Throughout the play, Iago tends to degrade those around him, whom he resents, the main perpetrator being Othello, this shows Iagos true characteristics as he has to belittle those around him in order to better himself, he decides to include Desdemona, Emila and Othello and other characters throughout into his plot, even though they only spoke highly of him. He even threatens to "seek satisfaction" with Iago if he finds out that Iago is lying. Iago, much more than anyone else in the play, is always aware of what his status and his chances are; he is sharp enough to know when his plans are going to work, and when he needs to change his approach. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. The Turks are forced to give up their attack on Cyprus, and the Venetian ships return in triumph. Evaluate Cassio's and Iago's stated opinions about reputation. Cassio, however, knows himself and refrains. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." Each plot point is spiraled further into tragedy due to the nature of Iago and his manipulative language towards the other main characters. Use the worksheet 3, in class for student groups. Othello: Act II Study Questions Scene i 1. Topics covered include: Getting started Making a case Examination essays Achieving clarity Written in the authors accomplished, student-friendly style, The Basics of Essay Writing is full of practical tips and guidance. However, this is not the only place where it is seen that Iago uses negativity. In the order of their appearance, list the characters who arrive from Venice in Scene 1. Montano tells what he knows, and Iago fills in the rest - making sure to fictionalize his part. Othello secretly marries Desdemona, the daughter of a Venetian Senator, which is when Iago gets his plan to get rid of Othello with the help of his subordinate, Roderigo. (2020, Jun 02). Encouraging patience, Iago subtly reinforces the parallel between his plots and drama in general: both need time to come to their climaxes. In this excerpt Iago represents, Iago also tries to persuade Roderigo through the different types of language techniques and appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos. Othello Study Guide | GradeSaver . Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. Desdemona arrives later with Iago and Emilia. He speaks of Desdemona as being "sport for Jove," and "full of game" (II.iii.17-19); his depiction of Desdemona rings false, as does his attempt to insinuate lust into Cassio's mind. Without it, he sees himself as a beast, using the kind of animal imagery that other racist characters had used only to describe Othello. situation and in Othello's statement, "Iago is most honest."(II, iii, 7) 14. He measures two points, and, with a grace inimitable, offers his Majesty the choice. Explain the purpose of the . Roderigo believes him, blinded by his love for Desdemona, and sells his land to get money for gifts. That these two things happen almost simultaneously heightens the play's tragedy. There were some foils upon a table--some points also. Also, this quote shows that Iagos overactive id, as his pleasure of revenging on Othello for taking his job overpowers his sense of instincts, superego, that he should not. How does the language change? Iago's speech style Language is the source of Iago's power, but his characteristic idiom is different from Othello's. It is full of colloquialisms and oaths, befitting a cynical soldier. In his soliloquies and dialogues he reveals himself to the audience to be a master of connotative and metaphoric language, inflammatory imagery, emotional appeals, well-placed silences, dubious hesitations, leading questions, meaningful repetition, and sly hints. Arise, arise, awake the snorting citizens with the bell, or else the devil will make a grandsire of you. (I,I). In a gesture reminiscent of how other characters (Iago, Roderigo, Brabantio) have drawn on racial stereotypes to exclude Othello and cement their own relationships, he here defines himself as an "insider," a Christian, against the "outsider" or enemy, the Turk. Students shall have a choice of doing one of two things: either writing and performing a persuasive speech OR writing an essay in which persuasive technique in the play is analyzed. What does it mean? " Which character recruits Iago to woo Desdemona? Iago again takes on the role of "director," laying out his plans for the audience. Some people think Iago may not be entirely at fault, as it was also Othellos Achilles heel that led to his downfall and demise, O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! Iago uses this metaphor to manipulate Roderigo into going to Desdemona's father and telling him that his daughter is married to the Moor, Othello. Complete your free account to request a guide. Othello's self-consciousness is apparent in these words to Desdemona. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. A puppeteer of the psyche, Iago pulls the strings of those who should know better with a battery of verbal weapons. Othello is just as decisive as he was in earlier scenes, but now he, too, has been tricked by Iago and his actions only further Iago's plot. Is there any evidence for these reasons? Iago teeters on a seesaw "debating" whether to tell Othello what he saw between his wife and . Perceptiveness is yet another motif in the play; it helps Iago do all of his dirty deeds, yet condemns Othello and Cassio when they cannot muster up enough of it to see that Iago is up to no good. Fordefinitions of "Moor" contemporary with Shakespeare, go first to the, Lastly, students should be introduced to the Roman god. Iago 4. Iago takes advantage of this flaw, and sets the quarrel in motion. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial" (2.3.251-3). What is important to note is Roderigos change in attitude in act four. Iago easily convinces him out of it by pointing out Othellos shortcomings. Othello can't analyze realityhe can't even differentiate between Emilia's and Desdemona's voices. By refusing to even listen to Desdemona's denials of her suspected infidelity, Othello reveals how fully he has lost his independent perspective and succumbed to Iago's web of illusions. