Yes, I am a pink and fluffy person. Since next week is finals, I am making the Act 3 blog due on Wednesday, instead of Monday. Act 4 will be on Tuesday after finals. Enjoy!
1.Desdemona is a nice and caring character. Shouldn't Othello know her well enough to know she is the kind of person that is just doing something nice for Cassio and that there is nothing else going on?
2. Why is almost everyone oblivious to Iago's villainy?
3.Othello started out as a calm figure with Christ like patience. But this is the part of the play where he becomes unglued. Why is it that he became so full of jealousy and rage in such a short amount of time? Why would Othello believe Iago over his own wife? Why doesn't he go and confront her about it instead of letting his rage take control of him?
4. Why is it that Iago continues his plot to ruin Othello even though he gets what he wants which is to be lieutenant again?
5. Why is it that Desdemona doesn't defend herself against Othello's accusations of adultery? She is a strong and independent character so she could definitely hold her own in an argument like that. But instead she talks more about Cassio. Maybe she feels like there is no need to argue because her husband should know her well enough to not even question something like that.
Act three Discussion 1. Jade I was wondering the same thing the whole time I was reading Act three. Othello married Desdemona for the kind and compassionate woman she is. Why has he lost sight? Just becuase she is being nice and trying to help Cassio that is a reason to suspect your wife of adultry? 2. Does Cassio really like Desdemona or is he just doing all this becuase Iago has set it up? Becuase at the end of Act three Bianca comes in and asks him if he is coming home tonight? So is he a married man after Desdemona?? So frustrating! 3. Jade brings up a great point about Othello possible being the Christ like figure, but I really liked what Ryan said in class about how he thinks Desdemona is a Christ like figure which I really believe. She gives of her time willingly to go to battle with her husband, makes sure that Cassio will be forgiven and put back into his calling, and then after having her husband yell at her for the first time she turns to Emilia and says I can not judge him for I know not what he thinks. She truly is an amazing woman. 4. Why does Emilia do all that she does for her horrible husband? He treats her terrible and yet she does everything he asks. Where is the self respect? 5. Othello at one point says to Iago you are a person I can trust with all my heart and then the next minute I feel as though everything you say is a lie. Othello caught him in his act of evil why does he have to loose sight of that? Why does he fall for Iago's games?
1. The play seems to be portraying jealousy as inherently unreasonable and reliant, not on the person prompting the jealousy, but on the jealous person. It's purely psychological. Is Othello weak for letting himself believe that Desdemona is unfaithful, on such evidence as a hankerchief? Is he a bad man/husband for falling out so quickly from someone he apparently loved and trusted over mere speculation?
2. Is Othello so obtuse that he isn't aware of Iago's feelings on women? He doesn't seem to be shy about spouting his feelings in public so why hasn't it come up? Wouldn't that affect how Othello takes Iago ragging on his lady? Surely he can't be so dense!
3.What's up with the dream Iago accuses Cassio of having? Could there be homosexual connotations? This one critic I read about went as far as to say that Othello wasn't jealous that Cassio had a dream about his wife, but that he was groping Iago. I don't think so but did Shakespeare? Does it matter? What are the implications if this were true?
4. I wondered the same thing about Emilia, Taylor. Why does she put up with the way he treats her? Does she love him? Does she feel like she doesn't have choice for financial/ security reasons? Is she a good 'guy' or a bad 'guy' for not stepping up to reveal what she may know?
5. Why oh why does Desdemona lie about the hankerchief! If she had admitted she lost it, would it have changed anything?
1)In response to Maria’s and Taylor’s comment, I think the thing to remember is that Iago is the “master of deceit” in this play. If he can trick Othello into believing that Desdemona is being unfaithful, then he can easily trick Emilia into thinking that he loves her, and that he is as good as gold. Who knows? As far as we can tell, Iago married Emilia because of her connection to Desdemona, who would be soon marrying Othello.
2)Also in response to Maria’s comment (#5), I think that Desdemona lied to Othello about the handkerchief because she was afraid to tell him that she had lost something that had a great sentimental value (like dropping your wedding ring down the garbage disposal). Also, I’m not sure that if Desdemona told him the a truth that it would have made a difference. If she told him “sorry honey, I lost it”, then wouldn’t that further confirm his doubts? It would seem as if she was hiding her affair with a wimpy excuse.
3)I too am wondering why Othello was so easily convinced that Desdemona was being unfaithful to him. Could it have to do with Brabantio’s warning to Othello in act one? (“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She hast deceived her father, and may thee”).
4)What is the purpose of the Clown? He seems rather pointless, but to brighten the mood.
5)Why does Othello immediately jump to the idea of killing Desdemona? Wouldn’t his love for her, though she violated it, still his hand?
1) Cassio comes to Desdemona as a way to gain leverage against Othello. This puts Desdemona in a position where she may have to go against her husband, yet she goes through with trying to help him. Why is Desdemona so quickly an advocate for Cassio? What does this quick trust say about her trust of Othello and how deep their connection may actually be? 2) Othello’s trust of Iago leads him to misread his body language. Here he falls into Iago’s trap and is turned against Desdemona. Nevertheless, how is it that his friend’s mere uncertainty would drive Othello against his wife? Why does Othello trust Iago over Desdemona? 3) Iago’s saying that “Men should be what they seem,” is so disgustingly contradicting. It amplifies this effect of audience responsibility we see throughout the play. Why does Shakespeare write the play so that we are forced to align ourselves with him? What reaction is he looking for from the audience? 4) Othello is portrayed as a calm and collected character with no real emotional extremes. Why is it that when Iago tells of his ‘suspicions’ Othello is torn between complete trust and extreme rage? 5) Why does Cassio not suspect much when he finds the embroidery in his room? Why is he so quick to dismiss Bianca?
I will attempt an answer for your second discussion point, Mr. Hanney. I believe that Othello is easily distrustful of his wife because everyone always believes the worst much faster than they believe the best. Othello does not want to have an unfaithful wife, but when counseled by his honest, dear friend, Iago and witnessing suspicious clues of adulturous behavior, he jumps to the negative conclusion. His marriage to Desdemona is still fresh and the passion is high, so any obstruction or folly is emphasized. The bigger the lie, the more believable. The lie that Iago is spinning would be catastrophic to believe, (Desdemona cheating on him with his close friend, Cassio) yet he believes it because he has known Iago longer and he has proved himself honest and no motive is visible. The bond established through wartime is extremely strong and, again, Othello's marriage is still brand-new.
Also, Othello might still feel nervous about the sustainability of his own marriage, when taking into account the 16th century view of "moors". He might be jumping onto any possible wrong because even he might think the marriage is fated to fail.
Okay... that was sufficiently rambled.
Now, I will leave with a question of my own...
What will Cassio do when he discovers that his former rank has been given to Iago, the man who was supposed to assist him in his restoration?
