is iago responsible for the tragedy in othellois iago responsible for the tragedy in othello

Iago, fictional character, the villain of William Shakespeare's tragedy Othello (written 1603-04). The . 3,Scene 3; often called the "temptation scene," is the most important The two are a portrayal of misguided feelings that lead to destruction in society. Shakespeare uses qualities of the Aristotlian tragedy to express this shared vulnerability, and Iago is the villain required to show the destructive capacity of hatred . Iago is a driving force in this tragedy. Iago follows Othello like a shadow. reacts with incredulity, Iago replies with a metaphor that this time compares What would it take to turn the complete love and devotion of a husband into a murderous stranger toward the one person that he has pledged to love for all of eternity? Due to social function, Emilia is obedient to Iago. Manipulation is a very powerful tool, especially if used by someone who has taken the time to study the human mind. if read apart from the context, would seem to be unquestionable truths. Iago inflames Othellos self-destructive qualities. This essay responds averagely to the task. Iagos misogynistic attitudes unveil such as when he describes a womans life as having to rise to play and go to bed for work. Iago's goal was to ultimately ruin Othello, but he ruined many others along the way. Thus it is Othellos fault of trusting too well in Iago that reduces his tragic stature and is not easily pitied. looks in modern day cinema, one will see the trite villain, evil to the core. Iago alone sets in motion the events in Shakespeare's Othello which ultimately lead to tragic consequences for all of the major characters in the play. Iago was the one most responsible for the tragic events in the play Othello, because he manipulated the other characters in order to bring about these tragic situations. miscarries. supernatural ability to manipulate the other characters p. 35) suggests that Iago is overwhelmed by emotions and is the reason for Othellos tragedy. To what extent can Iago be held responsible for the tragic outcome of Othello? Iago explains his motivations early. His valiant attempt to defend her honor in the face of Iago's accusations already reveals that he is beginning to question her loyalty when he warns Iago that he must "prove itor woe upon thy life! Men were far superior, and wives, in essence, belonged to their husbands. Iagos Iago tries to reinforce, or play, his deceptive innocent persona. cynicism give, what would be a very dull character, life. Disclaimer: ProEssays.net is a custom writing service that provides online on-demand writing work for assistance purposes. Othello kills Desdemona because, through a series of lies and innuendos, Iago succeeds in convincing him that she has been sleeping with Cassio. The better shall my purpose work on him. Iagos overall goal in this play is to sabotage othello out of power and getting rid of his right hand man Cassio, so that he can become a general and he manipulates everyone on his journey for power. Iago himself even said to his wife,I told him what I thought, and told no more. downfall. Aristotle, notorious for his contributions to Western philosophy, had a heavy input into the theories and ideologies in the compass of tragedy. However, I feel that this is not placed correctly in the conclusion. Iago is quite theatrical as a character like an actor. The paragraph depicts that we are not only supposed to blame Iago but also blame Othello for his tragedy. Additionally, Desdemona's constant support of Cassio as she tries to help him win back his position confounds Cassio's position, diluting the seriousness of the situation developing between Othello and Desdemona. To what extent is Iago responsible for the tragedy of Othello? Iago fails to achieve his end namely the fall of Othello. We are using Google Analytics to enhance your experience. Idaho is in a State of Emergency, but Not Because of a Bug He If you are the original author of this essay and no longer wish to have it published on the infidelity of his young and beautiful wife, Desdemona, with his favorite The lie that Iago tells Othello ruins the Moors life. If Othello would be wise enough, he would see that Iago was in pursuit of something selfish rather than for his good. He made Cassio talk freely about his mistress so that Othello would make a meaning that he was talking about Desdemona. Othello was courting her; did Cassio indeed "know of your love?" curiosity, he asks if Desdemona was correct when she referred to the days when Iago's mission is clear from the start, saying, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" (1.1.42). Why does Iago think that Emilia has slept with both Othello and Cassio, and where in the play does he voice these suspicions? Othello has complete trust in Othello, this is demonstrated through his dialogue when he refers to Iago as having exceeding honesty or as Othello refers to him as honest Iago. He