Coursework on ‘Othello’

A tragic event is a disastrous and dreadful event. A disaster is usu tot completelyyy when someone is killed. A hero is usually a military personnel who is courageous and dis break aways noble qualities he is perceived by pile to be very muscular and strong. So a tragic hero is a person who is an exceptional person, but has a fatal shortcoming. This is normally uncovered and consequently reprobate by the villain. To the reference he is amazing, and so when he is killed it is a tragedy for the audience as the world has lost such an kayoedstanding person, the hero so can no longer work to society. In this play the tragic hero is Othello.He is a tragic hero as he as achieved a lot. He is an outsider, and as well as is non very young in addition he is non white, but b lack. Even though he is all of this he placid functions a general and attr incites a very beautiful seventeen socio-economic class r ar girl. that he has a flaw this is his green-eyed monster. This flaw is twisted and exploited by the villain of the play, Iago. As the play goes on we follow up how grabbyy corrupts the mind of Othello, resulting in his death. In this play there atomic number 18 many different themes shaped and formed. These atomic number 18 covetousy, hands and women and race and colour.The important theme represented in this play, is jealousy. There are three chief(prenominal) types of jealousy in this play they are maestro, familiar and racial. Professional jealousy is portrayed by Iago in this play as he is jealous of Michael Cassio. This is because he was promoted to police lieutenant by Othello and Iago was non. Iago calls Michael Cassio a great arithmetician he figures that he is jealous of Cassio as he is doing better than him even though he is also a outsider. He whitethorn fix become Othellos lieutenant as he, a analogous(p) Othello, is an outsider.When Iago differentiates A fellow virtually darned in a fair wife he is wake that he is sexua lly jealous of Cassio as he is more sexually attr take onive than him and many women like him. This makes Iago spirit more hate and jealousy for Cassio. When Iago is sheding to Brabantio he says An overage black ram is tupping your white ewe this is present that Iago is racially jealous of Othello. indeed this shows that Iago is jealous that Othello has married a beautiful and noble, young girl. All of these respective(a) types of jealousy felt by Iago in the play lead to fearful tragedies.The opening face creates a build up of atmosphere with semi governmental and social aspects. The word-painting begins at night in Venice. Venice was infamous for political intrigue. There were many Machiavellian characters around. It was kn proclaim to be an amoral place, where the race could non be boldnessed as they where cunning and sly. The diorama is set at night where dark and underhand deeds are covered up, and non fitn by the light of day. It begins with two characters, Rod erigo and Iago, dis arrogateing. Roderigo is fervent to possess Desdemona, with the back up of Iago.They emit almost an new(prenominal) character who has been appointed by the council, general of the Venetian army. We learn that he is a Moor and an outsider. Also we find out that one Michael Cassio is the lieutenant, a position which Iago craves. Othello in this expression is not referred to by name, and we soon learn that he is hated by Roderigo and Iago. All of this talk about Othello makes the audience anxious to find out about him and go this quite exceptional person. This causes a mood and atmosphere of curiosity and hammy tension. In the initiative film of Othello Iago is introduced.This eyeshot is very important as it lays the foundations for the tragedies which develop later on in the play. As he is introduced he has a big impact on the audience. He is portrayed in the first dig to be a person who is in control of what he does, and someone who has control over se parates, and playms to be someone who is ambitious. Iago is brought into the first scene talking to Roderigo. Roderigo begins the dialogue with Iago. In his few opening lines he says Iago, who hast had my rumple as if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.This shows that Roderigo does not trust Iago about him creation fitted to procure Desdemona, from Othello for him. Also this shows the audience that Iagos services can be bought with money, fix out that he is mercenary. Furthermore the name Iago sounds Spanish, so to the Stuart audience this would show instantly that he was a malevolent character, as at this condemnation to England the Spanish people were enemies. Following Roderigos few speech communication, Iago replies with a blasphemous sblood nub Gods blood. This shows his derision for Christ and for Christian values.This single word would have take aback and surprised the Stuart audience, who were religious. Iago asserts his hate towards the Moor Othello. H e says in great detail about Othello off-capped to him I am worth no worse a place. But he, as loving his give pride and purposes, evades them with a bombast circumstance, awful stuffed with epithets of war. Here he is telling Roderigo how he despises Othello for not letting him become a lieutenant, instead passing him over for one Michael Cassio, a Florentine. Iago so calls Cassio a great arithmetician this is Iago existence sarcastic he is implying that Michael Cassio has no survive or idea of war. Iago speaks on talking about Michael Cassio by scornful where he is from, saying that he is a Florentine.He is saying that Cassio the