1. This act seems to pick up the action really fast, having everything happen one thing after another in the third and fourth scenes. After hearing all of Iago's plans, the audience starts to see them really come to fruition. Why did Shakespeare choose to have almost all the main action happen now? 2. I am not quite sure what the significance of the second scene is supposed to be. After the little comic interlude (which still felt a little tense) This tiny exchange between Othello, Iago, and some lords felt really tacked-on and out of place. 3. Going with Josh's point - Iago's words are so powerful in this act. His statement that "Men should be what they seem" just makes the audience hate him all the more, but also feel as if they have been somehow involuntarily made accomplices to Iago's doings. It's a really interesting concept as we discussed in class, thinking of Iago's soliloquies as interactions with the audience rather than introspection. 4. I am very disappointed in how easily swayed Othello is. One minute he is proclaiming his love and unchangeable faith in Desdemona (I noticed his repetition of the phrase "I will deny thee nothing"...interesting.), the next he has been extremely quickly convinced by Iago (with really shaky evidence, too) of her absolute whorishness and is set on killing her. You would think he would trust her enough to even just stop and re-evaluate, if he loves her that much. 5. The handkerchief! Such a huge device in the happenings of this act, but what was the significance of the last bit with Cassio wanting to copy the embroidery on it?
1. Does Shakespeare use the same personality for every one of his fools in his plays? This seems almost exactly like Touchstone. 2. Cassio just seems so stupid. Sometimes I wonder if he tries to be stupid on purpose. He does what Iago tells him to do and he still listens to him and thinks he’s a great person. 3. Uh….. Scene 2…. Why? Why is that a scene and why did Shakespeare include it? 4. This play so far seems to be about promises and the unfortunate inability to keep some of them because of previous promises. Does anyone agree? 5. Why does Othello ask her to leave him alone and then after she leaves he can’t wait to see her again? It seems… weird. Maybe I’m just being stupid and inept.
1. Is it to be believed that Iago has been waiting for years for a chance to run someone's life like he does with Othello? Every step he takes is so carefully planned- he has obviously spent great amounts of time with this plan. Could it be a plan that he's saved for years, and merely tweaked to suit Othello?
2. Don't you think that, considering Cassio seems to be fairly close to Othello, that he would have seen the handkerchief before and be able to recognize it?
3. A lot of talk in class has been about how Iago is the consummate actor, but could he also be, at least partially, the consummate critic? He tears apart and digs through Othello's psyche much like a critic tears through the pieces of a play in order to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. It's with this knowledge that Iago begins to twist Othello into a creation of his own, much like the myriad of theories a critic makes about a play, twisting a play around their theory.
4. To answer Jade's 4th question, I think that once Iago gets what he wants, he feels a hollowness. His revenge has become cancerous, growing and consuming his life. It becomes an addiction, and he goes farther to get his high. Many authors have used this as a major plot point. The question is, why does Shakespeare make it an afterthought? Is it to add to the growing enigma of Iago and his motives?
5. To discuss Taylor Anderson's 4th question, Iago likely plays yet another role around his wife. We've seen the different part he plays around the others who think that they're close to him. It's probably just another performance; another mask for him to wear.
1. Would you consider the end of Act 3 Scene 3 the climax of the play? Has Iago won? Explain. 2. What has caused Othello's character and attitude to change so drastically? 3. Why does Othello not question the validity of Iago's account of hearing Cassio talking in his sleep? 4. To Othello, what does Desdemona's hankerchief represent? 5. What is the purpose of the many references to monsters in this act? ("It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on..."; "monstrous, monstrous!"; "O monstrous world!"; "It is a monster/ Begot upon itself, born on itself.") 6. Emilia- what role does she serve in the play? Does she know the true extent of Iago's villainy, or is she just another one of his pawns?
How sad is it, how easily Iago can make Othello fear Desdemona is cheating? Once you plant the idea, and anything that could link it to fact, a person’s going to think it. Especially if you tell them not to worry about it.
As to Emilia, I honestly cannot understand why she would put up with Iago. She herself says she follows his whims, but he never tells her anything. He uses her for his own pleasures and getting close to Desdemona. Kind of tying in to Taylor, my question is, does Emilia see this, or can she at all see how horribly he treats her?
Also, Othello says "He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n, Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all" (III.iii.352-353). Would it honestly be better to not know if your significant other was going behind your back? Or would it be better to know, so that you were aware of it, and could possibly get out of a situation you need not be in?
The one good thing that has come out of this entire thing, is Othello questioning Iago's honesty. Even if it's for the slightest moment, wouldn't one time of doubt lead to another at some point?
Maria, I was wondering about the dream as well. Not so much the homosexual standpoint, but more that Othello takes an actual dream as proof. Maybe Cassio really does have a liking for Desdemona, yes, but just because he dreams about her doesn't mean that she returns the passion or feeling to him. I also wondered: when Iago pledges to do whatever othello asks of him, no matter how violent, is he hinting that he himself would kill Cassio? That wasn't part of Iago's plan.. he just wanted Cassio's title, right?
1) I am also confused as to why Othello was so easily convinced that Desdemona was cheating on him, but my theory is that Othello is inclined to believe Iago because they have been through so much together in the way of battles, whereas he and Desdemona have only been together as spouses for a short while, and also because he is afraid that Desdemona could lie to him the same way that she lied to her dad.
2)In Iago's monologue, he said that "How am I then a villain counsel Cassio into this parallel course directly to his own good?" How is Cassio benefiting from being Iago's lackey?
3)To answer to Josh's question, I think that the reason that Shakespeare put this line in the play is to show just how much of a two-face Iago really is.
4) a question of mine is why was he concerned about being sen with Bianca? Othello and Iago are both married men and should therefore be happy for him (save for the fact that it could make Iago's plan for Othello fall apart, but Cassio doesn't know that)
5) In response to Jade's comment, I think that the reason that nobody sees Iago's villainy is because he hides it so well from the people that could bring him down
1) Why can't othello see how evil Iago is!! He is so blind. Telling about a dream that Cassio had to make Othello not trust Desdemona is pure evil struck my jealousy. 2)Iago is so incredibly good at manipulating the characters, and using them as little puppets, how could we incorporate that into Portland? 3)The characters are stuck in such a crazy world. There has not been many days in the play and yet everything has gone crazy. How can that relate to the poor judgement of everyone? 4)what kind of symbol is the handkerchief? 5?What affect does Iago have on the audience? What is he making us believe?
In response to Jade and Taylor A., it seems to me that Othello has become jealous of the woman he married because his trust has ended up in the wrong place, in the hands of the great manipulator, Iago. Othello wouldn't otherwise develop this jealousy unless he was being fed a spin on situations that makes them seem more than they really are.
I really like what you said in response to Jade their Aiden. Iago starts his rather brilliant and evil mission of sorts because of his base jealousy. Once he completes that first goal of getting Cassio out of his position, he has no way to come down from that villainy, because his jealousy is all that is fueling his brilliance. Thoughts?
Trust is a huge plot point in the play. Why is jealousy that breaks trust such a common theme in most characters? Why does everyone have trust issues? i.e. Roderigo is jealous cause he wants Desdemona, Othello loses his trust in Desdemona because Iago has instilled jealousy of Cassio in him...
To answer your first point Jordan, I wouldn't consider when Iago has "won" to be the climax of the play...I wont give anything away, but Act 3 seems to me to be more of the inciting sort of force that leads the climax in act 5, when all of Iago's actions accomplish what they set out to do.
In act 3 scene 3 Cassio seems to flirt with Desdemona...having already lost his title, why would he be so bold?