becomes remorseful and finally stages vengeance as depicted in the quote "I'll not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unproved my mind again" (Kirshbaum, p. 287). Cassio Character Analysis Cassio functions mainly to move the plot forward by inadvertently becoming a pawn in Iago's plan. The pivotal Act III, Scene iii, explores Iagos orchestration, and how Othello descends into madness; from love to jealousy. Richard is both the protagonist and a malicious villain. Nevertheless, some audience members may find this quality formidable, for it demonstrates Iagos intelligence. Out of seemingly idle Deception remains a fundamental characteristic of Iagos villainous nature. Iago event moves along the plot and has a direct effect on the emotional responses For instance, Iago can be branding Roderigo a murderous slave and stab him, yet is able to make himself appear caring while calling for the bloody thieves in his next line. Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, Iago is the instigator, the person who is. Jealousy is Othellos major tragic flaw. He claims a reputation for honesty and plain speaking, yet he invents elaborate lies in order to exploit and manipulate other people. Othello is a Moorish military commander who was serving as a general of the Venetian army in defence of Cyprus against invasion by Ottoman Turks.He has recently married Desdemona, a beautiful and wealthy . nothing amiss, Iago must make a show of not wanting to speak of it, or of Roderigo also had begun to raise questions about the money he gave Iago to buy jewels for Desdemonamoney that disappeared. The paragraph discussing deception is great, looking at the dramatic device of soliloquies and how Shakespeare manipulates these to show Iago's power. Othello - Wikipedia There's every reason to believe that Othello, Desdemona, Emila, and Roderigo would still be alive at the end of the play were it not for Iago. The It is worth saying that Othello caused his predicaments. However, we can blame the two characters, Iago and Othello himself for his tragedy. Here we see the first of Iagos many acts of cruelty, as he manipulates Roderigo into doing his bidding. Emilia is a chief example of how Iago. There are plenty of points in this one paragraph which could be padded out to make a coherent argument, meaning the weaker points can be removed. Iago. Venetian society has a certain attitude towards women. Instead of hitting the floor, though, most of the bodies in Othello end up on a bed, and all are the result of the actions of one man: Iago. Early modern discourses of friendship elevated the bond between two men above all else, but in Shakespeare's tragedy, master manipulator Iago marshals the privilege of so-called 'counselor' and 'friend' to turn Othello against Desdemona, and to destroy them both. Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, The plan unfolds just as he hopes. Each thing Iago says is cause for worry. a misogynist, who warns Othello to watch his wife closely (so that he will Who does Iago convince to go to Cyprus? - Sunny Cyprus His cruelty is remarkable. This illustrates Iagos dominion over Roderigo, and his manipulative relationship with him. The villain, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. I would recommend with a question like this to define tragedy. Would you like to get this essay by email? But with a little act upon the blood talking to Othello in the great temptation scene is so plausible, so The Play's Structure. Othello is single-minded in his attempts to prove (or disprove) Iago's claims, but this is complicated when Desdemona simultaneously champions Cassio's case when her own life hangs in the balance. that!" Iago engineers the scene when Othello is called to account for Desdemona having chosen him and uses Roderigo to create the furore or commotion. Skip to Content It's important that you don't make comments about context after the analysis, but rather integrate it. Iago has His nave knowledge of Iago being an honest man overall cost him his love and life. Iago describes how his suspicion is enough motivation. To beguile many and be beguiled by one. The only thing that Iago is guilty of is caring for his friend too much, Othellos notable tragic flaw is, as Iago states himself, The Moor is of a free and open nature, meaning that he takes people and things at face value, not expecting any hidden vendetta or betrayal. . ] Emilia is a chief example of how Iago does notcontribute to the tragedy of Othello. Cassio, Othello's lieutenant, arrives in Cyprus, followed by Iago and Desdemona, and then by Othello. Othello was manipulated beyond his ability to recognize what Iago's 'plan' was. Forsooth, a great arithmetician, provoke Cassio into a quarrel. How can Iago be blamed for Othello's downfall? - eNotes.com Cassio unwittingly reveals a weakness not expected of a lieutenant. Avoid editing or writing from scratch! In Act 1, Scene 3, Iago states I hate the Moor as he believes Othello has slept with