1. oooooooh. jealousy is such a drug. it's ridiculous!!! how often do you see someone glaring at another someone for something that really doesn't matter? or want them to have a crappy life to make yourself feel better? everyone does it. it's the natural man to hate someone/something and make you feel or look more superior. everyone thrives for that attention.
but i can't really decide if that's what Iago means in this quote. to me it's almost saying: Yes! you stupid people, keep on believing me and messing up your own lives!
"Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood Burn like the mines of sulfur."
"They are not ever jealous for the cause, But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster Begot upon itself, born on itself.
2.why doesn't Othello ever talk to Desdemona about her "cheating" on him? she has no clue as to what is going through his head and she's just trying to be an honest, caring person.what the heck Othello?
3. i'm kind of wondering why Shakespeare made Othello the main character.. i understand that the story is all about his life, but it only really touches on his life. it's more about what Iago's actions and plans are. Iago is the narrator and Othello is the puppet that acts out what Iago has planned or foreseen.
4. oh Roderigo was so close to noticing that Iago is a stupid crappy person. urgh. Roderigo should have just told everyone that Iago is a liar and such. then no one would hate each other and no one would die.
1) Orlando is convinced that he should kill his wife for her unfaithfulness. Why is it in this play as well as Much Ado Orlando and Claudio don't confront their wives (or soon to be wives) before taking such drastic action?
2) Does the ease in which Orlando is convinced to kill his wife tell us how much he really loves her?
3) Desdemona seems like she knows her fate. Why doesn't she do anything about it?
4) Why does Iago want Cassio dead at this point of the play? He already took over his position.
5) Jealousy is definitely an addictive drug, but i think the root of Iago's evilness stem further than just jealousy. I think paranoia and Iago's drive for power has a lot to do with his madness as well.
1.Does Roderigo really love Desdemona? 2.Why doesnt Roderigo tell Othello he suspects Iago is evil. 3.Is Emelia trying to plant evil thoughts in Desdemona's head llike Iago does Othello? 4.Is Othello going to Kill Desdemona in her sleep? 5.Is Roderigo really going to kill Cassio?
1. Evan, I think you mean Othello, not Orlando, but I do think your question has a valid point. my theory is that Othello thinks "well of course she is going to lie to me." The only way for Desdemona to even come close to redeeming herself at this point is to lie and say "yes, I did it, I'm sorry"
2. One thing that I can not seem to grasp why Roderigo is such a tool. Why does Roderigo essentially agree to shot first and ask questions later? It seems rather foolish to risk murder charges for no reason that you know of
3. in class we were discussing role reversal and it occurred to me that we could simply only reverse Iago's role (forgive me if we have gone over this already). Roderigo's relationship with Iago is clearly a relationship with something to motivate Roderigo. If that motivation were, say, female Iago's 'respect' then it would definitely spur him into action. it would also become more believable to Othello as Iago would be a girl and therefore more privy to Desdemona's thought process.also, the cold sort of back stabbing that Iago uses seem to be more along the lines of the local ice queen than the angry army officer.
4. Iago obviously shows a guilty conscience when he screams at Emilia to shut up. why doesn't Othello hear this and why doesn't it trip any sensors? Such a harsh reaction for someone of such a reputation.
5. Why does Cassio call Bianca whore and then feel he must go retrieve her in the streets?
1. What is the significance of Desdemona's song? 2. Desdemona seems to be aware of her fate...she speaks to Emilia as if she is about to die...foreshadowing? 3. How has Othello changed since the beginning of the play? What has caused this change? 4. Why does Desdemona randomly start talking to Emilia about Lodovico's handsomeness in Scene 2? Considering her husband has just rebuked, scorned, and abused her, shouldn't she have a lot of other things on her mind? 5. Jealousy is definitely a drug for Othello; it completely consumes and changes him. He is jealous of Cassio, now that Desdemona seems to have left Othello for him, and also because since Othello is being called back to Venice, Cassio is taking Othello's place in Cyprus. Iago has manipulated Othello by using jealousy as a drug: he makes Othello believe that Cassio is superceding him at everything.
1. Jealousy as a drug is an interesting concept. Many drugs are considered stimulants. So jealousy as a drug would mean it stimulates things. Jealousy stimulates anger which can lead to negative actions. For example jealousy is the stimulant, or what starts, Iago’s evil plans. The way he uses people to ruin Othello all starts from the jealousy he had of Cassio being the lieutenant instead of him.
2. Jealousy is also a drug for Othello. He looses is cool when Iago tells him of Desdemona’s affair with Cassio. He becomes enraged and even plots to kill his wife. The jealousy he feels toward Cassio stimulates the anger and rage that causes him to plot to kill Desdemona. Why is it he loses his cool so quickly? It’s like he was a bubble just waiting to burst.
3. Othello’s switch from calm and collected to wild and angry proves the idea that love consumes us. Just one problem in Othello’s love life makes him snap, he’s not even willing to try and fix it. It just proves that love consumes these characters too and controls their emotions and their actions.
4. Has Desdemona turned into the Christ like figure in the play? She seems to take direction, even after being accused of something she didn’t do, calmly. She also seems to have a never ending love for her husband despite his accusations.
5. Why does Othello dismiss everything Emilia says that would easily prove Desdemona’s innocence and claim they are lies?
1. Hannah- at this point, Othello no longer trusts Desdemona. Even if he did talk to her, he would only come out of it thinking that she is a liar as well as an adulteress. The problem is that the circle of people he really trusts is small, and Iago is whittling away his trust of all of them, leaving Iago as the only person Othello thinks he can confide in. That's what makes Iago's plan so diabolical.
2. Evan- I too wonder why Desdemona doesn't escape if she knows that Othello will kill her. She's already been shown to not be one to just bow down to convention. So why no effort to save her life?
3. Evan, I don't think that Iago is driven by paranoia at all. For instance look at Macbeth, who we know is driven by fear that he will lose what he's given so much for- how his actions are obviously more distorted solutions by a desperate mind. Iago, on the other hand, is so collected and deliberate in his actions. You don't get a sense of spontaneity in his actions unlike Macbeth; Iago's planned every last detail out as carefully as he can.
4.Hannah- I think that any desire to alert others of Iago's nature that Roderigo has are far outweighed by his growing fear of him. After all, he knows that Iago is brilliant, and that he can easily ruin someone like Roderigo if he wanted to. Plus, it's fairly obvious that not many people trust him far less than they do Iago, so even if he did alert people, who'd believe him?
5. Shakespeare seems to have been fascinated by the concept of tracking a character's fall from grace, and Othello is no exception. But in other plays where this occurs (like Macbeth), the character who falls is seen as the antihero, or even the villain. Did Shakespeare make Iago so evil to make the audience sympathize with such a character?
I think he does mean Othello Anonymous, I think he does!
Jealousy often can work as a drug because try as we may we sometimes seem to like the anger that we get, in a self-righteous, "my actions are justified now" sort of way...