I know that Iago does everything he can to appear honest to everyone, but seriously, how can Othello be so easily deceived about Desdemona and Cassio? Iago provides so little evidence (Cassio walking away from Des, Iago's stammering with whatever is on his mind, Cassio's sleep talking and dream, and Cassio with the handkerchief...) and yet Othello is so willing to accuse his wife. This brings me back to our conversation in class about being too trusting. Is this the only reason Othello believes Iago?
Just thought I'd also mention that I noticed more animal references, this time talking about passionate lovemaking...
Okay, I'm with Jade and Taylor Anderson about Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Sure, their marriage is still young, but shouldn't Othello know Desdemona better than to think her an adulterer? Othello seems such a reasonable person; why so much rage over this so quickly?
What's with Emilia? She seems nice enough, so how does someone like her end up with Iago? Does she have any clue what Iago is really like?
I'm with Josh and Mary on Iago's "Men should be what they seem" statement. This is so disgustingly hypocritical!!
And Aidan...I think Iago is even more cunning than you suggested in your first point. Sure, he could have spent a long time on that plan, but I think he's even more crafty than you give him credit for. Iago is quick-witted, devious, and sharp. My impression is that he thinks on the spot and is just so incredibly intelligent that he can win someone's loyalty in a matter of minutes, for good or bad.
Just putting this out there, Iago needs a good thump on the head. Or a punch. Just saying.
As to Mason's first point, I think the reason that Othello is so easily swayed by Iago boils down to what they've gone through. We know that Othello is viewed as this great warrior (we usually figure that one out during a war) and Iago fought with him. Othello HAD to trust Iago then, or he might not have made it home. That being said, I think Othello might have some personal worth issues. Throughout the play Othello has made comments about his outsider status (does this status make him feel less of a man?), so maybe he just doesn't believe that a seemingly sweet, wonderful woman like Desdemona could really fall for him. I think he's more ready to believe that Desdemona is whore because that fits better with his picture of what he could catch.
I REALLY want to believe that Emilia is just blind to Iago's evilness, rather than a part of it. She seems like such a good friend to Desdemona, I have a hard time believing her duplicity. More of Iago's acting at work?
To Jade's fourth point, I don't think that not getting the lieutenant's position was what truly set Iago off, nor is it really what he's after. I think there's a bigger picture here. I feel Iago just wants to see Othello ruined at this point. That's his driving motivation, not the position. Now the question is, what set Iago off in the first place?
Did any one else catch Bianca's reprimand of Cassio: "What, keep a week away" (III.iv.168)? Cassio has only been on the island for maybe three days. Why does she say this? Is it an exaggeration (you've been a way for years)? or is Shakespeare doing this to add to the accelerated feel of the play?
To Sara's forth point, I don't think that Othello is truly questioning Iago. It's more of a denial than a doubt of Iago. I think Othello asks for proof as the final nail in the coffin, he already believes this lie, but he wants true justification in how he's acting (regretting how he's acting?) no matter how small. That's why he believes the little "proofs" of Iago.
1) At the end of Act III scene 3 Othello proclaims to Iago, "Now art thou my lieutenant." This is Othello giving Iago the position that he so desired at the beginning of the play; the vice he used to plot this horrible deed. Why does Iago not stop when his original goal is achieved? Has his motives changed? Also, why would Shakespeare choose to give Iago this position at this time in the play?
2)I don't know if I missed something or what, but why doesn't Emilia just tell Desdemona that she gave the handkerchief to Iago? It would spare he friend the harangue from Othello, and she does not know why Iago wanted it.
3)I understand that Iago has proven himself trustworthy in the past and has a different face for every person, but why does Othello trust him more than Desdemona? Has Desdemona proven herself untrustworthy with a previous action? Or is Othello just skeptical that a women as great as Desdemona go be possible?
4)Iago is one of the greatest villains I have ever encountered. He seems to plant a seed, just a few words (almost an inception) and it grows inside people until they are coming to drastic measures. He does this with Othello time and time again, and especially in this act when they are talking of Desdemona's faithfulness. And for the most part when this is happening Othello is driving the conversation inquiring to Iago what Desdemona is actually doing. How is Iago able to do this? How is he able to implant a base topic and have it grow into hate and insecurity?
5)It seems that Cassio and the prostitute Bianca have a very close relationship. Does this relationship give Othello the bounds to believe Cassio could be having intercourse with Desdemona? What is the importance of this relationship.
1) To respond to Kale's first question, Iago not stopping can mean a number of things. In my opinion, what makes most sense is that Iago isn't destroying Othello's life because of the promotion, which makes us remain unsure of Iago's motives.
2) This might seem kind of crazy, but I think Iago is a sort of foil to Othello. I think he represents all of Othello's worries, and his revealing his suspicions to Othello acts like Othello's subconscious worries about his relationship with Desdemona. While Othello is a very strong man, the fact that he is so different from Desdemona has to make him feel self-conscious.
3) What exactly is the significance, if any, of scene II?
4) What role does fate play in all of this? Something that seems to help Iago with his plan is just luck, such as Emilia picking up the handkerchief when Desdemona leaves it.
5) Emilia seems to have a somewhat poor view of men. Could this be a reflection of her relationship with Iago?
I really hate Iago...he makes me sick. Discussion points: 1) I'm kind of wondering the same thing as everyone else. Why is it that Othello loses his trust in Desdemona so quickly the moment that Iago makes him become suspicious of her having an affair. Shouldn't he trust his wife more than Iago. 2) Iago treats his wife as if she is nothing. I wonder if Emilia is aware of the plan Iago is devising, or if she is aware of his villainous nature. 3) Even though Emilia knows that Desdemona lost her handkerchief and is frantically looking for it, I am confused why she goes against what's right and gives the handkerchief to Iago instead. 4) Why is everyone so oblivious to Iago's villainous nature? How can Othello not see through the lies that Iago is feeding him to make him become jealous of his wife. 5) How can Cassio not be mad at Iago? After all it is Iago who convinced him to drink which got him into the mess of losing his spot as Lieutenant in the first place.
Act 3: 1) Why are Othello and Claudio (from Much Ado) so quick to believe their wives unfaithfulness? 2) Does Othello really love his wife if he is so quick to believe his wife deceived him? 3)How come Desdemona didn't know the history of the handkerchief until she lost it? 4)Why is Othello so willing to believe Iago without proof? 5) Why does Iago want even more than just the promotion he got? Evan Tracy
1.Iago seems to purposefully get Othello worked up before letting loose his suspicion of Desdemona and Cassio's possible affair. Would he only do this to make sure Othello isn't thinking 100% rationally while he's considering the idea of his wife cheating on him? 2.When Iago specifically warns Othello about jealously and how he should avoid feeling it, Iago only makes it harder for him to refrain from feeling jealous. He planted the seed of jealousy in his mind that now Othello can't get rid of. 3.What is it that keeps Emilia with Iago? Why is she so devoted to someone so absolutely horrible to her and others? Is there a certain face that he can have for Emilia, like with everyone else in the play, that we just don't ever get to see? She even says, “I nothing but to please his fantasy.” All she wants to do is make him happy. 4.I noticed a lot of people questioning why Othello can so easily be convinced that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him. I think it's because Othello is acting mainly on passion, not reason. He's so upset that his wife could be cheating on him with a good friend and soldier like Cassio that reasonable thought is pushed out of the way for the passion/ jealousy he feels. 5.What was up with the dream of Cassio's that Iago supposedly overheard? Bianca is not actually married to Cassio, and I think he really does have feelings for Desdemona. If he does, I think the dream could be real. But that's still no reason to go and believe that Desdemona also has a fling with Cassio. It takes two people to have a relationship, and it's obvious Desdemona is faithful to Othello.