Emilia done my office. is Iago who. When Iago is alone with This is charged with dramatic irony; and the audience would feel enraged with Iagos grand deception of character. [. Furthermore, he should gather more evidence of Desdemona's, Iago is a character who owns tragic flaws, and is responsible for Othellos demise. In general it must be said that there is no Shakespearean tragedy in which the responsibility for the deed of the hero and the subsequent tragedy can be shifted from him to another person of the play, In the play Othello, Iago is a Marxist character that is all about destroying reputations to build his own and gain power. To what extent is Iago responsible for the tragedy of Othello? Othello: Iago Quotes | SparkNotes The reason for his hatred of Othello seems to lie in his resentment over the fact that Othello promoted Cassio over him, but his animosity clearly runs far deeper than that. The analytical ability is present here, it just needs to be more focused on the question for examiners to give credit. He has an understanding of human nature and those he manipulates. To What Extent Is Othello Responsible For His Own Downfall? William Shakespeare Study Guide No Fear Translation Mastery Quizzes PLUS Flashcards PLUS Infographic PLUS Summary Motifs Protagonist Antagonist Setting Genre Allusions Style Point of View Foreshadowing Metaphors & Similes Questions & Answers Why does Iago hate Othello? He allows the circumstantial evidence, the "ocular proof" (3.3.364), to outweigh the fact that Desdemona has chosen him above all others. Othello that he saw Cassio wiping his beard with it. I hate the Moor, The fight for power here is about the domestic, emotional, and personal. Iago uses his knowledge of will advantageously; using it to manipulate characters minds. While talking privately with Othello, and making more cautious claims at Desdemonas infidelity, Cassio emerges followed by a courtesan named Bianca. One Michael Cassio, a Florentine The tragic wonder will then be greater than if they happened of themselves or by accident; for even coincidences are most striking when they have an air of design.2. This makes His actions not only illustrate his nature, but so does his language. A villain, or at the very least an antagonist, is integral to most narratives. which enter even the noblest minds-all these carry conviction. Iago was very selfish and egocentric while Othello was stupid and emotional. for the tragic happenings in the lives of most of the leading characters in Iago says this line to Roderigo at the start of the play as he explains that he secretly hates Othello and is plotting against him. Emilia has significant responsibility for the tragedy, due to her theft of the handkerchief which subsequently acted as the ocular proof for the false affair. In, , one experiences the catharsis of pity and fear brought out by the suicide of Othello. Why is Iago most responsible for the tragic events of Othello Here Iago appears as a One can Arise, arise! A Jacobean audience would be a highly religious audience, a Catholic audience.. As such, the audience would probably brand more fault upon Iago for his Satanist, black nature. Through Iagos subtle manipulation each Iagos innocence and trustworthy nature contribute to the tragedy of Othello for they allow events to unfold, and thus more events to be engendered. Later he found out everything Iago had told him was all a lie. Othello is, ultimately, a play of misunderstanding. The Role Iago Played in Othello's Downfall - GradesFixer Is Iago to Blame for the Tragedy In Othello? - PHDessay.com and falsehoods and in lending plausibility to whatever he says or invents. I cannot imagine the sickening horror that Desdemona felt when she realized that there was no defending herself from the tiny, poisonous seed planted by Iago. I like not that which sparks curiosity in Othello this is evident from his questioning. A reminder of the last time she had used the handkerchief (when she attempts to mop his brow) would have minimized much of the tension created when she cannot find it. And I, bless the mark, his Moorships ancient.3. ", Latest answer posted November 27, 2020 at 10:36:09 AM. Iago provides the plays cause and effect design. However, he and the people processing the billions of dollars coming to Idaho in the form of "Federal Aid" continue to blame a virus that has infected the logic of otherwise intelligent humans. Later Othello is serving in the Venice military in Cyprus, and Iago, Othello's betrayer, makes him believe that his wife is in an affair with Michael Cassio. Iago played an active role in causing the tragedy as depicted in the play as this is seen effectively in the first lines to the end when he devised plans to achieve blind trust tragedy. This is the result of Iagos manipulation and the seeding of unbecoming ideas into Othellos mind. Othello's mistake was that he unknowingly allowed himself to be influenced by Iago. This differs from Richard III, a historical play. This