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse (Shakespeare). Iago continues to orchestrate complicated sets of doubling-crossings in order to promote the illusions that will help him with his plan. Not affiliated with Harvard College. After a discussion of what "honest" means in today's society, divide the students up into four groups. his Majesty does not fence! To whom was it addressed? However, it seems as if he could just be using that as an excuse to ruin the harmony between Othello and Desdemona as he insulted Emilia earlier on. An illustration of a heart shape Donate. By comparing Othello to an animal, and old. Iago's perception of women as deceptive, dominating, and lusty colors the way he portrays both Emilia and Desdemona; both are good women, Desdemona exceedingly so, yet he is able to convince other men that they are anything but what they are. This signifies that Roderigo is beginning to realize that he has been manipulated. Iago's motives could be all of these reasons and more, or they could be none; indeed, Shakespeare leaves the root of Iago's malignancy unexplained, while showing the fruits of his evil in full. In short, Othello is an "other," and the fact that he is a Moor surrounded by Italians and Cypriots only emphasizes his difference. an academic expert within 3 minutes. "I will turn her virtue into pitch," he says of Desdemona, hearkening back to the light/dark imagery earlier in the act. Through Iagos many qualities, Jealousy and Paranoia seem to be exaggerated throughout the play, it is because of Iagos jealousy is of such as great extent that he is brought to bring about the downfall of Othello. Iago tells Roderigo 'I follow him to serve my turn upon him'. Of course, he misses the identity of the real devil in the situation, Iago. Oil on canvas, ca. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. Retrieved from http://studymoose.com/iagos-use-language-soliloquies-reveal-true-character-new-essay. If not, how does Iago use words to convince himself that he is completely justified in destroying Othello? When Roderigo confronts Iago with these words, it is evident that his conflict has progressed. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. What step in his plan to entrap the main characters does Iago take at the end of Act II? Othello arrives at last, and is very glad to see his wife arrived, much earlier than expected; he and Desdemona make public signs of their love, and then depart. Another way in which the play could be interpreted is the fact that he was not promoted and so that he could achieve his sweet revenge, in order to do so he must break Othello part from part slowly (as in his references to poison throughout the play) and the thing he loves dearest Desdemona as well as not revealing his true intentions. Iago describes how he will stage yet another scene and control how the other characters will interpret it, much as a playwright does with every scene he or she writes. When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now In this Iagos mentions that even Satan disguises himself as an angel, just as he does now. Students should note that Iago is quite right about reputation being "oft got without merit." Cassio 2. How does the. "If it were now to die, twere now to be most happy" "My soul hath her content so absolute that not another comfort like this succeeds an unknown fate". Conclude the class by asking the students how they view Iago, Desdemona, Othello, and Brabantio as based on what they have read and discussed. 1857. Cassio views reputation, or honor, as a person's most valuable possession. Dont know where to start? This activity involves research and written class work for 4 groups of students. Instant PDF downloads. Cassio is stripped of his rank, and all leave Cassio and Iago alone. This is where the audience is aware that this is in fact false and therefore dramatic irony. During the play, Othellos Noble character is challenged by Iagos devious trickery, once Iago manages to figure out Othellos Achilles heel he decides to exploit it for his own just content. For I fear Cassio with my nightcap too Iago then later comments on the fact that now he suspects that Cassio has slept with his wife, the audience comes to realise that Iago either has a intense Paranoia throughout the play or whomsoever Iago feels resentful towards, he decides to add them to his plot in their demise or downfall. Iago tries to control Emilia, commanding her as his wife to be silent. The characters that comment on the storm are mariners, alluding to Ursa Minor and stars used for navigation; this is a testament to Shakespeare's ability to craft credible dialogue for a great diversity and range of characters. Iago's speech in Act 2 Scene 3, after he offers advice to Cassio about how to retain his military position as part of his cunning plan, serves as an insight into many of Iago's personality traits. If Iago is able to manipulate language to get others to do what he wants, Othello is manipulated by language. Meanwhile, Iago moves his plot into its second phase: to twist two noble traitsCassio's desire to regain his honor and Desdemona's generosityto provoke Othello's doubt of Desdemona and sexual jealousy of Cassio. He will "out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all" (II.iii.361-363). To whom was it addressed? Shakespeare uses this character to set the basis of evil. Cassio greets them all, especially praising Desdemona; somehow, Iago and Desdemona enter into an argument about what women are, and Iago shows how little praise he believes women deserve. Roderigo is deceived by Iago whom he trusted so dearly, However, along with his word choice, Iago is clever at the timing of what he says. Iago kills Emilia because she did betray himbut she betrayed him for the greater good, and Iago's violence toward her is more graphic and terrible than the smothering of Desdemona, bringing home his full villainy. One strategy for helping students to focus on the details of Iago's language would be to provide them with a handout of the key rhetorical terms to be used throughout the reading of Othello. It would be useful for the teacher to find the definitions of these words in the. Once there's reason to exclude him from the social group, Othello quickly is diminished to the status of outsider among the Venetians. Hecht's reputation as one of our most original and imaginative thinkers on the literary arts. Unfortunately, Roderigo's decision in giving Iago another chance is one chance too many and ends in Roderigo's death. Type your requirements and Ill connect you to Indeed, in terms of eloquence, Othello-not Iagohas the final word. