In the opening dialogue between Iago and Roderigo in lines 1-80 of Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago’s multifaceted, duplicitous and overall complexity in his actions, behaviour and mannerisms are revealed and can be exemplified through the diction and tone of this particular passage. In addition, Iago’s behaviour can be perceived as indicative to the foreshadowing of Shakespeare’s theme of appearance vs reality.
In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago’s conversation with Roderigo highlights his multifaceted and overall complex behaviour and is illustrated throughout the diction and tone of this passage. Iago’s complexity comes to light as he can be shown saying one thing and then shown doing the opposite in the next moment. This is exemplified as
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This quote suggests Iago’s duplicitous behaviour as he adopts a false persona when around Othello as a loyal and trustworthy “ancient” (1.1.35) while ironically, he desires to “serve [his] turn upon [Othello]” and take advantage of him as he looks out for himself and himself only. Iago’s characterization and personality can be seen as multifaceted as it has more than one aspect to it. As Iago says “You shall mark many a duteous and knee-crooking knave that, doting on his own obsequious …show more content…
As soon as Iago firsts opens his mouth to speak, his tone is of an irate nature with a hint of bitterness as he begins to rant to Roderigo about Othello. As Iago explains to Roderigo that the “Moorship” (1.1.35) passed him over for a promotion to lieutenant even though he had been loyal and instead chose Michael Cassio, a man, who Iago explains, does not have the practical skills and experience for war and what it entails. Already, Iago’s hatred for Othello shines through with him referring to Othello as “Moorship”, which can be considered to be an offensive, yet sarcastic slur. Iago’s tone is irate and vengeful throughout the passage and it would seem logical as Othello has denied what Iago would see as his “rightful” promotion. It is hinted that since Othello did not promote Iago to lieutenant, this begins Iago’s process of play-acting to be truly loyal to Othello while he only looks out for himself as he hides his true intentions from Othello. As Iago refers to people who only act the part of a loyal servant only to truly be focussing on themselves and become their own masters says “These fellows have some soul, and such a one do I profess myself…In following him I follow but myself…I
For Iago to achieve his ultimate goal he has to take each area of his
Iago plants ideas in Othello’s head, uses the innocent actions of others as his proof; and Othello, who is not practiced in worldly matters, believes his the misnomer of the “honest Iago”, and eventually is consumed by the lie.
In Othello, Shakespeare forms the villainous character, Iago through his complex language. Iago shows his evil nature towards Roderigo through his use of demeaning animal imagery. Iago also uses an extended metaphor to try and trick the ignorant Roderigo and (unknowingly to Roderigo), insults him. Lastly, Iago uses repetition to beguile Roderigo to keep paying him. Iago’s slyness is clearly seen through his deceiving language towards the end of Act I.
Throughout this passage, Iago’s main techniques of deception include lies, syntax and diction, and hoodwinking Othello into thinking his way. By quickly averting his conflict with Othello at the start of the scene, he easily avoids confrontation
In Shakespeare’s play, Othello, several incidents occur that portray the purpose of Roderigo’s character. If one event is isolated from the rest, the thematic desire is lost. It is only when the events are looked at as a whole that the actual theme is obtained. Roderigo is a minor character who carries out a vital role in the play. Although Roderigo has very few lines, he plays a crucial role on a thematic level.
Roderigo is a co-conspirator with Iago but is not equal in developing a web of lies and jealousy designed to ensnare others. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse (Shakespeare)”. Iago takes advantage of the desperate former suitor of Desdemona and controls his emotions like a puppeteer pulling strings. With the line, “But for my sport and profit”, it is clear that Iago sees enriching himself off Roderigo’s envy as an amusing task with such an easy mark (Shakespeare 1473). Roderigo is a simple-minded fool who believes that by giving money to a lowly ensign he can win the love of Desdemona, have her marriage to Othello dissolved, and restore her virtue.