But I think Iago means something a little different in that quote. I think when he says "Work on, my medicine, work on!" he is rather talking about his poison that he has spilled into the lives of the characters in the play which is now working along with a mind of it's own. This poison often manifests itself as jealousy. I suppose this jealousy could act as a sort of drug that people seem to like so well that they can't get rid of. Anyone seen Spiderman 3? :) It's a helpful illustration of this kind of Jealousy.
Iago is a master of not only manipulating others, but making them manipulate themselves in a way. (i.e. when keeps mentioning the handkerchief, so that Othello cannot help himself from thinking about it.). What other ways does he do this?
In response to Alicia's 3rd question, I don't think Emilia is trying to plant evil thoughts in Desdemona. I think she is genuinely a friend of Desdemona, and is only doing what Iago has told her to do. She is being used, and not doing those things of her own accord.
In response to your 2nd point Evan, I don't believe that it does tell us how much he loves her. I think it is more of a testimony of how brilliantly manipulative Iago is. It also shows us how easily Othello has lost his trust in Desdemona.
Ugh! Iago makes me so sick! I cannot believe how easily he is able to convince, and Othello is to believe, that Desdemona is cheating. Surely just the handkerchief cannot be enough to convince him? Iago's whole goal seems to be to make Othello want what Cassio "has" with Desdemona, so here comes a jealous rage... which I guess is understandable.
Iago tells Cassio "Do you withdraw yourself a little while,He will recover straight." (IV.i.46-47). Shouldn't Cassio catch on to this? It's an insult!
I can certainly see how jealousy could be a drug... once it's placed in your heart, it eats away at you until you have absolutely nothing left. It sucks away any and all trust you have for someone, and it makes you just seethe until you become the anger and rage that is eating you. It's really kind of sad actually.
It's so sad to watch Othello's transformation. He goes from such a strong military leader who's madly in love, to a jealous, murderous, raging fool who believes whatever he's told, which discredits his love.
Please please PLEASE tell me Emilia knows that this was all Iago, and that's why she says "I will be hanged, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devised this slander. I will be hanged else!" (IV.ii.135-138)
1. Like Ryan and Lauren have been saying in class and in Jade's question. I can definitely see Desdemona as the Christ figure after reading act 4. Because even after Othello is rash and insulting towards her with false accusation, she is collected, and still seeks out Othello, like God in his pursuit for humanity.
2. Jealously as a drug...I'd say that is a good comparison since they are both impulsive things, or rather you can act impulsive on drugs.. you could describe jealously as addicting or uncontrollable, and Iago definitely seems to be addicted to jealously/ revenge. as does Othello when he is poisoned by Iago's stories.
3. OKAY Jo Paul, you're question about when Desdemona starts randomly talking about Lovidico: That part confused me so much! I'd just like to reprise that question if anyone has an insight. She was just mourning about Othello and how she had done nothing wrong and thinking how to win him back and then " wow lovidico, attractive..." I don't understand. Could this show some imperfection of character? I dunno.
4.I think Othello is too blinded by the jealously Iago put into his head to accept the thought of Desdemona's innocence. He doesn't seem like he really respects Emilia, probably not many women after his view of them is destroyed. hearing about :"Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked May draw with you. There’s millions now alive That nightly lie in those unproper beds Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better."
5. What does the character Lovidico represent? His purpose in Othello? other than the literal reason of delivering Othello's letter.
1 To answer one of your points Evan, It takes quite a bit of evidence for Othello to believe Iago. Othello tries to disprove that idea many times, but Iago just brings a lot of evidence otherwise. There is no doubt that Othello loves Desdemona greatly, and it is because of this that his reaction seems so intense. The person that he loves has supposedly betrayed him, and that destroys Othello. The only thing he feels he can do is kill her. 2) Mason, in response to one of your points, the reason Roderigo is so willing to "shoot first and ask questions later" is because he knows Iago is brilliant and because he really wants Desdemona. Roderigo is clearly willing to destroy lives for Desdemona, and he trusts that Iago is the man to get that for him. 3) It is surprising just how much foreshadowing there is in scene iii. Not only does Desdemona openly predict her possible death, but the story behind the song she sings also foreshadows. 4)To answer Jade's question, Othello doesn't believe Emilia because he does not trust her nearly as much as he trusts Iago, and the only proof she gives is her word. 5)It is amazing how much luck Iago seems to have with convincing Othello. It makes you wonder if he plans out everything, such as his interaction with Cassio, or if he does it on the fly.
"Work on, my medicine, work on!" I really feel that this is Iago's way of admiring his work of evil as it spreads from person to person and eats them from the inside out. Austin said it perfectly. Jealousy being compared to a drug I think is very fitting. We thrive on our hard core human emotions. Its how we live and we as humans love when we can hold in anger and jealousy for another person, its addicting. I like a lot what Jorden said about the forshadowing when desdemona is talking to Emila. I really think that is the case and that is also what I think the song stands for. Desdemona knows she is doomed to die for something she did not do. What angers me the most is why doesn't Othello just ask Desdemona. I mean he does in a sense but he is being to prideful to even listen. Does it come down to him enjoying the pain and addiction to jealousy? Why doesn't Roderigo do something to stop Iago? I think he could have saved lives.
1. I like how Othello speaks in prose when he's talking about Cassio sleeping with his wife.
2. To what Bekah said, I think Lovidico just represents an outside pint of view, someone who was not in Venice whilst all of this was happening, and who can clearly see the changes in the characters.
3. Why did Othello just accuse Desdemona of being a whore, and not mention how he believes that she and Cassio were sleeping together?
4. I'm suprised Roderigo hasn't broken down and told Othello what's been going on this whole time.
I believe that jealousy is one of the most powerful drugs to a human. He who wields jealousy wields power over the hearts and minds of those around him. Iago, the holder of Othello's jealousy, has complete control over Othello. If Othello could but see a shadow of Iago's intentions he could be freed--it is a fragile web spun about him--but the problem with that is in the sight itself. Jealousy blinds a person to reason, and there is no hope.
I would suggest, therefore, that jealousy--and not trust--is Othello's tragic flaw. "Trust" seems to be an issue that most of the characters have, in trusting Iago. But it seems that Othello is one of the few to suffer so greatly from the infliction of jealousy.
Why didn't Othello talk to Desdemona? There are often accusations in plays and movies, but they are to the face of the accused--that is how so many issues are worked out. Communication is a key element to every relationship. The relationship between Desdemona and Othello seemed so healthy, they seemed to be able to talk to each other. Was jealousy really as all-encompassing as to destroy that tie?
Then comes the question of Roderigo. Had he decided to step in, he could have stopped Othello from killing Desdemona. And if he truly loved her, as he so proclaimed he did, why would he refrain?
1) Jordan Paulus- The significance Of the Willow song that Desdemona sings is to increase the atmosphere of impending catastrophe. I think at that point Desdemona suspects that Othello will kill her, but she must be an obedient wife as it is her nature to be loyal.