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with . Cassio's relative restraint, despite having been wounded by Roderigo and Iago and mistrusted by Othello, reveals his strength of character, which contrasts with Iago's increasingly sadistic malice as the extent of his plot is revealed. Misrepresentation is a theme that surfaces often through Iago's villainy; already, he makes Desdemona seem like a fickle, lusty woman, which he will soon try to convince Othello of. The news that Cassio has killed Roderigo is the first sign of Iago's plots unraveling. What does he say to Cassio privately? Active Themes Othello searches his chamber and finds a sword. Hence, Iago is again able to successfully misrepresent himself; this time, he pretends that he is there merely to settle the quarrel, when he is the engineer of the whole affair. The show ran for five seasons, with a total of 150 half-hour episodes, 30 in black-and-white and 120 in color. An illustration of text ellipses. "With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio," he says; indeed, the simile speaks truly of his intent, and of his true powers of "invention" (II.i.168-169). They all died in the stormed. Othello e-text contains the full text of Othello by William Shakespeare. But even as he minces words with Desdemona, he is observing her and Cassio, and plotting how to make a fictional affair between them look convincing. To Othello and the others, Iago pretends not to understand how the whole fight came about, but he defends Cassio, saying that Cassio surely received from "him that fled" (Roderigo) some "strange indignity, / Which patience could not pass." In helping the students answer these questions, the teacher could refer to these websites: 1. Iago then later describes this in his soliloquy as divinity of hell, as this is devilish acts being carries out. 9. He's paranoid Emilia has slept with O and C too! Analyze dialogue for what is and is not stated to determine motive, meaning, and characteristics of the players. But she shows her independence and loyalty to both Desdemona and to the truth. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. But Iago begins explaining the situation, saying very now, an old black ram is topping your white ewe. Unable to manipulate Cassio only with words, Iago progresses toward more directly bodily means: alcohol. The storm marks the end of the peaceful part of the play, a signal that Iago's mischief is about to begin. In fact, he refuses even to let her live a bit longer so she can prove her innocence. What might have been a reason for Shakespeare to employ this change at the end of the act? Contract details: Hourly rate: 10.77 PAYE. More books than SparkNotes. Meanwhile, despite Iago's demands that she obey him and be quiet. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. The rest of Iago's plan at last falls into place after his discussion with Cassio. Painting of Othello weeping over Desdemona's body. Iago, left uncontested. He describes Desdemona as one who "excels the quirks of blazoning pens"; he calls her "divine Desdemona," but at the same time, wishes Othello much joy of her (II.i.62, 72). How does Seamus Heaney reveal his culture in 'Digging' and 'Follower'? After Iago 1 finishes brief parts of his plea, Iago 2 will, after Iago 1 speaks, tell the class exactly what he is trying to do as his "good face" speaks. Among these are the units of language, grammatical concepts and their origins, how languages differ and resemble each other, and the history of As Iago learns that Cassio has no love for her, though much respect; so it is with much irony that Cassio is charged as being Desdemona's lover, when he is perhaps the only male figure in the play who has no feelings of passion for her. Whereas the acting f the play started on the streets of Venice going to the court and finally to Cyprus's beaches. Another literary tradition is the fact that he always uses morals and themes; if not multiple morals and themes such as in Othello he involves characteristics such as jealousy, greed, envy, deceitfulness, power, betrayal, honesty and revenge etc. 1. 18.03.2022, solved by verified expert. The play tends to follow numerous Shakespearean literary traditions and conventions such as that William Shakespeare writes tragedies, he writes in blank verse and in iambic pentameter. Iago decides that this is good enough a reason as any, even though he has no evidence whatsoever, he explains this when he says "will do as if for surety. Each group must answer in writing the following question: What did it mean to be "honest" in Shakespeare's time? are among the most famous in the play. It is like one kind of play ending at the end of Act II, and another starts what looks like a political tragedy being an economic disaster. Iago is saying this to the audience. Now he uses honor. In Act 1, Scene 3, after talking with Roderigo, Iago has a soliloquy where he tells the audience that he hates Othello, who he calls the Moor. Instant downloads of all 1699 LitChart PDFs The banter between Iago and Desdemona creates a nervous, uncomfortable atmosphere, in part because their levity is inappropriate, given that Othello's ship remains missing. Have gone through the roof. do what he saw between his plots and drama in:. 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