Iago is not the same when he is with Othello but Iago’s character totally changes when he is not with Othello. When Iago finds out that Othello appointed Cassio as his lieutenant, Iago is extremely envious and he plots a plan against Othello by deceiving the trust that they both carry. “I’ll put this pestilence into his ear.” (II.iii.334). This refers to Iago plotting to say his lies to Othello which demonstrates Iago being overwhelmed by jealousy. Iago puts all the falsehood into the general’s ear which becomes easier for him to do as Othello puts his full trust on the rival. Iago is a harsh and a coldblooded man that wants revenge through his master by plotting an atrocious plan and putting all falsehood into his ear just to obtain the higher position.
William Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice is a play of great manipulation and jealousy. Iago is the antagonist character of the play Othello. Iago becomes irate and filled with jealousy when Othello names Michael Cassio as his lieutenant, because Iago believed he should have been the one promoted not Michael Cassio. By manipulating everyone around him, Iago portrays himself as an honest noble man whom can be trusted. Iago being known for the honest man he earns everyone’s trust and therefore learns their weakness for his ultimate plan of destruction. Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him with what he leads people to believe as honesty. Iago uses their
In the first scene, Iago was seen in the middle of a conversation with Roderigo. This opening scene sets forth the key elements to understanding Iago’s basic character and the play’s conflict. The scene revealed Iago’s deep resentment toward Othello and his outlook on himself as a soldier. “And I of whom his eyes had
Iago, the villain in Shakespeare’s Othello, is a round character of great depth and many dimensions. Iago works towards an aim that is constantly changing and becomes progressively more tragic. Yet, at times, "honest" Iago does actually seem honest. This essay will explore the complex character of "honest Iago.
In this passage, Shakespeare depicts the characters of both Brabantio and Roderigo to be somewhat perplexed throughout, the audience seems to mirror their confusion due to the rapid pace of the scene, with Iago being the only one who truly understands the events taking place and what troubles there are to come. Shakespeare foregrounds Iago’s duplicity and intelligence at the exposition of the play to foreshadow to the audience his later treachery of Othello. The setting of this extract is also placed at night, thus evoking night and day imagery, where most of the misfortunes take place, such as the violent and horrific deaths of Desdemona, Othello and Emelia. Firstly, it could be argued that Shakespeare sharply contrasts the characters in this
355,] By playing on his hopes, Iago is able to conjure money and jewels from Roderigo, making himself a profit, while using Roderigo to further his other plans. He also thinks stealthy on his feet and is able to improvise whenever something unexpected occurs. When Cassio takes hold of Desdemona's hand before the arrival of the Moor Othello, Iago says, "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio." [II, i, 163] This language demonstrates the evil inside Iagos goals of retrieving absolute power. He actually even says of himself, "I am an honest man...." [II, iii, 245] Iago slowly corrupts the characters thoughts, creating ideas in their minds without implicating himself. His "medicine works! Thus credulous fools are caught...." [II, i, 44] "And what's he then that says I play the villain, when this advice is free I give, and honest," [II, iii, 299] says Iago. In turn, people rarely stop to consider the fact that old Iago could be deceiving and manipulating them; yet they are convinced that he is "Honest Iago." From these quotes from Othello it is proven that the dialogue used between Iago and the others is manipulative causing an evil outcome.
He says, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (I.i.42). He is discussing that he keeps his enemies closer and is simply using Othello. This shows that Iago is selfish and dishonest because he does not stay true to Othello. It also expresses the theme of appearance vs. reality as Iago usually acts one way but means the other. Moreover, Iago is the most manipulative character in the play as he manages to get his way with things.
Iago is very blunt when speaking with Roderigo about his deceit, and it is interesting to see an antagonist's flaws so openly exposed. Iago justifies his need for the lieutenancy with his conceited attitude; he asserts, "I know my price, I am worth no worse a place" (1.1.12).
Iago’s relationship with Othello becomes a power struggle where Iago attempts to degrade Desdemona in order to position himself so he can ‘poison’ Othello. Here Shakespeare is showing how powerful and manipulative Iago can be with his use of words, and how powerful they can be. This power struggles is exemplified