2)Evan Tracy- I think Othello really did love his wife, but when Iago started feeding him verbal poison it morphed his love into a form of envious hate. I think that Othello is eased into the Idea of killing his wife because he is so jealous. I think it's more of a territorial thing. The idea of Cassio being with Desdemona ruined the pure love that Othello once held for Desdemona. If he Othello can't have her all to himself, then no one can. Therefore he must kill her. 3)Why doesn't Othello believe Emeilia when she speaks of how loyal and pure Desdemona's love is for him. Othello knows that most of Desdemona's time is spent with Emilia. Why does he call her a whore for being honest. 3)How on earth can the voice of one man (Iago) lead to so much chaos and cause so much harm to nearly every character in the play? 4) Roderigo catches on to how deceptive Iago is, why didn't he tell anyone of what Iago is doing. He could of stopped everyone from dying. 5) What ever happened to Bianca? Is she still in the story because I forgot all about her.
1. Jealousy is indeed a drug to Othello, and Iago knows it. Those around Othello notice the change in him, but he is too far gone to go back. Iago loves to look at his work, so the "Work on, poison, work on!" statement is sort of a confirmation of Iago's success as well as him enjoying the 'show' of his plan unfolding. 2. Desdemona is such a Christ figure for this play. Even in the shadow of impending death, she is still full of goodness and gentility, and love for her husband even though he has just finished calling her a whore for a reason he will not tell her. It seems that by that point there is really nothing she can try to say for herself that won't be figured against her by her husband, which really makes me sad. 3. Ohhhhh my the irony - in scene 2 when Emilia and Desdemona are talking with Iago and he is playing innocent, but Emilia declares "I will be hanged if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue, some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devised this slander." The audience knows that Iago IS that person, but all he has to say to her is to "Speak within door." Does he feel uncomfortable at all this? Has Emilia caught on even just the smallest bit? 4. I was proud of Roderigo there for a minute. He finally had come to his senses and was calling Iago out for what he had done, but then succumbed again to such a thinly-veiled device! The plan that Iago gives him doesn't even make any sense. Why? How can he just get pulled back in like that? 5. SO MUCH FORESHADOWING. If I didn't know the ending already, I would still have a sense of impending doom at Desdemona's remarks in scene 3 and the eerie Willow song. If we did a production of this play, how should we figure that song in? Its primary function is to increase the ominous feeling in the audience and to cement the fact that Desdemona is going to die soon, but it also can't be like she is crazy (the lyrics actually vaguely reminded me of the account of Ophelia's death in Hamlet).
Othello is plagued with jealousy for Desdemona that Iago incites. For Othello his jealousy for Desdemona is like cancer that has spread throughout him and is no longer curable; he is set in his ways.
1)In this act, Shakespeare switches from verse to prose briefly but often when Iago is talking. Why does he continue to do this?
2)Why does Desdemona want the wedding sheets to be placed on the bed? What is significant about those very sheets that could be a harbinger of something?
3)Analyze the song Desdemona sings and the story she tells before it. Did Barbara have the same fate that Desdemona is bound for? How does this song represent the relationship of Othello and Desdemona?
4)Desdemona seems aware to what Othello is about to do. Why doesn't she run? Othello tells her, "Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell," but she continues to love him and never despises him. Does this solidify her as the Christ figure of this play? that she never hates nor fears her eminent fate.
5)Othello seems set in his ways to murder Desdemona. He is so certain he will do it that he has oblivious to the fact that even the person he is trying to kill knows the intent of his actions. Yet it seems as though he is/will be remorseful for his actions. What will come of Othello when the deed is done? Does the fact that his actions are jealously based affirm the fact that once completed, the murder of Desdemona will plague him so bad that he will no longer want to live?
I find it ironic that something so pure and lovely as the love between Othello and Desdemona can spoil into something so foul. Othello's love for his wife brings forward such a grotesque change in him when he feels the unnecessary jealousy towards Cassio. It's depressing how their strong love morphs into hatred and rage (from Othello) when there doesn't appear to be much real love in the rest of the play except from Othello and Desdemona.
When Desdemona says, "And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love." she is practically predicting her own fate. But when Othello does kill her in the end, will she be feeling as faithful and loving?
Why does Cassio keep Bianca around? He obviously doesn't love her, so is it just for her services? He says he'll never marry her and is just stringing her along even though she is only a "customer".
An observation I made that is true in more than just Othello, is that power always brings tragedy in some way, shape or form.
YOU PEOPLE NEED TO STOP OVER ANALYZING EVERYTHING. Iago is bad.He doesnt plan on changing. Othello is infected by betrayl. Desdamona is at a loss of understanding the situation. Emilia is smart. Roderigo wants Desdamona so.......
Okay. Othello is not that easy to believe to that Desdamona is cheating, it takes the length of two acts. Iago is a bad guy, hate him and he will only feed off of the audiences reactions. Emilia is a genius and is able to sort through the whole situation. Desdamona is so humble and I think that she is believing something is going to happen to her that will actually affect her life.
Jade, to your fourth point, I gotta say that Desdemona is so the Christ figure. When she tells Emilia "And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love.", Desdemona knows, on some level, that Othello is going to be the death of her, but she accepts this with open arms. Not only that, but her calm to Othello's rage speaks volumes about her Christ-figure-ness.
As to Jelousy as a drug, I see this as so very true. Many of the highly addictive drugs out there slowly drain from you the most important things in your life. Look at Othello, his jelousy is draining his trust and his love for desdemona. This is his drug.
How does Othello and desdemona's pure love so quickly sour? what does this day about Othello's inner self, that he so readily discounts her?
And, aggh I HATE Iago. How can one man, and one with less influence as well, so quickly and thoroughly destroy so many men? What is it about him that people so quickly trust?
Jealousy IS a drug. It's dangerous and destructive and a little bit addicting. Poor Othello. He's become an addict not even by his own doing. It's like Iago slipping him the needle.Iago is a meanie, contagious, infectious little maggot.
Ohhh. "Some such squire he was That turned your wit the seamy side without And made you to suspect me with the Moor." So Emilia knows her husband's suspicians and seems to elude to someone that did as Iago is doing. Could this have something BIG today with Iago's motives? Iago does get pretty defensive when his wife says that. "You are a fool. Go to."
I don't think we can really doubt Desdemona's love for Othello. "My love doth so approve him That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns—Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor." But I wonder, where do we draw the line between showing unfaltering faithfulness and sense? It seems she suspects that Othello may do something... rash. So is she the better for sticking around, having faith or is it mere naivety? Many gal friends would say "No self respecting woman would put up with it..." So where does Desdemona fit in? Foolish girl or self sacrificing lover? Both maybe? :(
Are Iago's musings about his wife's infidelity unfounded? Did he always feel this way?
1)Yes! Jealousy is a drug, it destroys you and can only make matters worse. Do the other characters have something equivelent to this "drug"?