Florentine knows nothing of war. This displays Iago of existence racially prejudiced to foreigners and outsiders. This is the same for Othello there may be a reason to why Cassio was chosen over Iago as Cassio and Othello are both outsiders. Iago comments on Cassio, of being a fellow almost damned in a fair wife. This reveals that he may be sexual ly jealous of Cassio, as many women are attracted to him. Iago continues on, to again contumely Cassio even more saying that never set a squadron in the field, nor the division of a battle knows more than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric. This shows that he may be upset about being passed over for promotion, and his hatred for Cassio. I believe from what I have cope withn from what Iago says about Cassio, he may feel intellectually inferior to Cassio as he says as masterful as he is screening that Iago may feel he has been challenged by someone better and more academic than him.This is the audiences first sign of professional jealousy. Iago then finally ends this speech with a sardonic develop of his moorship this is a derogatory connotation, which is a play on the phrase his worship. Iago proves to Roderigo just how practically he hates Othello, by insulting him and by slandering Cassio. With all of this hatred Iago has he causes the demotion of Cassio, the murder of Desdemona, the suicide of Othello and the downfall of himself. Our visions of Othello are all shaped by what Iago says in his dialogue with Roderigo. The audience may become doubtful of what Iago says as his views are amoral.There are important lines from this long speech revealing Iagos real character. But the main theme of this speech is how he hates Othello, and his lack of true fast(a)ty and integrity. Moreover he tells Roderigo his plan and how it come out propel him Roderigo follows Iago foolishly not insureing that he is being used because of his believe to possess Desdemona. This speech also shows how Iago is able to ingeniously manipulate people. He begins to say I follow him to serve my turn upon him this is basically showing how is only serving Othello to service of process himself and using it for his advantage.This shows that Iago is ambitious as he knows what he essentials, and does anything to get it. Also he is dis sure and self-serving as he is just getting w hat he wants out of his actions, and is betraying his so called sponsor Othello. In addition he is cunning and sly getting on the button what he wants, by deceiving people. He says an important line which is heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty this shows that Iago is not interested in love and does not really care about it. He has no concept of love. This leads to the later point of his attitude towards women in general.He also says the blasphemous phrase of I am not what I am this shows that he is going against Gods words of I am what I am. This shows that he once again is withering of Christian values and of Christ. But this line could also be showing that Iago may have a layer to his character, which is unseen by other people. We can see that what Roderigo says is an echo of how Iago speaks, especially about Othello. We witness Roderigo say a racist comment about Othello, the thick-lips owe. This is a phrase which is mirror from the way Iago addresses Othello.Iago is manipulating people to become like him, evil. Iago feels he needs to wake his plan and tells Roderigo to rouse Brabantio, make after him, toxicant his delight, proclaim him in the streets. This shows that Iago delights in create trouble and enjoys layer managing chaos. Roderigo is polite and kind in talking to the senator, getting them nowhere so it is Iagos unmannerly and disgusting descriptions of an old black ram, is tupping your white ewe which make Brabantio irate. The animal imagery here is representing the sexual connection between Desdemona the noble women with the Moor general Othello.This sexual reference is then linked with the suggestion of Cassio being a fellow almost damned in a fair wife, and with his job to help match up Roderigo and Desdemona. This shows that Iago reckons of women to be objects, and disregards love. He is unable to understand love, or the relationships between men and women. We can see from this scene that Iago is able to control and manipula te people to his own advantage. From this scene altogether we see that Iago is a cynical malcontent. He is malicious in his acts and oil with his language, he is able to manipulate people for his own needs, and exaggerates situations to his own advantage.We see how he despises men who wear their police van on their sleeves, and who dont take in out for their own interests. He likes people, who are self-serving, and people who do evil deeds for money, people who are untrustworthy and who hazard to be honest. His speeches in these scenes are energetic and shocking to many audiences, they are full of egotistical disgust. Furthermore Iago has an underhand way of being wanting(p) when actions which he has instigated come to head. Iago is a compelling and sophisticated villain. In this play there are two main scenes where Iago puts his Machiavellian plans in to operation.Iagos plans are malicious he puts his plans into action in act 2 scene 3, and in act 3 scene 3. In act 2 scene 3 a ll of Iagos tactics and ideas become reality. Upon arrival in Cyprus Iago persuades Cassio to have a drink by saying come, lieutenant, I have a stoup of wine. Cassio keeps on refusing Iagos offers, as he has very pathetic and unhappy brains for