is due to Iagos actions and thoughts throughout the play. TurnItIn the anti-plagiarism experts are also used by: King's College London, Newcastle University, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, WJEC, AQA, OCR and Edexcel. Othello is a tragedy by William Shakespeare set in Venice. Iago is meant to repel and yet, the access to his thoughts ensures viewers are inextricably linked to Iago and his diseased mind. Although Iago did play a role in manipulating Othello it is in the end, Othello who carries out the act of killing Desdemona and committing suicide to contribute to the tragedy. And what was he? ProEssays website, please click below to request its removal: Liked this essay sample but need an original one? Iago assumes this persona to his advantage. Othello essay - "To what extent is Iago responsible for the tragedy The hellish imagery he adopts in a soliloquy in Act II, Scene iii, reinforces his dark nature. Recognition and reversal mark the moments when a character realizes the truth and adjusts their actions accordingly. it appears that Iago has been overlooked by Othello for a promotion. It is Iagos talent for understanding and manipulating the desires of those around him that makes him both a powerful, evil and interesting character. telling Brabantio that the black Moor has seized his greatest treasure, his How many of us have been truly duped by someone that we have put our complete faith and trust in? remarkable qualities. In Othello, how is Iago responsible for Othello's tragedy? When Emilia reveals that she stole Desdemona's handkerchief and gave it to Iago, Iago kills her to try to silence her, but it is too late. This moment can be considered significant as it could symbolize Othello placing Desdemonas and his own life in Iago s hands. It heightens not only the dread for the characters but the dread for ones own ability to be complicit in such easily constructed terror. Iago used the trust Othello had for him to manipulated Othello and cause tradegy between everyone. I personally think that Othello conveys the balance of human strengths and weaknesses amidst good and evil in society. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are great. He believes that she must die, else she betray more men which suggests the audience that he does although he does not want to do what he is doing, he believes that it is to stop her from cuckolding others. Throughout Othello, Iago tries to reinforce, or play, his deceptive innocent persona. Delivery in 6+ hours! When Brabantio reacts with incredulity, Iago replies with a metaphor that this time compares Othello to a horse: 'you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse.' But here Iago fails to achieve his end namely the fall of Othello. But Iago is not the man to give up. For the plot ought to be so constructed that, even without the aid of the eye, he who hears the tale told will thrill with horror and melt to pity at what takes place.8. Iago uses racism as a spark to inflame In addition, his misogynistic and racist-fuelled hatred advocate his darkness. the villainy of Iago Othello was so upset and devestated that he ended up killing himself. racist. The point about Othello causing his own downfall is interesting, as I feel Shakespeare presents no internal conflict in him, and this is evident through his lack of soliloquies. It is Iago's relentless determination to destroy Othello's happiness with Desdemona at any costand his heartless attempts to silence peoplethat leads to these deaths. Iago gives to Montano the involvement in the play is evident. Iago is Socrates said From the deepest desires often comes the deadliest hate, which demonstrates perfectly that feeling and emotion are dangerous instruments. Villains move the plot forward. Essay. Iagos misogynistic attitudes unveil such as when he describes a womans life as having to rise to play and go to bed for work. For this reason, Othello is to blame in his way. Iagos hatred for the Moor presents an irony in that Iago, fundamentally, yearns to be Othellos lieutenant. Desdemona is at times a submissive character, most notably in her willingness to take credit for her own murder. He has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty-"Honest Iago," according to Othello-but the audience is immediately introduced to his vitriol and desire for revenge, despite his lack of proved reason. First, Iago puts the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful into Othello's mind, inciting Othello's jealousy. Iago directly kills two people and causes two more deaths: he is responsible for most of the tragic events in the play. Simple situations, such as the firing of Cassio, which symbolised the break between Othello and Cassio, could have been evaded through investigation and reason. The reason why is because Othello made Cassio his lieutenant and there were rumors that Othello has been sleeping around with his wife, Emilia. As Russ McDonald points out in an introduction to the Pelican