2)About Desdemona being the Christ figure, I completely agree. She is willing to accept death without putting up a fight. She is strong and willing to sacrifice.
3)What exactly is the significance of the wedding sheets?
4)If Roderigo loves Desdemona so much, why didn't he stop Othello from killing her? Was he afraid Othello would accuse him of sleeping with Desdemona like he thought of Cassio?
5)Why does Othello push everyone away except Iago, the one person he shouldnt trust? He confides in Iago when he should really be trusting his wife that loves him no matter what the accusations are against her.
1) Why is the comparison of Othello to an animal brought back? “A hornèd man’s a monster and a beast.” (1.4.52) Does this mean that the initial insults from the first act are proved valid? 2) Jealousy as a drug is a nice concept, however, it is possible to argue against that fact as you can resist the effects of jealousy whereas the effects of drugs are certain. That is why I see it more as an infection. The body can fight off an infection if the immune system is strong just as a person can also fight off the idea of jealousy if they are morally strong. 3) Othello never gives himself the chance to take a different point of view on his whole situation. Is this in his nature to act so headstrong or is this the fault of jealousy in action? If he had thought about it would he still be set on killing Desdemona? 4) It is presumed in the beginning of the play that Othello is so calm and level-headed. It is also presumed that Iago is a honest and righteous figure. Yet, Othello shows character weakness by striking Desdemona and Iago is constantly proven evil as we watch his deceptions unfold and grow. Why is it that the preconceived notions of these men are so wrong and untrue to what the audience is shown of their actual character? 5) Desdemona is so devoted to her husband that she listens to him even when she knows that she is going to die. Why is it that she is so devoted even when she sees him losing grasp of his sanity?
Othello was the picture of a man faced with racial injustice who earned his social rank through hardwork and honor. He could have been used as a reason to rethink discrimination based on race. Now that he has been manipulated by Iago and succumbed by jealousy, will his tragic life be used to further strengthen the heirarchy based on race?
In Act IV, Scene 2, Emilia is presented as emotionally-invested, strong-willed person as she attempts to refute Othello's claims of Desdemona's adultery, so why is Iago her husband? Why has she not questioned Iago's desire for her to steal Desdemona's handkerchief?
Emilia is a loving, caring, compassionate human being, but, again, she is married to the vile Iago. How did they become partners? Was Iago always this way or did something change inside him? Did Iago simple manipulate her into marriage? Is she really that naive?
How does Desdemona remain impeccable and calm in such tumultuous and emotionally-trying environment? How can one human contain such a vast capacity for love?
I agree with Josh's comment on the idea that jeaslousy is drug. The drug metaphor is effective, but the infection is a more logical metaphor. Jealousy is an infectious emotion and the power of jealousy is individually determined by the self-control or lack thereof of the person subject to it. If Othello had more control over his judgement and more trust for Desdemona, Jealousy would have failed. If Desdemona was immersed with jealousy, she would be able to thwart its intentions, for she is self-controlled and morally-strong.
In response to several comments, I think that the reason Roderigo prevents Desdemona's murder is the same reason that Othello killed Desdemona - jealousy. If you think about it, Iago had been manipulating Roderigo to do things (like waking Brabantio, getting in a fight with Cassio, etc) by feeding on Roderigo's jealousy and anger that arose when Desdemona favored Othello instead of himself. As it was, Roderigo had been "taking the drug" much longer that Othello was. Therefore, he was at the point that his anger towards Desdemona outweighed any love that he might have previously felt.
In response to Carlin’s 2nd point, I would argue that Othello’s tragic flaw is neither jealousy nor trust issues. I would rather say that his flaw is that he is never really sure of his own mind, and so he depends on other people to bolster his opinions, which eventually get him in trouble when Iago uses this against him.
One question of mine is why didn’t Lodovico suspect something was amiss when Othello hit Desdemona? Even if he was a stranger, he had heard enough of Othello to think him an honorable man – unless that doesn’t include respecting women. But supposing it does, wouldn’t he look into it, to make sure Desdemona wouldn’t be further harmed?
The scene where Iago speaks of Bianca to Cassio, while Othello thinks they are talking of Desdemona seems to parallel the scene with Baratio (I think) and Margaret, while Don John convinces Claudio that Margaret is Hero. In the end, Claudio “exposes” Hero at the alter, and they pretend she is dead until they uncover the truth, which they do, and everything ends happily ever after. My question is this: what, in Othello, made a similar happy ending impossible?
To the main discussion point of Jealousy being a drug, there is much to say. First, Jealousy is a drug, but only those who choose to fall into it become addicted and lose themselves to it. Jealousy is one of the hardest drugs to resist, but then this falls into the point of the love between Othello and Desdemona. I don't think that there was really love between Othello and Desdemona. There was the idea of love, and they had every reason to "love" each other considering society's standards, but there wasn't love between them. Going back to the point of Othello's weakness being trust, I find the idea contradictory and supports the idea of there not being love between Othello and Desdemona. Othello is told that Desdemona is cheating on him, he automatically believes Iago, but where was the trust in Desdemona? When you marry, isn't it customary to place your trust and love in the other person? Quoting the movie Moulin Rouge, it is said, in the movie around the song "El Tango de Roxanne", that there cannot be love without trust.
1.I really enjoy the "Jealousy is a drug" concept. I feel like this gives us a different view point of Iago's motive and further enhances his evil. 2. I also agree with Josh on the reiteration of animal like references. "There’s many a beast then in a populous city, And many a civil monster." this references further amplifies the emotions of the entire situation by Iago's reassurance of Othello's "place". 3.I also feel that Othello's reaction to the news of Desdemona's mishap is just a reaction out of love. This passionate anger shows the deep hurt he is feeling. There is also so much evidence building up around him he begins to believe it although deep down he knows it untrue. 4. Emilia never questions Iago's motives. Why? Is it out of pure love for him or maybe she is just intrigued by him? 5. Desdemona is strong in her own ways. Out of love and compassion she puts her own well being aside to help others and i feel that she knows she is in harms way but almost believes that it must happen to bring about the better.
Jealousy being a drug is the perfect metaphor for how Iago is poisoning the rest of the characters to turn them almost against themselves. Like any drug, he starts off with just a small amount, administering it right where they are the most vulnerable. He then gives them more, and they instantly absorb what Iago has to say. he increases the dose, until they end up overdosing and they freak out, and destroy everything around them, until all they have left is the drug, Iago.
1. oooooooh. jealousy is such a drug. it's ridiculous!!! how often do you see someone glaring at another someone for something that really doesn't matter? or want them to have a crappy life to make yourself feel better? everyone does it. it's the natural man to hate someone/something and make you feel or look more superior. everyone thrives for that attention.
ReplyDeletebut i can't really decide if that's what Iago means in this quote. to me it's almost saying: Yes! you stupid people, keep on believing me and messing up your own lives!
