakespeares more famous plays. I think he is truly a serpent of which every bad guy in todays world strives to be. Iago also tells Cassio that he will drink for Cassio which makes Cassio think, The most interesting character in the play Othello is the villain, Iago, commonly referred to as "Honest Iago". The word birth also suggests that Iago is comparing the manifestation of his evil plan to a newborn baby. Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample, Literary Villain Characters Iago and Krogstad, The Character Iago In William Shakespeares Play, Iagos ego in "Othello" by William Shakespeare, Complex Character of Iago in Shakespeare's Play Othello. Iago manipulates Cassio to get him drunk and gets Roderigo to bring him into a fight. Iago also says alcohol Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep.(II.iii.123). However, such a villain would distract from the impact of the play and would be trite. At the beginning of William Shakespeares Othello, Emilia, Iagos wife and Desdemonas attendant, remains blindly loyal to her husband. Iago, again, uses Othellos trust in his character. I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs. ( Act 1,Scene 1, Line 116). So a lot of actors who have played iago have stated that they believe iagos immense hatred for othello stems from his love for him. He is overlooking Rodrigo and instead totally committed to the demise of Othello. He easily and eagerly manipulates the structures of culture and identity, whether it is marriage or the authority of the state, as if they are fantasies. The most striking aspects about his character is his complete lack of remorse for the pain he inflicts on others and the complex manner in which he justifies his actions; he comes across as someone who takes pleasure in the chaos he creates. However, a deeper analysis of the plays historical and cultural context and a comparison of Iago to other Shakespearean villains would have enhanced the articles overall analysis. The line: I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets is the first real example of Iagos moral conscience struggling to break through in the soliloquy. He does this by manipulating everyone close to Othello into believing Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, causing him to direct all of his attention to. In conclusion, I do see Iago as the perfect villain. The play of Othello was written by Shakespeare, it is one of the greatest tragedies he had ever written. Iago is simply trying to justify his actions, in a perverse way he is almost pleading with them to accept why he is angry, and to not see him as a villain. Iago pressures Cassio to have a drink and Cassio gives in, resulting in Cassio becoming drunk. The best analysis of Iago I have seen online. Whilst most would see this as a weakness, Iago sees it as strength and it serves him well until he is caught. Ian Serkin at Manchester Royal Exchange a decade ago opposite Joseph Paterson was one of the best Ive seen. Similarly, Othello overlooked Iago and instead lavished his praise, and a promotion, on Michael Cassio. Or was he simply a wronged man? A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. He is NOT inherently evil. Iago is such a terrifying villain. In the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare Iago is exceedingly manipulative and is a master of planting seeds in the minds of each individual in the play. Anything that comes out of Iagos mouth should be taken with a shovelful of salt. The first possible motive Iago mentions for wanting to destroy Othello is jealously. However, he is one of the most dangerous examples of evil. Kenneth Branagh is bloody brilliant. It explores the downfall of a great general Othello through Plays have become more violent and dramatic as well as new ways of driving a performance. Driven by jealousy and hatred, Iago plots against Othello to destroy his character and reputation. At last he makes sense as a frightened, noisy, ordinary man; and Shakespeares up there somewhere clapping and saying, So THATs it! The Devil also influences others by tempting them, in a similar fashion to Iago. Iagos opinion of women. To carry on with his plan he warns Othello that Desdemona's father is coming. Iagos manipulation has not only lead Othello to believe the rumor is true, but has lead him to kill his own wife as well. Yet, he slowly reveals the weaknesses of Othellos love for Desdemona. Truly the archetypical hater. He is a liar and he steals on the pretext of helping. Iago is able to get the trust of everyone around him, and to appear honest. Iago became a sociopath partly because of what he had to endure as a military man, and partly because of how Othello completely undermined him. - International Baccalaureate World Literature - Marked by Teachers.com Home Iago, in the play Othello, is a very intriguing villain. Iago: The Almost Too Perfect Villain. Who can compare in depth of evil to the villainous Iago in William Shakespeares tragic drama Othello? None of the characters understand Iagos intentions and believe his honest act is his true identity when