Another thought I would like to put forward is the possibility that Iago doesn't need a motive. It is very possible that all he wants is to see people in pain. If balance is a central concept in Elizabethan culture, that could very well mean that there must be evil to counterbalance the good. Othello is inherently a good man and this makes it plausible that Iago is just inherently evil
In response to the Othello's jealousy, we must remember that he is not only the moor, but also quite older than Desdamona, which seems to get him slightly self-consious. Not to mention he is easily swayed beneath the powerful persuasion of Iago. Desdamona seems nearly perfect in the eyes of the audience, and she has done nothing wrong that we are aware of.
-What is the significance of the red strawberries embroidered on the hankerchief?
-Cassio does not seem too upset when he hears that Iago has take his place as Lietenant, though I believe he has every right to be upset. Why? Makes me wonder if Cassio is afraid to show his true feelings to Iago because he is aware of the consequences. You know, since Iago is completly evil and all.
- Again, if Iago so desired that role in the beginning, and that is what it seems to fuel the jealousy, why is it that Iago still has deep set hatred and envy for Othello? It is curious to me, there is obviously a missing piece to this puzzle. A man could not hate another to the core like Iago hates Othello for no apparent reason.
-Is Emilia just completly blind to Iago's horrible and evil nature? Or is she in on it as well? She seems to hide it quite well if that is the case. She could play the perfect innocent accomplise well.
I almost feel like Othello's reaction to Desdamona is completely irrational and i think that he is being swayed by Iago's influence. Desdamona is perfect in the eyes of the audience and was just trying to lend a helping had to Cassio.
I agree with Kindra on th whole cassio not coming of as upset about Iago taking his position. However i don't think that its out of fear of Iago that he doesn't speak up, i don't think that cassio is under the impression that iago is evil.
and don't the strawberries represent the virgin mother marry or something like that?
and again i LOVE IAGO!!!!
Jealousy isn't the soul reason for Iago's emotions there is so much more. he got the lieutenant position but is still scheming. He has so many faces and i think that Emilia sees past all of that and is intrigued by Iago's ability to be all these different people and cut off ties so easily and just be who he is or at least who we see, we don't really know who the real Iago is or was.
I my initial comment is about Othello's mindset. If he were in his right mind, he would never have doubted Desdemona. So what happened? Did Iago dig so deeply into his head that he screwed around with the very center of Othello's being--his wife?
Then comes the question, why would Emilia do such a thing to Desdemona? I understand the whole being trapped in a bad relationship and only wanting to please--but when you have a relationship as good as the one Emilia had with Desdemona, you don't mess with it. No matter what happens you don't jeopardize it. Then comes, why didn't she step forward--why didn't she fix what she had done wrong?
My other--and most controversial--comment runs off of the conversation in class yesterday. Role reversal was discussed, especially as pertains to Iago. I think role reversal would be a fantastic way to portray Shakespeare's Othello. But the only hitch seemed to be with Desdemona--could you really have a man play her? I do not think so. But then, Othello could potentially be played by either a man or a woman, and the issue of the audience believing that Iago is only destroying Othello because she wants him is an important issue to address. Which means, logically, that both Iago and Othello should be women. Now I'm going out on a major limb here, in suggesting this. But isn't it possible to have both Othello and Desdemona be women?
If done in a place like Portland, a presentation like that one could be welcomed. The simple fact that homosexuality is such a hot topic recently, along with Portland's penchant for going out on limbs, could even make it more popular.
I think that the main issue with this would be Shakespeare's horror--or lack thereof. Perhaps he would be turning in his grave over that interpretation, but then again you must also consider the actors--men playing women, how he wrote As You Like It to include gender confusion. I don't know, maybe it could work.
I think people need to accept the fact that Iago is evil, the play is a tragedy, it will not change no matter how badly we want it to, and Iago will stay evil....always.
Next, I wanted to bring up a point we talked about in class which was the idea that Iago's soliloqy's are not actually revealing who he is to us, but rather manipulating the audience into his vortex as well. He is a weak character in terms of knowing who he is, from what we have seen, and he is trapped in jealousy and the idea of revenge. He infects other peoples minds with ideas and thoughts that torture them, and I think someone did that to him. He knows how hurtful those comments or little doubts can be because he was affected by that too.
As far as Emelia and Iago are concerned, I think she wants love from him so she keeps trying. Emilia obviously doesn't want to be a whore so she stays were her husband. If she can make him love her in the process then it works. She has no life outside of her husband except selling herself......why would she make that choice when she can live in confidence with her husband even though he emotionally abuses her.
Also, Othello is hurt; that is why he pushes Desdamona away and so hastily wants her back. Confusion sets in the mind when people are upset or feel betrayed. Desdamoma is Othellos other half and he always solves problems with her, its harder to do that though when he thinks that she is the source of the entire problem.
CARLIN I LOVE THAT IDEA. The power struggle that could be shown between Iago and Othello as a woman would be incredible. I think it would be very dynamic and add a lot of plot points that would change everyones view of Iago and his motivations.
1. I agree with Taylor (Anderson) and jade. Othello and Desdemona are married because of their passion toward one another. Especially with their marriage being recent. Why would Desdemona already be having an affair with Cassio. Just because she’s nice to people doesn’t mean she’s sleeping with everyone. 2. again with taylor’s and jade’s christlike figure. I can see how jade thinks that Othello is the Christ like figure. But Christ is never deceived by anyone. Othello is being deceived by Iago through his lies and such. Christ was never deceived by Satan when he was fasting, and he knew when paul would deny him 3 times. I’m not say that Desdemona knows all and what iago is trying to do. But she is fighting to stay true to Othello
3. "And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath, Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more. For such things in a false disloyal knave Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just They are close dilations, working from the heart, That passion cannot rule." "en should be what they seem, Or those that be not, would they might seem none!"
well i really liked these quotes. and they make me angry because Iago is such a jerk idiot stupid person... so... i think we should have a BBQ and roast Iago up.. and then not eat him because he would taste yucky and evil and just un-pleasent.
4.GRRRR!!!! why doesn't Othello take Iago's advise when he's told iago doesn't know what he's talking about because he's ASSUMING that Desdemona and Cassio are together. WHEN THEY AREN'T!! oh goodness Othello. you can be such a loser.
5. poor Emilia. she tries so hard to be a good enough wife for Iago and do as she's told. but what she doesn't know is that he's using her to do stupid mean stuff and it's going to back fire on everyone
I feel bad for Othello because he has no idea that Iago is evil. Iago plants Othello against Cassio and Desdemona. The handkerchief is just seals it pretty much. And no one has a clue what Iago is really like.
Act 3 Discussion questions:
ReplyDelete1.Desdemona is a nice and caring character. Shouldn't Othello know her well enough to know she is the kind of person that is just doing something nice for Cassio and that there is nothing else going on?
2. Why is almost everyone oblivious to Iago's villainy?
3.Othello started out as a calm figure with Christ like patience. But this is the part of the play where he becomes unglued. Why is it that he became so full of jealousy and rage in such a short amount of time? Why would Othello believe Iago over his own wife? Why doesn't he go and confront her about it instead of letting his rage take control of him?