"Dangerous conceits are in their natures poisons
Which at the first are scarce found to distaste,
But with a little act upon the blood
Burn like the mines of sulfur."
"They are not ever jealous for the cause,
But jealous for they’re jealous. It is a monster
Begot upon itself, born on itself.
2.why doesn't Othello ever talk to Desdemona about her "cheating" on him? she has no clue as to what is going through his head and she's just trying to be an honest, caring person.what the heck Othello?
3. i'm kind of wondering why Shakespeare made Othello the main character.. i understand that the story is all about his life, but it only really touches on his life. it's more about what Iago's actions and plans are. Iago is the narrator and Othello is the puppet that acts out what Iago has planned or foreseen.
4. oh Roderigo was so close to noticing that Iago is a stupid crappy person. urgh. Roderigo should have just told everyone that Iago is a liar and such. then no one would hate each other and no one would die.
1) Orlando is convinced that he should kill his wife for her unfaithfulness. Why is it in this play as well as Much Ado Orlando and Claudio don't confront their wives (or soon to be wives) before taking such drastic action?
ReplyDelete2) Does the ease in which Orlando is convinced to kill his wife tell us how much he really loves her?
3) Desdemona seems like she knows her fate. Why doesn't she do anything about it?
4) Why does Iago want Cassio dead at this point of the play? He already took over his position.
5) Jealousy is definitely an addictive drug, but i think the root of Iago's evilness stem further than just jealousy. I think paranoia and Iago's drive for power has a lot to do with his madness as well.
1.Does Roderigo really love Desdemona?
ReplyDelete2.Why doesnt Roderigo tell Othello he suspects Iago is evil.
3.Is Emelia trying to plant evil thoughts in Desdemona's head llike Iago does Othello?
4.Is Othello going to Kill Desdemona in her sleep?
5.Is Roderigo really going to kill Cassio?
Evan, when you say Orlando, do you mean Othello?
ReplyDelete1. Evan, I think you mean Othello, not Orlando, but I do think your question has a valid point. my theory is that Othello thinks "well of course she is going to lie to me." The only way for Desdemona to even come close to redeeming herself at this point is to lie and say "yes, I did it, I'm sorry"
ReplyDelete2. One thing that I can not seem to grasp why Roderigo is such a tool. Why does Roderigo essentially agree to shot first and ask questions later? It seems rather foolish to risk murder charges for no reason that you know of
3. in class we were discussing role reversal and it occurred to me that we could simply only reverse Iago's role (forgive me if we have gone over this already). Roderigo's relationship with Iago is clearly a relationship with something to motivate Roderigo. If that motivation were, say, female Iago's 'respect' then it would definitely spur him into action. it would also become more believable to Othello as Iago would be a girl and therefore more privy to Desdemona's thought process.also, the cold sort of back stabbing that Iago uses seem to be more along the lines of the local ice queen than the angry army officer.
4. Iago obviously shows a guilty conscience when he screams at Emilia to shut up. why doesn't Othello hear this and why doesn't it trip any sensors? Such a harsh reaction for someone of such a reputation.
5. Why does Cassio call Bianca whore and then feel he must go retrieve her in the streets?
1. What is the significance of Desdemona's song?
ReplyDelete2. Desdemona seems to be aware of her fate...she speaks to Emilia as if she is about to die...foreshadowing?
3. How has Othello changed since the beginning of the play? What has caused this change?
4. Why does Desdemona randomly start talking to Emilia about Lodovico's handsomeness in Scene 2? Considering her husband has just rebuked, scorned, and abused her, shouldn't she have a lot of other things on her mind?
5. Jealousy is definitely a drug for Othello; it completely consumes and changes him. He is jealous of Cassio, now that Desdemona seems to have left Othello for him, and also because since Othello is being called back to Venice, Cassio is taking Othello's place in Cyprus. Iago has manipulated Othello by using jealousy as a drug: he makes Othello believe that Cassio is superceding him at everything.
1. Jealousy as a drug is an interesting concept. Many drugs are considered stimulants. So jealousy as a drug would mean it stimulates things. Jealousy stimulates anger which can lead to negative actions. For example jealousy is the stimulant, or what starts, Iago’s evil plans. The way he uses people to ruin Othello all starts from the jealousy he had of Cassio being the lieutenant instead of him.
ReplyDelete2. Jealousy is also a drug for Othello. He looses is cool when Iago tells him of Desdemona’s affair with Cassio. He becomes enraged and even plots to kill his wife. The jealousy he feels toward Cassio stimulates the anger and rage that causes him to plot to kill Desdemona. Why is it he loses his cool so quickly? It’s like he was a bubble just waiting to burst.
3. Othello’s switch from calm and collected to wild and angry proves the idea that love consumes us. Just one problem in Othello’s love life makes him snap, he’s not even willing to try and fix it. It just proves that love consumes these characters too and controls their emotions and their actions.
4. Has Desdemona turned into the Christ like figure in the play? She seems to take direction, even after being accused of something she didn’t do, calmly. She also seems to have a never ending love for her husband despite his accusations.
5. Why does Othello dismiss everything Emilia says that would easily prove Desdemona’s innocence and claim they are lies?
1. Hannah- at this point, Othello no longer trusts Desdemona. Even if he did talk to her, he would only come out of it thinking that she is a liar as well as an adulteress. The problem is that the circle of people he really trusts is small, and Iago is whittling away his trust of all of them, leaving Iago as the only person Othello thinks he can confide in. That's what makes Iago's plan so diabolical.
ReplyDelete2. Evan- I too wonder why Desdemona doesn't escape if she knows that Othello will kill her. She's already been shown to not be one to just bow down to convention. So why no effort to save her life?
3. Evan, I don't think that Iago is driven by paranoia at all. For instance look at Macbeth, who we know is driven by fear that he will lose what he's given so much for- how his actions are obviously more distorted solutions by a desperate mind. Iago, on the other hand, is so collected and deliberate in his actions. You don't get a sense of spontaneity in his actions unlike Macbeth; Iago's planned every last detail out as carefully as he can.
4.Hannah- I think that any desire to alert others of Iago's nature that Roderigo has are far outweighed by his growing fear of him. After all, he knows that Iago is brilliant, and that he can easily ruin someone like Roderigo if he wanted to. Plus, it's fairly obvious that not many people trust him far less than they do Iago, so even if he did alert people, who'd believe him?
5. Shakespeare seems to have been fascinated by the concept of tracking a character's fall from grace, and Othello is no exception. But in other plays where this occurs (like Macbeth), the character who falls is seen as the antihero, or even the villain. Did Shakespeare make Iago so evil to make the audience sympathize with such a character?
I think he does mean Othello Anonymous, I think he does!
ReplyDeleteJealousy often can work as a drug because try as we may we sometimes seem to like the anger that we get, in a self-righteous, "my actions are justified now" sort of way...