Shakespeare edition of the play, by the end of act 1, The horrified onlookers recognize Iago as a demonic figure, a hellish villain, at the plays end, but from the beginning Shakespeare depicts his methods as infernal, largely by means of the characters diction.5 He creates his monstrous plan and proceeds to bring it alive. Villain, thou diest: plate 10 from Othello (Act 5, Scene 1). Cassio, while all the time insinuating that Cassio was not just leaving, but When Cassio exits in Act III, Scene iii, Iago abruptly shouts Ha! Sorry, but it's not possible to copy the text due to security reasons. There was no defense in the, Close Reading contribute to the tragedy of Othello. From the very first scene, Iago, as he explains in his first soliloquy, is mak[ing] [his] fool [his] purse. Speaking about Othello and Iago relationship, Othello trusts Iago so much that he is blinded to clearly distinguish what is worth and that which is baseless and that is the answer to question how does Iago manipulate Othello. Shakespeare took his villains to a higher level. Iagos accusations of Desdemona and Cassios affair affect Othello severely and brings out his insecurities. It is a creature I liked how Aristotle was included, with his views of catharsis being significant. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. Nor the division of a battle know an amazing genius for plotting and for manipulation. relationship with Desdemona. This is charged with dramatic irony; and the audience would feel enraged with Iagos grand deception of character. I follow him to serve my turn upon him. He is responsible for constantly wearing Othello down and persuading Othello that he is to be trusted above Desdemonapretending that he would rather not tell Othello, and "put it to you" (3.3.396)and actually convinces Othello that he is working in his (Othello's) best interests. His "Ha! Iago first seeds the idea of Cassios impropriety through describing Cassios exit as guilty-like. Iago is With manipulation comes distrust, doubt, insecurity, and perhaps even fear. is designed to deliberately alarm Brabantio and give him a dreadful shock. Log in here. Iago also gets Roderigo to help him in his evil plan by telling him that he can have Desdemona if he helps get rid of Cassio. I have already chose my officer. Desdemona also remains the love interest of Roderigo who is exploited by Iago for deeds and money. "Why is Iago most responsible for the tragic events of Othello?" You cannot sit on the fence at A-Level, and whilst there may be points which disregard your argument, it is better to acknowledge them and explain why they are weaker than to give them equal consideration. Even at this early stage, Othello has to justify himself. What reason does Iago give for his hatred of Othello? The court declares I know not if t be true, Othello listened to the claims by Iago without seeking to prove the promise to Othello's wife, thus making us believe that Othello contributed to his tragedy. Barnes S, Coleman A., & Shakespeare W. Othello. Othello rendered himself susceptible to tragedy. How sad that Iago's extreme jealously could target and destroy something as pure and beautiful as the love Othello had for Desdemona. Throughout this entire play he is constantly deceiving people for his own personal gain. of his victims, he succeeds because of his fertility of mind in inventing lies Iago stabs and kills Emilia. see how skillfully Iago makes use of his public reputation for honesty. Iago manipulates his ego to believe the bitter lie as the bitter truth (Rose, 124), thus showing that Iago can be blamed for Othello's tragedy. Othello rendered himself susceptible to tragedy. Despise me His sudden adaptations to the situation by changing his mood are most befitting of an actor. In it, Iago speaks carefully and at For Certes, says he, references to false appearances which people put on and to the foul thoughts Iago How does Iago convince Othello that Desdemona is cheating? That never set a squadron in the field, He allows himself to be manipulated into a compromising situation when he gets drunk, which is beneath his status. In Othello, Iago drives the struggle toward catharsis. Simple situations, such as the firing of Cassio, which symbolised the break between Othello and Cassio, could have been evaded through investigation and reason. dealings; otherwise he could not have been such an effective schemer and Iago is hell-bent on revenge with Othello passing him up on the title of lieutenant and handing the title to Cassio, a man that never set a squadron in the field. He plots the destruction of the Moor and manipulates Roderigo into helping him with the promise his love of Desdemona, Othellos wife. Iago vows revenge and slowly convinces Othello of Desdemonas infidelity with Cassio, the lieutenant to whom Othello had given the position Iago had sought. Iago's words here Richard III is transparent because the play is his story. What is Iago's plan and purpose in act 1, scene 3 of Othello?