4. Why is it that Iago continues his plot to ruin Othello even though he gets what he wants which is to be lieutenant again?
5. Why is it that Desdemona doesn't defend herself against Othello's accusations of adultery? She is a strong and independent character so she could definitely hold her own in an argument like that. But instead she talks more about Cassio. Maybe she feels like there is no need to argue because her husband should know her well enough to not even question something like that.
Act three Discussion
ReplyDelete1. Jade I was wondering the same thing the whole time I was reading Act three. Othello married Desdemona for the kind and compassionate woman she is. Why has he lost sight? Just becuase she is being nice and trying to help Cassio that is a reason to suspect your wife of adultry?
2. Does Cassio really like Desdemona or is he just doing all this becuase Iago has set it up? Becuase at the end of Act three Bianca comes in and asks him if he is coming home tonight? So is he a married man after Desdemona?? So frustrating!
3. Jade brings up a great point about Othello possible being the Christ like figure, but I really liked what Ryan said in class about how he thinks Desdemona is a Christ like figure which I really believe. She gives of her time willingly to go to battle with her husband, makes sure that Cassio will be forgiven and put back into his calling, and then after having her husband yell at her for the first time she turns to Emilia and says I can not judge him for I know not what he thinks. She truly is an amazing woman.
4. Why does Emilia do all that she does for her horrible husband? He treats her terrible and yet she does everything he asks. Where is the self respect?
5. Othello at one point says to Iago you are a person I can trust with all my heart and then the next minute I feel as though everything you say is a lie. Othello caught him in his act of evil why does he have to loose sight of that? Why does he fall for Iago's games?
1. The play seems to be portraying jealousy as inherently unreasonable and reliant, not on the person prompting the jealousy, but on the jealous person. It's purely psychological. Is Othello weak for letting himself believe that Desdemona is unfaithful, on such evidence as a hankerchief? Is he a bad man/husband for falling out so quickly from someone he apparently loved and trusted over mere speculation?
ReplyDelete2. Is Othello so obtuse that he isn't aware of Iago's feelings on women? He doesn't seem to be shy about spouting his feelings in public so why hasn't it come up? Wouldn't that affect how Othello takes Iago ragging on his lady? Surely he can't be so dense!
3.What's up with the dream Iago accuses Cassio of having? Could there be homosexual connotations? This one critic I read about went as far as to say that Othello wasn't jealous that Cassio had a dream about his wife, but that he was groping Iago. I don't think so but did Shakespeare? Does it matter? What are the implications if this were true?
4. I wondered the same thing about Emilia, Taylor. Why does she put up with the way he treats her? Does she love him? Does she feel like she doesn't have choice for financial/ security reasons? Is she a good 'guy' or a bad 'guy' for not stepping up to reveal what she may know?
5. Why oh why does Desdemona lie about the hankerchief! If she had admitted she lost it, would it have changed anything?
1)In response to Maria’s and Taylor’s comment, I think the thing to remember is that Iago is the “master of deceit” in this play. If he can trick Othello into believing that Desdemona is being unfaithful, then he can easily trick Emilia into thinking that he loves her, and that he is as good as gold. Who knows? As far as we can tell, Iago married Emilia because of her connection to Desdemona, who would be soon marrying Othello.
ReplyDelete2)Also in response to Maria’s comment (#5), I think that Desdemona lied to Othello about the handkerchief because she was afraid to tell him that she had lost something that had a great sentimental value (like dropping your wedding ring down the garbage disposal). Also, I’m not sure that if Desdemona told him the a truth that it would have made a difference. If she told him “sorry honey, I lost it”, then wouldn’t that further confirm his doubts? It would seem as if she was hiding her affair with a wimpy excuse.
3)I too am wondering why Othello was so easily convinced that Desdemona was being unfaithful to him. Could it have to do with Brabantio’s warning to Othello in act one? (“Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see: She hast deceived her father, and may thee”).
4)What is the purpose of the Clown? He seems rather pointless, but to brighten the mood.
5)Why does Othello immediately jump to the idea of killing Desdemona? Wouldn’t his love for her, though she violated it, still his hand?
1) Cassio comes to Desdemona as a way to gain leverage against Othello. This puts Desdemona in a position where she may have to go against her husband, yet she goes through with trying to help him. Why is Desdemona so quickly an advocate for Cassio? What does this quick trust say about her trust of Othello and how deep their connection may actually be?
ReplyDelete2) Othello’s trust of Iago leads him to misread his body language. Here he falls into Iago’s trap and is turned against Desdemona. Nevertheless, how is it that his friend’s mere uncertainty would drive Othello against his wife? Why does Othello trust Iago over Desdemona?
3) Iago’s saying that “Men should be what they seem,” is so disgustingly contradicting. It amplifies this effect of audience responsibility we see throughout the play. Why does Shakespeare write the play so that we are forced to align ourselves with him? What reaction is he looking for from the audience?
4) Othello is portrayed as a calm and collected character with no real emotional extremes. Why is it that when Iago tells of his ‘suspicions’ Othello is torn between complete trust and extreme rage?
5) Why does Cassio not suspect much when he finds the embroidery in his room? Why is he so quick to dismiss Bianca?
I will attempt an answer for your second discussion point, Mr. Hanney. I believe that Othello is easily distrustful of his wife because everyone always believes the worst much faster than they believe the best. Othello does not want to have an unfaithful wife, but when counseled by his honest, dear friend, Iago and witnessing suspicious clues of adulturous behavior, he jumps to the negative conclusion. His marriage to Desdemona is still fresh and the passion is high, so any obstruction or folly is emphasized. The bigger the lie, the more believable. The lie that Iago is spinning would be catastrophic to believe, (Desdemona cheating on him with his close friend, Cassio) yet he believes it because he has known Iago longer and he has proved himself honest and no motive is visible. The bond established through wartime is extremely strong and, again, Othello's marriage is still brand-new.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Othello might still feel nervous about the sustainability of his own marriage, when taking into account the 16th century view of "moors". He might be jumping onto any possible wrong because even he might think the marriage is fated to fail.
Okay... that was sufficiently rambled.
Now, I will leave with a question of my own...
What will Cassio do when he discovers that his former rank has been given to Iago, the man who was supposed to assist him in his restoration?
1. This act seems to pick up the action really fast, having everything happen one thing after another in the third and fourth scenes. After hearing all of Iago's plans, the audience starts to see them really come to fruition. Why did Shakespeare choose to have almost all the main action happen now?
ReplyDelete2. I am not quite sure what the significance of the second scene is supposed to be. After the little comic interlude (which still felt a little tense) This tiny exchange between Othello, Iago, and some lords felt really tacked-on and out of place.
3. Going with Josh's point - Iago's words are so powerful in this act. His statement that "Men should be what they seem" just makes the audience hate him all the more, but also feel as if they have been somehow involuntarily made accomplices to Iago's doings. It's a really interesting concept as we discussed in class, thinking of Iago's soliloquies as interactions with the audience rather than introspection.
4. I am very disappointed in how easily swayed Othello is. One minute he is proclaiming his love and unchangeable faith in Desdemona (I noticed his repetition of the phrase "I will deny thee nothing"...interesting.), the next he has been extremely quickly convinced by Iago (with really shaky evidence, too) of her absolute whorishness and is set on killing her. You would think he would trust her enough to even just stop and re-evaluate, if he loves her that much.