But I think Iago means something a little different in that quote. I think when he says "Work on, my medicine, work on!" he is rather talking about his poison that he has spilled into the lives of the characters in the play which is now working along with a mind of it's own. This poison often manifests itself as jealousy. I suppose this jealousy could act as a sort of drug that people seem to like so well that they can't get rid of. Anyone seen Spiderman 3? :) It's a helpful illustration of this kind of Jealousy.
Iago is a master of not only manipulating others, but making them manipulate themselves in a way. (i.e. when keeps mentioning the handkerchief, so that Othello cannot help himself from thinking about it.). What other ways does he do this?
In response to Alicia's 3rd question, I don't think Emilia is trying to plant evil thoughts in Desdemona. I think she is genuinely a friend of Desdemona, and is only doing what Iago has told her to do. She is being used, and not doing those things of her own accord.
In response to your 2nd point Evan, I don't believe that it does tell us how much he loves her. I think it is more of a testimony of how brilliantly manipulative Iago is. It also shows us how easily Othello has lost his trust in Desdemona.
Ugh! Iago makes me so sick! I cannot believe how easily he is able to convince, and Othello is to believe, that Desdemona is cheating. Surely just the handkerchief cannot be enough to convince him? Iago's whole goal seems to be to make Othello want what Cassio "has" with Desdemona, so here comes a jealous rage... which I guess is understandable.
ReplyDeleteIago tells Cassio "Do you withdraw yourself a little while,He will recover straight." (IV.i.46-47). Shouldn't Cassio catch on to this? It's an insult!
I can certainly see how jealousy could be a drug... once it's placed in your heart, it eats away at you until you have absolutely nothing left. It sucks away any and all trust you have for someone, and it makes you just seethe until you become the anger and rage that is eating you. It's really kind of sad actually.
It's so sad to watch Othello's transformation. He goes from such a strong military leader who's madly in love, to a jealous, murderous, raging fool who believes whatever he's told, which discredits his love.
Please please PLEASE tell me Emilia knows that this was all Iago, and that's why she says "I will be hanged, if some eternal villain,
Some busy and insinuating rogue,
Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office,
Have not devised this slander. I will be hanged else!" (IV.ii.135-138)
1. Like Ryan and Lauren have been saying in class and in Jade's question. I can definitely see Desdemona as the Christ figure after reading act 4. Because even after Othello is rash and insulting towards her with false accusation, she is collected, and still seeks out Othello, like God in his pursuit for humanity.
ReplyDelete2. Jealously as a drug...I'd say that is a good comparison since they are both impulsive things, or rather you can act impulsive on drugs.. you could describe jealously as addicting or uncontrollable, and Iago definitely seems to be addicted to jealously/ revenge. as does Othello when he is poisoned by Iago's stories.
3. OKAY Jo Paul, you're question about when Desdemona starts randomly talking about Lovidico: That part confused me so much! I'd just like to reprise that question if anyone has an insight. She was just mourning about Othello and how she had done nothing wrong and thinking how to win him back and then " wow lovidico, attractive..." I don't understand. Could this show some imperfection of character? I dunno.
4.I think Othello is too blinded by the jealously Iago put into his head to accept the thought of Desdemona's innocence. He doesn't seem like he really respects Emilia, probably not many women after his view of them is destroyed. hearing about :"Think every bearded fellow that’s but yoked
May draw with you. There’s millions now alive
That nightly lie in those unproper beds
Which they dare swear peculiar. Your case is better."
5. What does the character Lovidico represent? His purpose in Othello? other than the literal reason of delivering Othello's letter.
1 To answer one of your points Evan, It takes quite a bit of evidence for Othello to believe Iago. Othello tries to disprove that idea many times, but Iago just brings a lot of evidence otherwise. There is no doubt that Othello loves Desdemona greatly, and it is because of this that his reaction seems so intense. The person that he loves has supposedly betrayed him, and that destroys Othello. The only thing he feels he can do is kill her.
ReplyDelete2) Mason, in response to one of your points, the reason Roderigo is so willing to "shoot first and ask questions later" is because he knows Iago is brilliant and because he really wants Desdemona. Roderigo is clearly willing to destroy lives for Desdemona, and he trusts that Iago is the man to get that for him.
3) It is surprising just how much foreshadowing there is in scene iii. Not only does Desdemona openly predict her possible death, but the story behind the song she sings also foreshadows.
4)To answer Jade's question, Othello doesn't believe Emilia because he does not trust her nearly as much as he trusts Iago, and the only proof she gives is her word.
5)It is amazing how much luck Iago seems to have with convincing Othello. It makes you wonder if he plans out everything, such as his interaction with Cassio, or if he does it on the fly.
"Work on, my medicine, work on!" I really feel that this is Iago's way of admiring his work of evil as it spreads from person to person and eats them from the inside out. Austin said it perfectly.
ReplyDeleteJealousy being compared to a drug I think is very fitting. We thrive on our hard core human emotions. Its how we live and we as humans love when we can hold in anger and jealousy for another person, its addicting.
I like a lot what Jorden said about the forshadowing when desdemona is talking to Emila. I really think that is the case and that is also what I think the song stands for. Desdemona knows she is doomed to die for something she did not do.
What angers me the most is why doesn't Othello just ask Desdemona. I mean he does in a sense but he is being to prideful to even listen. Does it come down to him enjoying the pain and addiction to jealousy?
Why doesn't Roderigo do something to stop Iago? I think he could have saved lives.
1. I like how Othello speaks in prose when he's talking about Cassio sleeping with his wife.
ReplyDelete2. To what Bekah said, I think Lovidico just represents an outside pint of view, someone who was not in Venice whilst all of this was happening, and who can clearly see the changes in the characters.
3. Why did Othello just accuse Desdemona of being a whore, and not mention how he believes that she and Cassio were sleeping together?
4. I'm suprised Roderigo hasn't broken down and told Othello what's been going on this whole time.
I believe that jealousy is one of the most powerful drugs to a human. He who wields jealousy wields power over the hearts and minds of those around him. Iago, the holder of Othello's jealousy, has complete control over Othello. If Othello could but see a shadow of Iago's intentions he could be freed--it is a fragile web spun about him--but the problem with that is in the sight itself. Jealousy blinds a person to reason, and there is no hope.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest, therefore, that jealousy--and not trust--is Othello's tragic flaw. "Trust" seems to be an issue that most of the characters have, in trusting Iago. But it seems that Othello is one of the few to suffer so greatly from the infliction of jealousy.
Why didn't Othello talk to Desdemona? There are often accusations in plays and movies, but they are to the face of the accused--that is how so many issues are worked out. Communication is a key element to every relationship. The relationship between Desdemona and Othello seemed so healthy, they seemed to be able to talk to each other. Was jealousy really as all-encompassing as to destroy that tie?
Then comes the question of Roderigo. Had he decided to step in, he could have stopped Othello from killing Desdemona. And if he truly loved her, as he so proclaimed he did, why would he refrain?