in reality Iago is manipulating his master to fulfill his intentions. Iago contains so much jealousy and hatred against Othello for being a general in the army, a position he feels in righteously his that he victimizes everyone around him. In Othello, one capable of reading subliminals can easily see the many different colors this play has to offer from good, to evil,and everything in between such as themes of distrust or underlying racial themes. Through the characterisation of Iago as a notorious villain, Shakespeare is able to hold Iagos actions accountable for the plays tragic downfall, establishing a sense of powerlessness amongst the. He is Othello's "ancient," or advisor. The fact that Iago is the only character to mention Othellos skin colour is also signs of one of his weakness- the fact that he is blinded by stereotypes. Students looking for free, top-notch essay and term paper samples on various topics. However not long after he fatally wounds his wife, he learns the truth from Iagos wife and, after apologising to Cassio, kills himself. An Elizabethan audience would most likely have at first reacted very negatively to Iago, but such is the strength of his character that his motives for destroying Othello begin to be understood long after the play has been performed. This advice is the crucial mandate that ensures Iago will be able to plant the seed of doubt in Othellos mind. Iago claims that he does not want to say anything bad about Cassio because he cares for Cassio. Iago tells Othello, Look to, In Act 2, Iago is a deceptive person. The author effectively examines Iagos personality, justifies his motives, and highlights his cruel and manipulative nature throughout the play. Iago manipulates Cassio to get him drunk and gets Roderigo to bring him into a fight. The lines: Divinity of Hell When Devils do their blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, show how Shakespeare compares Iago to the Devil, implying that Iago is the physical manifestation of evil. In other words, he advises Cassio to ask Desdemonas help as she is the wife of the Moor. Acikgoz 1 18 December 2014 Iago: A Perfect Villain The tragedy 'Othello' by William Shakespeare is a tragic story based on the revenge of two characters, Othello and Iago. Jealousy, sexism, racism, sexual repression, sociopathy are all there and I would add a will to dominate through the lens of machismo. Therefore Iago is successful in carrying out his plan and achieving his. The fact that Iago is the only character to mention Othello's skin colour is also signs of one of his weakness- the fact that he is blinded by stereotypes. Or perhaps he was a mysterious creature of unlimited cynicism? Some may be highly ranked and powerful, but some may be simple people in a simple community. However, Iago influences Othello by tricking him into thinking Iago is full of love and honesty (3,3,119) when in reality he is using Othello to meet his desires. In the case of. Through the use of linguistic techniques such as elliptical speech, subservient vocative choices and a hesitant tone, Iago is able to construct artful innuendoes to deceive and manipulate Othello. Iagos plan is successfully and easily executed. Using his talent for manipulating, he achieves his vicious personal goals. On first glance, the line seems as malevolent as ever, Iago calls Othello not by his name, but by his race: Moor. He keeps up a false face when around Othello; "pouring pestilence into his ear" with his "heavenly shows" and this is arguably the greatest of Iago's many evil deeds. Evil is about putting your own interests above everyone elses. Because Iago is such a complex character, making you love him because he is so devious and smart, but hate him at the same time because he's ruining the lives of his "friends". Order now Iago's greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him who refer to him as "honest Iago". Othello decides he will kill his wife, and asks Iago to do the same to, Iago is the master villain in Othello, and is indeed a prototypal villain; that is, he is the mould for many other villains in their own deeds. There is no other way to describe Iago from William Shakespeare's Othello.This is a character who suggests that someone drown puppies and kittens - and . He wants to destroy their marriage because he believes Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia which is another motive as to why he hates Othello. Iago is Shakespeare's most plausible and intriguing villains. This keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, making Othello one of Shakespeares most popular plays. Iago implies that he and Cassio have the same friends which makes Cassio think that they are best friends; he does this by calling the other men our friends which implies that they too would be friends. To be exact, Iago is a puppeteer who sets up scenes to deceive the credulous foolsOthello, Cassio and Desdemona (4.1.45). Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/is-iago-the-perfect-villain-essay. That is something that transcends all cultures; the ultimate betrayal. The whole course of human history may depend on a change of heart in one solitary and even humble individual for it is in the solitary mind and soul of the individual that the battle between good and evil is waged and ultimately won or lost.. One gets the impression that Shakespeare wanted the actor portraying Iago to spit the word to the audience. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. Additionally, he persuades Roderigo to battle with Cassio keeping in mind the end goal to get Cassio in a bad position by getting him drunk. In short Iago is like no other of Shakespeares villains which makes him an utterly compelling and absorbing character. Was he a skillful villain? Evil. Due to which Cassio loses his position as Othellos lieutenant. His first soliloquy appears in Act 1 Scene 1, line 149. William Shakespeare. Iago is commenting on how he is able to make money from fools, from manipulating them. The soliloquies enhance Iagos villainous characteristics by giving him moments to. His villainy is incomparably destructive on all of those around him. Iago is poisoning Othellos ears by telling him about the ocular proof that Othello was asking for all along. on BBC TV in 1955. He is mad at Othello for he granted Cassio as his lieutenant instead of him, this affects his pride, forsooth a great arithmetician one Michael Cassio, a Florentine (Meyer, 2017, pp. Thanks! I think Iago is intended to represent Thomas Cromwell, the favored and trusted minister of Henry VIII. Montano reports his, How does one create the perfect villain for a story? In Shakespeare 's play Othello, the character Iago is the same as those tricky people. Iago could also be referring to his accomplice Rodrigo. And later on informing Brabantio about Desdemona and Othellos Marriage. He is also once again revealing the sense of detachment he feels, he is planning on manipulating Desdemonas innocence and purity into a weapon, thus highlighting the ruthless nature of his character. Don't use plagiarized sources. The proud, noble and trustworthy character of Othello promotes his young solder Cassio ahead of his more experienced ally Iago, setting off a chain of events which eventually ends with the demise of Othello, his young wife Desdemona and Iago himself. He neither respects moral beauty as seen in Desdemona, nor the grand nobleness of the mighty-souled Othello. A soliloquy acts as an aid to the audience in order to understand a characters internal thoughts. Iago is smart, and well tuned to human behavior, and uses this knowledge to, At the end of Act 1, He gets Cassio to talk to Othellos wife, Desdemona, to ask for his position back and he begins to point out small things like them whispering. Not only is Iago a narcissist, he has no respect and is incapable of genuine love and compassion. In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, a man named Iago is fueled with revenge toward a soldier named Othello for not assigning him the position of lieutenant. Iago displays many morally ambiguous and downright dirty traits. Ive always thought that the most villainous part of Iagos role is the way that it has embedded itself into the popular psyche. (2.1.191-93) Setting the scene. Although his lies are sometimes subtle it affects the, Kolin observes that Iago stands out among Shakespearean villains since he is the only one to survive his own monstrous acts (25). He was the best Ive ever encountered. Iagos opinion on women is that he detests women in all kinds and shapes, and finds faults even when they have little or no faults. GCSE English Othello Essay 'Is Iago the perfect villain?' Few Shakespearian villains radiate evilness and jealously quite as much as Iago, the unbeknown nemesis of the play's title character, Othello. Whilst at first he seems purely evil, upon further reflection you begin to see Iago as a victim, a victim of what ambition can do to a man. Others say Iago's talent for understanding and manipulating the desires of those . The infamous word that people cannot grasp is evil. By having Iago boast so close to the dramatic and disastrous finale, I believe that Shakespeare is showing that, despite being extremely clever and in many cases the perfect villain, Iago is still only human. Shakespeare turns Iago into a perfect villain, unlike other Shakespearean villains who are a one-dimensional character throughout the play. Roderigo's Evil In Othello - 1041 Words | Cram His public face of bravery and honesty conceals a satanic delight in manipulation and destruction, and he will stop at nothing. The men in Othello mistrust the women and always quick to associate them with being deceptive and unfaithful. Evil is a character that it demonstrated through ill, especially in the quest for power and recognition. Iago ends his final soliloquy with the two lines: And out of her own goodness make the net, That shall enmesh them all. Here, Iago is fantasizing about putting his plan into action. Evil masterminds are always successful in their diabolical schemes, but each one does it in their own special way.

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