5. The handkerchief! Such a huge device in the happenings of this act, but what was the significance of the last bit with Cassio wanting to copy the embroidery on it?
1. Does Shakespeare use the same personality for every one of his fools in his plays? This seems almost exactly like Touchstone.
ReplyDelete2. Cassio just seems so stupid. Sometimes I wonder if he tries to be stupid on purpose. He does what Iago tells him to do and he still listens to him and thinks he’s a great person.
3. Uh….. Scene 2…. Why? Why is that a scene and why did Shakespeare include it?
4. This play so far seems to be about promises and the unfortunate inability to keep some of them because of previous promises. Does anyone agree?
5. Why does Othello ask her to leave him alone and then after she leaves he can’t wait to see her again? It seems… weird. Maybe I’m just being stupid and inept.
1. Is it to be believed that Iago has been waiting for years for a chance to run someone's life like he does with Othello? Every step he takes is so carefully planned- he has obviously spent great amounts of time with this plan. Could it be a plan that he's saved for years, and merely tweaked to suit Othello?
ReplyDelete2. Don't you think that, considering Cassio seems to be fairly close to Othello, that he would have seen the handkerchief before and be able to recognize it?
3. A lot of talk in class has been about how Iago is the consummate actor, but could he also be, at least partially, the consummate critic? He tears apart and digs through Othello's psyche much like a critic tears through the pieces of a play in order to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. It's with this knowledge that Iago begins to twist Othello into a creation of his own, much like the myriad of theories a critic makes about a play, twisting a play around their theory.
4. To answer Jade's 4th question, I think that once Iago gets what he wants, he feels a hollowness. His revenge has become cancerous, growing and consuming his life. It becomes an addiction, and he goes farther to get his high. Many authors have used this as a major plot point. The question is, why does Shakespeare make it an afterthought? Is it to add to the growing enigma of Iago and his motives?
5. To discuss Taylor Anderson's 4th question, Iago likely plays yet another role around his wife. We've seen the different part he plays around the others who think that they're close to him. It's probably just another performance; another mask for him to wear.
Correction for question 1: Ruin, not run. Sorry for the confusion.
ReplyDelete1. Would you consider the end of Act 3 Scene 3 the climax of the play? Has Iago won? Explain.
ReplyDelete2. What has caused Othello's character and attitude to change so drastically?
3. Why does Othello not question the validity of Iago's account of hearing Cassio talking in his sleep?
4. To Othello, what does Desdemona's hankerchief represent?
5. What is the purpose of the many references to monsters in this act? ("It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock/ The meat it feeds on..."; "monstrous, monstrous!"; "O monstrous world!"; "It is a monster/ Begot upon itself, born on itself.")
6. Emilia- what role does she serve in the play? Does she know the true extent of Iago's villainy, or is she just another one of his pawns?
Oh and the Taylor that rambles is Taylor Kingman.
ReplyDeleteHow sad is it, how easily Iago can make Othello fear Desdemona is cheating? Once you plant the idea, and anything that could link it to fact, a person’s going to think it. Especially if you tell them not to worry about it.
ReplyDeleteAs to Emilia, I honestly cannot understand why she would put up with Iago. She herself says she follows his whims, but he never tells her anything. He uses her for his own pleasures and getting close to Desdemona. Kind of tying in to Taylor, my question is, does Emilia see this, or can she at all see how horribly he treats her?
Also, Othello says "He that is robbed, not wanting what is stol'n,
Let him not know’t, and he’s not robbed at all" (III.iii.352-353). Would it honestly be better to not know if your significant other was going behind your back? Or would it be better to know, so that you were aware of it, and could possibly get out of a situation you need not be in?
The one good thing that has come out of this entire thing, is Othello questioning Iago's honesty. Even if it's for the slightest moment, wouldn't one time of doubt lead to another at some point?
Maria, I was wondering about the dream as well. Not so much the homosexual standpoint, but more that Othello takes an actual dream as proof. Maybe Cassio really does have a liking for Desdemona, yes, but just because he dreams about her doesn't mean that she returns the passion or feeling to him.
I also wondered: when Iago pledges to do whatever othello asks of him, no matter how violent, is he hinting that he himself would kill Cassio? That wasn't part of Iago's plan.. he just wanted Cassio's title, right?
1) I am also confused as to why Othello was so easily convinced that Desdemona was cheating on him, but my theory is that Othello is inclined to believe Iago because they have been through so much together in the way of battles, whereas he and Desdemona have only been together as spouses for a short while, and also because he is afraid that Desdemona could lie to him the same way that she lied to her dad.
ReplyDelete2)In Iago's monologue, he said that "How am I then a villain counsel Cassio into this parallel course directly to his own good?" How is Cassio benefiting from being Iago's lackey?
3)To answer to Josh's question, I think that the reason that Shakespeare put this line in the play is to show just how much of a two-face Iago really is.
4) a question of mine is why was he concerned about being sen with Bianca? Othello and Iago are both married men and should therefore be happy for him (save for the fact that it could make Iago's plan for Othello fall apart, but Cassio doesn't know that)
5) In response to Jade's comment, I think that the reason that nobody sees Iago's villainy is because he hides it so well from the people that could bring him down
1) Why can't othello see how evil Iago is!! He is so blind. Telling about a dream that Cassio had to make Othello not trust Desdemona is pure evil struck my jealousy.
ReplyDelete2)Iago is so incredibly good at manipulating the characters, and using them as little puppets, how could we incorporate that into Portland?
3)The characters are stuck in such a crazy world. There has not been many days in the play and yet everything has gone crazy. How can that relate to the poor judgement of everyone?
4)what kind of symbol is the handkerchief?
5?What affect does Iago have on the audience? What is he making us believe?
In response to Jade and Taylor A., it seems to me that Othello has become jealous of the woman he married because his trust has ended up in the wrong place, in the hands of the great manipulator, Iago. Othello wouldn't otherwise develop this jealousy unless he was being fed a spin on situations that makes them seem more than they really are.
ReplyDeleteI really like what you said in response to Jade their Aiden. Iago starts his rather brilliant and evil mission of sorts because of his base jealousy. Once he completes that first goal of getting Cassio out of his position, he has no way to come down from that villainy, because his jealousy is all that is fueling his brilliance. Thoughts?
Trust is a huge plot point in the play. Why is jealousy that breaks trust such a common theme in most characters? Why does everyone have trust issues? i.e. Roderigo is jealous cause he wants Desdemona, Othello loses his trust in Desdemona because Iago has instilled jealousy of Cassio in him...
To answer your first point Jordan, I wouldn't consider when Iago has "won" to be the climax of the play...I wont give anything away, but Act 3 seems to me to be more of the inciting sort of force that leads the climax in act 5, when all of Iago's actions accomplish what they set out to do.
In act 3 scene 3 Cassio seems to flirt with Desdemona...having already lost his title, why would he be so bold?
I know that Iago does everything he can to appear honest to everyone, but seriously, how can Othello be so easily deceived about Desdemona and Cassio? Iago provides so little evidence (Cassio walking away from Des, Iago's stammering with whatever is on his mind, Cassio's sleep talking and dream, and Cassio with the handkerchief...) and yet Othello is so willing to accuse his wife. This brings me back to our conversation in class about being too trusting. Is this the only reason Othello believes Iago?