1) Jordan Paulus- The significance Of the Willow song that Desdemona sings is to increase the atmosphere of impending catastrophe. I think at that point Desdemona suspects that Othello will kill her, but she must be an obedient wife as it is her nature to be loyal.
ReplyDelete2)Evan Tracy- I think Othello really did love his wife, but when Iago started feeding him verbal poison it morphed his love into a form of envious hate. I think that Othello is eased into the Idea of killing his wife because he is so jealous. I think it's more of a territorial thing. The idea of Cassio being with Desdemona ruined the pure love that Othello once held for Desdemona. If he Othello can't have her all to himself, then no one can. Therefore he must kill her.
3)Why doesn't Othello believe Emeilia when she speaks of how loyal and pure Desdemona's love is for him. Othello knows that most of Desdemona's time is spent with Emilia. Why does he call her a whore for being honest.
3)How on earth can the voice of one man (Iago) lead to so much chaos and cause so much harm to nearly every character in the play?
4) Roderigo catches on to how deceptive Iago is, why didn't he tell anyone of what Iago is doing.
He could of stopped everyone from dying.
5) What ever happened to Bianca? Is she still in the story because I forgot all about her.
1. Jealousy is indeed a drug to Othello, and Iago knows it. Those around Othello notice the change in him, but he is too far gone to go back. Iago loves to look at his work, so the "Work on, poison, work on!" statement is sort of a confirmation of Iago's success as well as him enjoying the 'show' of his plan unfolding.
ReplyDelete2. Desdemona is such a Christ figure for this play. Even in the shadow of impending death, she is still full of goodness and gentility, and love for her husband even though he has just finished calling her a whore for a reason he will not tell her. It seems that by that point there is really nothing she can try to say for herself that won't be figured against her by her husband, which really makes me sad.
3. Ohhhhh my the irony - in scene 2 when Emilia and Desdemona are talking with Iago and he is playing innocent, but Emilia declares "I will be hanged if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue, some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devised this slander." The audience knows that Iago IS that person, but all he has to say to her is to "Speak within door." Does he feel uncomfortable at all this? Has Emilia caught on even just the smallest bit?
4. I was proud of Roderigo there for a minute. He finally had come to his senses and was calling Iago out for what he had done, but then succumbed again to such a thinly-veiled device! The plan that Iago gives him doesn't even make any sense. Why? How can he just get pulled back in like that?
5. SO MUCH FORESHADOWING. If I didn't know the ending already, I would still have a sense of impending doom at Desdemona's remarks in scene 3 and the eerie Willow song. If we did a production of this play, how should we figure that song in? Its primary function is to increase the ominous feeling in the audience and to cement the fact that Desdemona is going to die soon, but it also can't be like she is crazy (the lyrics actually vaguely reminded me of the account of Ophelia's death in Hamlet).
Othello is plagued with jealousy for Desdemona that Iago incites. For Othello his jealousy for Desdemona is like cancer that has spread throughout him and is no longer curable; he is set in his ways.
ReplyDelete1)In this act, Shakespeare switches from verse to prose briefly but often when Iago is talking. Why does he continue to do this?
2)Why does Desdemona want the wedding sheets to be placed on the bed? What is significant about those very sheets that could be a harbinger of something?
3)Analyze the song Desdemona sings and the story she tells before it. Did Barbara have the same fate that Desdemona is bound for? How does this song represent the relationship of Othello and Desdemona?
4)Desdemona seems aware to what Othello is about to do. Why doesn't she run? Othello tells her, "Heaven truly knows that thou art false as hell," but she continues to love him and never despises him. Does this solidify her as the Christ figure of this play? that she never hates nor fears her eminent fate.
5)Othello seems set in his ways to murder Desdemona. He is so certain he will do it that he has oblivious to the fact that even the person he is trying to kill knows the intent of his actions. Yet it seems as though he is/will be remorseful for his actions. What will come of Othello when the deed is done? Does the fact that his actions are jealously based affirm the fact that once completed, the murder of Desdemona will plague him so bad that he will no longer want to live?
I find it ironic that something so pure and lovely as the love between Othello and Desdemona can spoil into something so foul. Othello's love for his wife brings forward such a grotesque change in him when he feels the unnecessary jealousy towards Cassio. It's depressing how their strong love morphs into hatred and rage (from Othello) when there doesn't appear to be much real love in the rest of the play except from Othello and Desdemona.
ReplyDeleteWhen Desdemona says, "And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love." she is practically predicting her own fate. But when Othello does kill her in the end, will she be feeling as faithful and loving?
Why does Cassio keep Bianca around? He obviously doesn't love her, so is it just for her services? He says he'll never marry her and is just stringing her along even though she is only a "customer".
An observation I made that is true in more than just Othello, is that power always brings tragedy in some way, shape or form.
YOU PEOPLE NEED TO STOP OVER ANALYZING EVERYTHING.
ReplyDeleteIago is bad.He doesnt plan on changing.
Othello is infected by betrayl.
Desdamona is at a loss of understanding the situation.
Emilia is smart.
Roderigo wants Desdamona so.......
Okay. Othello is not that easy to believe to that Desdamona is cheating, it takes the length of two acts.
Iago is a bad guy, hate him and he will only feed off of the audiences reactions.
Emilia is a genius and is able to sort through the whole situation.
Desdamona is so humble and I think that she is believing something is going to happen to her that will actually affect her life.
Jade, to your fourth point, I gotta say that Desdemona is so the Christ figure. When she tells Emilia "And his unkindness may defeat my life, But never taint my love.", Desdemona knows, on some level, that Othello is going to be the death of her, but she accepts this with open arms. Not only that, but her calm to Othello's rage speaks volumes about her Christ-figure-ness.
ReplyDeleteAs to Jelousy as a drug, I see this as so very true. Many of the highly addictive drugs out there slowly drain from you the most important things in your life. Look at Othello, his jelousy is draining his trust and his love for desdemona. This is his drug.
How does Othello and desdemona's pure love so quickly sour? what does this day about Othello's inner self, that he so readily discounts her?
And, aggh I HATE Iago. How can one man, and one with less influence as well, so quickly and thoroughly destroy so many men? What is it about him that people so quickly trust?
Jealousy IS a drug. It's dangerous and destructive and a little bit addicting. Poor Othello. He's become an addict not even by his own doing. It's like Iago slipping him the needle.Iago is a meanie, contagious, infectious little maggot.
ReplyDeleteOhhh. "Some such squire he was
That turned your wit the seamy side without
And made you to suspect me with the Moor." So Emilia knows her husband's suspicians and seems to elude to someone that did as Iago is doing. Could this have something BIG today with Iago's motives? Iago does get pretty defensive when his wife says that. "You are a fool. Go to."
I don't think we can really doubt Desdemona's love for Othello. "My love doth so approve him That even his stubbornness, his checks, his frowns—Prithee, unpin me—have grace and favor." But I wonder, where do we draw the line between showing unfaltering faithfulness and sense? It seems she suspects that Othello may do something... rash. So is she the better for sticking around, having faith or is it mere naivety? Many gal friends would say "No self respecting woman would put up with it..." So where does Desdemona fit in? Foolish girl or self sacrificing lover? Both maybe? :(
Are Iago's musings about his wife's infidelity unfounded? Did he always feel this way?