drinking. But Cassio is not able to resist it, and takes some wine, causing him to become full of quarrel and offence. Iago perceives this as his chance to instigate his plan. continuing to manipulate Roderigo effortlessly, he makes him start off a quarrel and a brawl with Cassio.Cassio gets wound up by Roderigo, as Roderigo gives witty remarks like beat me? These comments from Roderigo and the fact that he is drunk cause Cassio to get aggravated, and thus fight. Othello gets alerted by the brawl, and finds Montano and Cassio fighting. Montano is hurt, zounds I bleed still. Othello asks honest Iago to find out what happened. This is outstanding irony as Othello thinks that Iago is an honest person, whereas the audience knows that he is not, that he is crude and evil. This puts the audience in the position of knowing more than the characters, increasing tension.Othello dismisses Cassio from his position, and he is demoted, just as Iago wanted. As Cassio is dismissed, Iago gets the chance to take his place, and get entree to Othello so he can poison and corrupt his mind with his words. Iago speaks and acts in this scene as if he always has someone elses interests at heart. He enjoys presenting himself in the best possible light. In this scene as Othello is being informed on the brawl by Iago, Iago acts as if he wants to help Cassio, he says to Othello I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio. This is all part of Iagos plan to make himself look trustworthy and loyal, towards Othello. He here seems to be reluctant to accuse Cassio.This is not only to make Iago look loyal, but also to make Othello see how disgracefully his lieutenant has acted. Othello likes to he re the direct truth, even though he appreciates the false protection of Cassio, given by Iago. We see Iagos ingenious and spiteful ideas when he decides to use Desdemona, who is innocent, and who he has no quarrel with, to enmesh them all. We see how lucky he is in his speech, that he has the intelligence and power to turn Desdemonas fairness into pitch. As before we see how Iago dislikes honesty and innocence. Even Iagos wife Emilia, is fooled in thinking that Iago wants to help Michael Cassio. Iagos only loyalty is to himself. Iagos imagery is crude, he will convince Othello that all the meetings that Iago and Desdemona are having, is an affair. He is planting the seeds of jealousy into Othellos mind. He tries to convince him that his wife wants Cassio, and that she will undo her credit with the Moor. In this scene Iago disrupts Othellos wedding night, and Iago turns Othello against the people he trusted and loved.Act 3 scene 3 is the opposite scene where Iago puts his Machia vellian plans into operation. Iago wants Othello to perceive that Cassio is having an affair with Cassio. Iago in this scene once again is pretending to be coadjutors with Cassio. Iago knows exactly how Othello operates, and so he knows how to get inside his head. Iago tries to avoid answering Othellos questions directly. He does this as he knows this builds up perplexity in Othellos mind. He also much imitates Othellos questions as he Othello says is he honest. Subsequently Iago avoids the question and says honest my superior This is another technique that Iago uses to raise suspicion from Othello. Iago when talking to Othello about Desdemona repeatedly reminds him how she had deceitfully behaved, and the painful reminder that he is an outsider. Iago tells Othello that she could have made other natural choices. Iago keeps angering Othello by manipulating and poisoning his mind. Iago tells Othello look to your wife observe her well with Cassio where your look thus, not jealous nor secure. He essentially tells Othello to see his wife neutrally, and not to get waste when looking upon her with Cassio.Another way that Iago tries to persuade Othello is by saying she did deceive her father, and when she seemd to shake and fear your looks. Iago here tries to show Othello that she is not loyal and noble, as she already deceived her father by marrying him, because of what she wanted. So Iago is speculative Othello, on what is stopping her from doing it again. Iago pretends to care about Othello as he says trust me I fear it has. I hope you will consider what is rung comes from my love. He is telling Othello that he has his best interests at heart.After Iago knows that the poison he gave to Othello through words has held, and once Othello has become vengeful, he knows he must take the role of being a noble and loyal friend. There is irony here as Othello is seeking to kill Cassio he is carrying out Iagos revenge for him. WE find out from this scene that Othel lo is weak and insecure, as the emotion of love that he has for Desdemona loses against Iagos crude language. Othello left alone he wonders Why did I marry? This shows that he already knows that his wife is false.He begins to speak of the curse of marriage. Although he resists Iagos version of Desdemona, it is the fake story of Cassio having a dream about her which breaks him. He returns angry much more angry with his words, but still does not know what to believe I think my wife be honest, and think she is not. But we see from the crude images legerdemain in his mind, and the violence of his speech that Iago is winning. He speaks violently of poison, or fire, or suffocating streams. He curses death and damnation and says ferociously Ill tear her all to pieces. We see here that Iago has fully corrupted his mind, and Othello like Roderigo is beginning to talk with crude and malicious language, just