ReplyDeleteJust thought I'd also mention that I noticed more animal references, this time talking about passionate lovemaking...
Okay, I'm with Jade and Taylor Anderson about Othello and Desdemona's relationship. Sure, their marriage is still young, but shouldn't Othello know Desdemona better than to think her an adulterer? Othello seems such a reasonable person; why so much rage over this so quickly?
What's with Emilia? She seems nice enough, so how does someone like her end up with Iago? Does she have any clue what Iago is really like?
I'm with Josh and Mary on Iago's "Men should be what they seem" statement. This is so disgustingly hypocritical!!
And Aidan...I think Iago is even more cunning than you suggested in your first point. Sure, he could have spent a long time on that plan, but I think he's even more crafty than you give him credit for. Iago is quick-witted, devious, and sharp. My impression is that he thinks on the spot and is just so incredibly intelligent that he can win someone's loyalty in a matter of minutes, for good or bad.
Just putting this out there, Iago needs a good thump on the head. Or a punch. Just saying.
ReplyDeleteAs to Mason's first point, I think the reason that Othello is so easily swayed by Iago boils down to what they've gone through. We know that Othello is viewed as this great warrior (we usually figure that one out during a war) and Iago fought with him. Othello HAD to trust Iago then, or he might not have made it home. That being said, I think Othello might have some personal worth issues. Throughout the play Othello has made comments about his outsider status (does this status make him feel less of a man?), so maybe he just doesn't believe that a seemingly sweet, wonderful woman like Desdemona could really fall for him. I think he's more ready to believe that Desdemona is whore because that fits better with his picture of what he could catch.
I REALLY want to believe that Emilia is just blind to Iago's evilness, rather than a part of it. She seems like such a good friend to Desdemona, I have a hard time believing her duplicity. More of Iago's acting at work?
To Jade's fourth point, I don't think that not getting the lieutenant's position was what truly set Iago off, nor is it really what he's after. I think there's a bigger picture here. I feel Iago just wants to see Othello ruined at this point. That's his driving motivation, not the position. Now the question is, what set Iago off in the first place?
Did any one else catch Bianca's reprimand of Cassio: "What, keep a week away" (III.iv.168)? Cassio has only been on the island for maybe three days. Why does she say this? Is it an exaggeration (you've been a way for years)? or is Shakespeare doing this to add to the accelerated feel of the play?
To Sara's forth point, I don't think that Othello is truly questioning Iago. It's more of a denial than a doubt of Iago. I think Othello asks for proof as the final nail in the coffin, he already believes this lie, but he wants true justification in how he's acting (regretting how he's acting?) no matter how small. That's why he believes the little "proofs" of Iago.
1) At the end of Act III scene 3 Othello proclaims to Iago, "Now art thou my lieutenant." This is Othello giving Iago the position that he so desired at the beginning of the play; the vice he used to plot this horrible deed. Why does Iago not stop when his original goal is achieved? Has his motives changed? Also, why would Shakespeare choose to give Iago this position at this time in the play?
ReplyDelete2)I don't know if I missed something or what, but why doesn't Emilia just tell Desdemona that she gave the handkerchief to Iago? It would spare he friend the harangue from Othello, and she does not know why Iago wanted it.
3)I understand that Iago has proven himself trustworthy in the past and has a different face for every person, but why does Othello trust him more than Desdemona? Has Desdemona proven herself untrustworthy with a previous action? Or is Othello just skeptical that a women as great as Desdemona go be possible?
4)Iago is one of the greatest villains I have ever encountered. He seems to plant a seed, just a few words (almost an inception) and it grows inside people until they are coming to drastic measures. He does this with Othello time and time again, and especially in this act when they are talking of Desdemona's faithfulness. And for the most part when this is happening Othello is driving the conversation inquiring to Iago what Desdemona is actually doing. How is Iago able to do this? How is he able to implant a base topic and have it grow into hate and insecurity?
5)It seems that Cassio and the prostitute Bianca have a very close relationship. Does this relationship give Othello the bounds to believe Cassio could be having intercourse with Desdemona? What is the importance of this relationship.
1) To respond to Kale's first question, Iago not stopping can mean a number of things. In my opinion, what makes most sense is that Iago isn't destroying Othello's life because of the promotion, which makes us remain unsure of Iago's motives.
ReplyDelete2) This might seem kind of crazy, but I think Iago is a sort of foil to Othello. I think he represents all of Othello's worries, and his revealing his suspicions to Othello acts like Othello's subconscious worries about his relationship with Desdemona. While Othello is a very strong man, the fact that he is so different from Desdemona has to make him feel self-conscious.
3) What exactly is the significance, if any, of scene II?
4) What role does fate play in all of this? Something that seems to help Iago with his plan is just luck, such as Emilia picking up the handkerchief when Desdemona leaves it.
5) Emilia seems to have a somewhat poor view of men. Could this be a reflection of her relationship with Iago?
I really hate Iago...he makes me sick.
ReplyDeleteDiscussion points:
1) I'm kind of wondering the same thing as everyone else. Why is it that Othello loses his trust in Desdemona so quickly the moment that Iago makes him become suspicious of her having an affair. Shouldn't he trust his wife more than Iago.
2) Iago treats his wife as if she is nothing. I wonder if Emilia is aware of the plan Iago is devising, or if she is aware of his villainous nature.
3) Even though Emilia knows that Desdemona lost her handkerchief and is frantically looking for it, I am confused why she goes against what's right and gives the handkerchief to Iago instead.
4) Why is everyone so oblivious to Iago's villainous nature? How can Othello not see through the lies that Iago is feeding him to make him become jealous of his wife.
5) How can Cassio not be mad at Iago? After all it is Iago who convinced him to drink which got him into the mess of losing his spot as Lieutenant in the first place.
Act 3:
ReplyDelete1) Why are Othello and Claudio (from Much Ado) so quick to believe their wives unfaithfulness?
2) Does Othello really love his wife if he is so quick to believe his wife deceived him?
3)How come Desdemona didn't know the history of the handkerchief until she lost it?
4)Why is Othello so willing to believe Iago without proof?
5) Why does Iago want even more than just the promotion he got?
Evan Tracy
1.Iago seems to purposefully get Othello worked up before letting loose his suspicion of Desdemona and Cassio's possible affair. Would he only do this to make sure Othello isn't thinking 100% rationally while he's considering the idea of his wife cheating on him?
ReplyDelete2.When Iago specifically warns Othello about jealously and how he should avoid feeling it, Iago only makes it harder for him to refrain from feeling jealous. He planted the seed of jealousy in his mind that now Othello can't get rid of.
3.What is it that keeps Emilia with Iago? Why is she so devoted to someone so absolutely horrible to her and others? Is there a certain face that he can have for Emilia, like with everyone else in the play, that we just don't ever get to see? She even says, “I nothing but to please his fantasy.” All she wants to do is make him happy.
4.I noticed a lot of people questioning why Othello can so easily be convinced that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him. I think it's because Othello is acting mainly on passion, not reason. He's so upset that his wife could be cheating on him with a good friend and soldier like Cassio that reasonable thought is pushed out of the way for the passion/ jealousy he feels.