1)Yes! Jealousy is a drug, it destroys you and can only make matters worse. Do the other characters have something equivelent to this "drug"?
ReplyDelete2)About Desdemona being the Christ figure, I completely agree. She is willing to accept death without putting up a fight. She is strong and willing to sacrifice.
3)What exactly is the significance of the wedding sheets?
4)If Roderigo loves Desdemona so much, why didn't he stop Othello from killing her? Was he afraid Othello would accuse him of sleeping with Desdemona like he thought of Cassio?
5)Why does Othello push everyone away except Iago, the one person he shouldnt trust? He confides in Iago when he should really be trusting his wife that loves him no matter what the accusations are against her.
1) Why is the comparison of Othello to an animal brought back? “A hornèd man’s a monster and a beast.” (1.4.52) Does this mean that the initial insults from the first act are proved valid?
ReplyDelete2) Jealousy as a drug is a nice concept, however, it is possible to argue against that fact as you can resist the effects of jealousy whereas the effects of drugs are certain. That is why I see it more as an infection. The body can fight off an infection if the immune system is strong just as a person can also fight off the idea of jealousy if they are morally strong.
3) Othello never gives himself the chance to take a different point of view on his whole situation. Is this in his nature to act so headstrong or is this the fault of jealousy in action? If he had thought about it would he still be set on killing Desdemona?
4) It is presumed in the beginning of the play that Othello is so calm and level-headed. It is also presumed that Iago is a honest and righteous figure. Yet, Othello shows character weakness by striking Desdemona and Iago is constantly proven evil as we watch his deceptions unfold and grow. Why is it that the preconceived notions of these men are so wrong and untrue to what the audience is shown of their actual character?
5) Desdemona is so devoted to her husband that she listens to him even when she knows that she is going to die. Why is it that she is so devoted even when she sees him losing grasp of his sanity?
Taylor Kingman
ReplyDeleteOthello was the picture of a man faced with racial injustice who earned his social rank through hardwork and honor. He could have been used as a reason to rethink discrimination based on race. Now that he has been manipulated by Iago and succumbed by jealousy, will his tragic life be used to further strengthen the heirarchy based on race?
In Act IV, Scene 2, Emilia is presented as emotionally-invested, strong-willed person as she attempts to refute Othello's claims of Desdemona's adultery, so why is Iago her husband? Why has she not questioned Iago's desire for her to steal Desdemona's handkerchief?
Emilia is a loving, caring, compassionate human being, but, again, she is married to the vile Iago. How did they become partners? Was Iago always this way or did something change inside him? Did Iago simple manipulate her into marriage? Is she really that naive?
How does Desdemona remain impeccable and calm in such tumultuous and emotionally-trying environment? How can one human contain such a vast capacity for love?
I agree with Josh's comment on the idea that jeaslousy is drug. The drug metaphor is effective, but the infection is a more logical metaphor. Jealousy is an infectious emotion and the power of jealousy is individually determined by the self-control or lack thereof of the person subject to it. If Othello had more control over his judgement and more trust for Desdemona, Jealousy would have failed. If Desdemona was immersed with jealousy, she would be able to thwart its intentions, for she is self-controlled and morally-strong.
In response to several comments, I think that the reason Roderigo prevents Desdemona's murder is the same reason that Othello killed Desdemona - jealousy. If you think about it, Iago had been manipulating Roderigo to do things (like waking Brabantio, getting in a fight with Cassio, etc) by feeding on Roderigo's jealousy and anger that arose when Desdemona favored Othello instead of himself. As it was, Roderigo had been "taking the drug" much longer that Othello was. Therefore, he was at the point that his anger towards Desdemona outweighed any love that he might have previously felt.
ReplyDeleteIn response to Carlin’s 2nd point, I would argue that Othello’s tragic flaw is neither jealousy nor trust issues. I would rather say that his flaw is that he is never really sure of his own mind, and so he depends on other people to bolster his opinions, which eventually get him in trouble when Iago uses this against him.
One question of mine is why didn’t Lodovico suspect something was amiss when Othello hit Desdemona? Even if he was a stranger, he had heard enough of Othello to think him an honorable man – unless that doesn’t include respecting women. But supposing it does, wouldn’t he look into it, to make sure Desdemona wouldn’t be further harmed?
The scene where Iago speaks of Bianca to Cassio, while Othello thinks they are talking of Desdemona seems to parallel the scene with Baratio (I think) and Margaret, while Don John convinces Claudio that Margaret is Hero. In the end, Claudio “exposes” Hero at the alter, and they pretend she is dead until they uncover the truth, which they do, and everything ends happily ever after. My question is this: what, in Othello, made a similar happy ending impossible?
To the main discussion point of Jealousy being a drug, there is much to say. First, Jealousy is a drug, but only those who choose to fall into it become addicted and lose themselves to it. Jealousy is one of the hardest drugs to resist, but then this falls into the point of the love between Othello and Desdemona. I don't think that there was really love between Othello and Desdemona. There was the idea of love, and they had every reason to "love" each other considering society's standards, but there wasn't love between them. Going back to the point of Othello's weakness being trust, I find the idea contradictory and supports the idea of there not being love between Othello and Desdemona. Othello is told that Desdemona is cheating on him, he automatically believes Iago, but where was the trust in Desdemona? When you marry, isn't it customary to place your trust and love in the other person? Quoting the movie Moulin Rouge, it is said, in the movie around the song "El Tango de Roxanne", that there cannot be love without trust.
ReplyDelete1.I really enjoy the "Jealousy is a drug" concept. I feel like this gives us a different view point of Iago's motive and further enhances his evil.
ReplyDelete2. I also agree with Josh on the reiteration of animal like references. "There’s many a beast then in a populous city, And many a civil monster." this references further amplifies the emotions of the entire situation by Iago's reassurance of Othello's "place".
3.I also feel that Othello's reaction to the news of Desdemona's mishap is just a reaction out of love. This passionate anger shows the deep hurt he is feeling. There is also so much evidence building up around him he begins to believe it although deep down he knows it untrue.
4. Emilia never questions Iago's motives. Why? Is it out of pure love for him or maybe she is just intrigued by him?
5. Desdemona is strong in her own ways. Out of love and compassion she puts her own well being aside to help others and i feel that she knows she is in harms way but almost believes that it must happen to bring about the better.
Jealousy being a drug is the perfect metaphor for how Iago is poisoning the rest of the characters to turn them almost against themselves. Like any drug, he starts off with just a small amount, administering it right where they are the most vulnerable. He then gives them more, and they instantly absorb what Iago has to say. he increases the dose, until they end up overdosing and they freak out, and destroy everything around them, until all they have left is the drug, Iago.
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