like Iago. Iagos plans in act 3 scene 3 are successful, as he is able to demote C assio from his position. Iago is able to successfully play a number of roles, and is able to adapt his heart and style to suit any occasion. In this scene Iago acts apparently loyal, and as if he has everybody elses interests at heart. He presents himself as a noble friend to Cassio, and in the best possible light. From discrediting Cassio, Iago is able to get close to Othello.This then means that he is able to corrupt and poison Othellos mind, with his crude words. The demotion weakens Othellos position, and gives Iago a great advantage to put his wicked plan into operation. As Iago gains find to Othellos mind from Cassio, he is able to use his skills in manipulation, to make Othello see things that are not actually happening. He makes Othello perceive that Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, and that she is being unfaithful towards him. Also he makes Othello demote Cassio because of a brawl, which Roderigo initiated.These events, which are stage managed by Iago all lead t o the tragic denouement, Othello and Desdemonas deaths. The way he acts in this scene is similar to the way he acts in act 1 scene, as he pretends to have Roderigos interests at heart in act 1 scene 1, and in act 2 scene 3 he acts as if he has Cassios interests at heart. In both scenes he appears to be loyal to his friends, when he is actually fooling everyone and is only loyal to himself. Also in both of these scenes he is always manipulating people, just to see the downfall of Othello.Part of Iagos success in act 2 scene 3 lies in the fact that he tells all of his victims exactly what they want to hear, or he uses arguments which would make his victims think like him, in a crude malicious manner. Act 3 scene 3 is the pivotal point in the play because Othello is convinced of his wifes corruption Othello makes a inspirational oath never to change his mind about her or to break dance his feelings towards her until he acts out a violent revenge. At this point, Othello is fixed in hi s course, and the disastrous ending of the play is unavoidable.Othello swears to Iago that he will kill Desdemona and Cassio. vindicatory as the play replaces the aegis of peace with the anxiety of domestic strife, Othello replaces the security of his marriage with the hateful paranoia of an alliance with Iago. Iago is the one who causes Othellos downfall, as he sows the seeds of suspicion in his mind. Iagos methods in this scene are more subtle. He pretends to be reluctant to speak. Desdemona keeps irritating Othello, by asking when he will doctor Cassio. This angers Othello as he is already suspicious of Cassio having an affair with Desdemona.Iago persistently acts as if he is protecting Cassio. Othello becomes more and more suspicious from what Iago tells him, and Iago uses key words which get to Othello, for example think and honest. We can see how Iago falsely protects Cassio as he says, I think Cassios an honest man. Iago is protecting Cassio and not telling Othello the d irect truth. This causes Othello to feel more suspicious of Cassio. Iago tells Othello about how Cassio and Desdemona have secretly been meeting, and so when Othello perceives it himself he becomes infuriated.Othello gives the secret of his downfall to Iago. This is Othellos flaw. Othello says when I love thee not, chaos is come again. The signification is that if Othello stops loving Desdemona he will disintegrate, and crumble to pieces. Iago now has something to act on, and can exploit this feeling, to poison and destroy Othello. Iagos final words in this scene chillingly mock the language of love and marriage I am your own forever. Iago is a malicious, malevolent and crude person. He is able to manipulate, and twist peoples feelings to his own advantage.He is brilliant at stage managing events, and is capable of hoodwinking others to believe he is honest. When Iago speaks in his soliloquies he is boastful and dismissive. Iago is a very untrustworthy character, as we have seen from how he has fooled everyone to trust him. Iago is a complex character, only himself and the audience knows what he is really like. In this play we see how Iago is able to put his skills of manipulation into act. Many believe he may have a homosexual side and tries to replace Desdemona, but this is only some views as his relationship with Othello is very complicated.Iago is highly intellectual socially. In this play he is the bringer off death and pain upon many characters, he is like the grisly reaper. Iago is partly responsible for bringing death to Othello, but it is not all his fault. It is true that he used his skills to manipulate people, and his ability to poison and corrupt peoples minds to bring Othellos downfall, but it is also the faults of the people he manipulated, for being weak minded. Roderigo, who was first off manipulated, followed Iago as his drive and passion to possess Desdemona got in the way.Cassios flaw was that he only became manipulated as he believed Iago was his true friend, and that he was there to help him, he was also too trusting. Desdemona also had a fatal flaw, which was that she could be deceitful also she loved and trusted Othello to a great extent. finally Iagos greatest achievement was convincing and manipulating Othello. Othello has the most significant fatal flaw he had a high amount of jealousy. Iago was able to exploit all of these weaknesses. But the biggest was Othellos which all lead to the catastrophic deaths of Othello and his Desdemona.