5.What was up with the dream of Cassio's that Iago supposedly overheard? Bianca is not actually married to Cassio, and I think he really does have feelings for Desdemona. If he does, I think the dream could be real. But that's still no reason to go and believe that Desdemona also has a fling with Cassio. It takes two people to have a relationship, and it's obvious Desdemona is faithful to Othello.
Another thought I would like to put forward is the possibility that Iago doesn't need a motive.
ReplyDeleteIt is very possible that all he wants is to see people in pain. If balance is a central concept in Elizabethan culture, that could very well mean that there must be evil to counterbalance the good. Othello is inherently a good man and this makes it plausible that Iago is just inherently evil
In response to the Othello's jealousy, we must remember that he is not only the moor, but also quite older than Desdamona, which seems to get him slightly self-consious. Not to mention he is easily swayed beneath the powerful persuasion of Iago. Desdamona seems nearly perfect in the eyes of the audience, and she has done nothing wrong that we are aware of.
ReplyDelete-What is the significance of the red strawberries embroidered on the hankerchief?
-Cassio does not seem too upset when he hears that Iago has take his place as Lietenant, though I believe he has every right to be upset. Why? Makes me wonder if Cassio is afraid to show his true feelings to Iago because he is aware of the consequences. You know, since Iago is completly evil and all.
- Again, if Iago so desired that role in the beginning, and that is what it seems to fuel the jealousy, why is it that Iago still has deep set hatred and envy for Othello? It is curious to me, there is obviously a missing piece to this puzzle. A man could not hate another to the core like Iago hates Othello for no apparent reason.
-Is Emilia just completly blind to Iago's horrible and evil nature? Or is she in on it as well? She seems to hide it quite well if that is the case. She could play the perfect innocent accomplise well.
I almost feel like Othello's reaction to Desdamona is completely irrational and i think that he is being swayed by Iago's influence. Desdamona is perfect in the eyes of the audience and was just trying to lend a helping had to Cassio.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kindra on th whole cassio not coming of as upset about Iago taking his position. However i don't think that its out of fear of Iago that he doesn't speak up, i don't think that cassio is under the impression that iago is evil.
and don't the strawberries represent the virgin mother marry or something like that?
and again i LOVE IAGO!!!!
Jealousy isn't the soul reason for Iago's emotions there is so much more. he got the lieutenant position but is still scheming. He has so many faces and i think that Emilia sees past all of that and is intrigued by Iago's ability to be all these different people and cut off ties so easily and just be who he is or at least who we see, we don't really know who the real Iago is or was.
I my initial comment is about Othello's mindset. If he were in his right mind, he would never have doubted Desdemona. So what happened? Did Iago dig so deeply into his head that he screwed around with the very center of Othello's being--his wife?
ReplyDeleteThen comes the question, why would Emilia do such a thing to Desdemona? I understand the whole being trapped in a bad relationship and only wanting to please--but when you have a relationship as good as the one Emilia had with Desdemona, you don't mess with it. No matter what happens you don't jeopardize it. Then comes, why didn't she step forward--why didn't she fix what she had done wrong?
My other--and most controversial--comment runs off of the conversation in class yesterday. Role reversal was discussed, especially as pertains to Iago. I think role reversal would be a fantastic way to portray Shakespeare's Othello. But the only hitch seemed to be with Desdemona--could you really have a man play her? I do not think so. But then, Othello could potentially be played by either a man or a woman, and the issue of the audience believing that Iago is only destroying Othello because she wants him is an important issue to address. Which means, logically, that both Iago and Othello should be women. Now I'm going out on a major limb here, in suggesting this. But isn't it possible to have both Othello and Desdemona be women?
If done in a place like Portland, a presentation like that one could be welcomed. The simple fact that homosexuality is such a hot topic recently, along with Portland's penchant for going out on limbs, could even make it more popular.
I think that the main issue with this would be Shakespeare's horror--or lack thereof. Perhaps he would be turning in his grave over that interpretation, but then again you must also consider the actors--men playing women, how he wrote As You Like It to include gender confusion. I don't know, maybe it could work.
I think people need to accept the fact that Iago is evil, the play is a tragedy, it will not change no matter how badly we want it to, and Iago will stay evil....always.
ReplyDeleteNext, I wanted to bring up a point we talked about in class which was the idea that Iago's soliloqy's are not actually revealing who he is to us, but rather manipulating the audience into his vortex as well. He is a weak character in terms of knowing who he is, from what we have seen, and he is trapped in jealousy and the idea of revenge. He infects other peoples minds with ideas and thoughts that torture them, and I think someone did that to him. He knows how hurtful those comments or little doubts can be because he was affected by that too.
As far as Emelia and Iago are concerned, I think she wants love from him so she keeps trying. Emilia obviously doesn't want to be a whore so she stays were her husband. If she can make him love her in the process then it works. She has no life outside of her husband except selling herself......why would she make that choice when she can live in confidence with her husband even though he emotionally abuses her.
Also, Othello is hurt; that is why he pushes Desdamona away and so hastily wants her back. Confusion sets in the mind when people are upset or feel betrayed. Desdamoma is Othellos other half and he always solves problems with her, its harder to do that though when he thinks that she is the source of the entire problem.
CARLIN I LOVE THAT IDEA. The power struggle that could be shown between Iago and Othello as a woman would be incredible. I think it would be very dynamic and add a lot of plot points that would change everyones view of Iago and his motivations.
1. I agree with Taylor (Anderson) and jade. Othello and Desdemona are married because of their passion toward one another. Especially with their marriage being recent. Why would Desdemona already be having an affair with Cassio. Just because she’s nice to people doesn’t mean she’s sleeping with everyone.
ReplyDelete2. again with taylor’s and jade’s christlike figure. I can see how jade thinks that Othello is the Christ like figure. But Christ is never deceived by anyone. Othello is being deceived by Iago through his lies and such. Christ was never deceived by Satan when he was fasting, and he knew when paul would deny him 3 times. I’m not say that Desdemona knows all and what iago is trying to do. But she is fighting to stay true to Othello
just adding to my post...
ReplyDelete3. "And for I know thou 'rt full of love and honesty
And weigh’st thy words before thou giv’st them breath,
Therefore these stops of thine fright me the more.
For such things in a false disloyal knave
Are tricks of custom, but in a man that’s just
They are close dilations, working from the heart,
That passion cannot rule."
"en should be what they seem,
Or those that be not, would they might seem none!"
well i really liked these quotes. and they make me angry because Iago is such a jerk idiot stupid person... so... i think we should have a BBQ and roast Iago up.. and then not eat him because he would taste yucky and evil and just un-pleasent.
4.GRRRR!!!! why doesn't Othello take Iago's advise when he's told iago doesn't know what he's talking about because he's ASSUMING that Desdemona and Cassio are together. WHEN THEY AREN'T!! oh goodness Othello. you can be such a loser.
5. poor Emilia. she tries so hard to be a good enough wife for Iago and do as she's told. but what she doesn't know is that he's using her to do stupid mean stuff and it's going to back fire on everyone
I feel bad for Othello because he has no idea that Iago is evil. Iago plants Othello against Cassio and Desdemona. The handkerchief is just seals it pretty much. And no one has a clue what Iago is really like.
ReplyDelete