A motif is a recurring object, image, or word that takes on symbolic significance and unifies a text.
You will be assigned one of the motifs listed below to track. EACH TIME you see the motif used in an interesting or significant way in the text, add comments under the spot where your motif is listed. Include the following:
* Quote the lines of dialogue where the motif occurs
* Analyze how the motif is used in those lines. What ideas or emotions are evoked?
How does this use of the motif develop something you noticed earlier ( the development
of a character, situation, relationship, or theme)? How does this use of the motif add
a new layer of meaning?
Please note that variations or close matches to the words listed below also count in terms of your tracking of the motif.
REPUTATION / HONOR
ReplyDeletePage 1
Delete"But he, as loving his own pride and purposes,"
The is a line said by Iago referring to Othello's sense of pride and purpose in his personality and duty. That must mean that Othello has his own reputation of being a well respected officer as he is known for his pride and purpose. Othello must have worked his way up with hard work and determination as he has become the general of the Venetian army. There is honor and respect that Othello has made for himself which gave him a positive reputation.
Page 7
"My services, which I have done the signiory,Shall out-tongue his complaints. "T is yet to know- Which, when I know that boasting is an honour,"
This line is when Othello is saying that his actions will help buy him free from the law for marry Desdemona. Obviously Othello has honor for himself as he defends himself for when he says that his services buy him honor to others. Othello believes that his reputation buys him honor and respect from others and that its held in a high regard for him.
Page 44 and 45
DeleteIago: "For Michael Cassio, I dare be sworn I think that he is honest... Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!" Iago: "Why then I think Cassio's an honest man."
These lines refer to a conversation that Iago and Othello are having referring to Cassio's relationship with Desdemona. Iago comes to say that Cassio is "an honest man" many times, coming to the conclusion that Cassio is obviously a very honest man. This must be the reputation that Cassio has built for himself, before his blunder with Othello that ultimately destroyed Cassio’s life and reputation. Cassio seems to be a very honest and straight down to Earth man, so it will be interesting to see how the rest of the story will play out with Othello's growing discernment for Cassio, and how Cassio's reputation will play with what Othello thinks of Cassio's framed actions.
Page 46
Iago: “The meat it feeds on: that cuckold lives in bliss – Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger; But,O, what damned minutes tells he o’er – Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet strongly loves!”
These lines refer to a conversation between Iago and Othello that they are discussing about Desdemona and how she could be cheating on Othello. Iago says that Othello will be labeled as a “cuckold” if Desdemona is sleeping with other men. A cuckold is a man who is married to a woman who is having affairs with many other men and brings discernment to the husband. If Desdemona is sleeping around that would ruin Othello’s honor and reputation as a mature and cultivated man of the army. This could ultimately ruin Othello’s reputation because having a wife who is cheating on him, the general of the Venetian army would be humiliating to come to such a man. So this makes you think if Desdemona’s action will ruin Othello’s reputation and honor for himself for the coming events that will occur.
HELL
ReplyDelete" Though I do hate him as I do hell pains"
DeleteThis is a line spoken from Iago, when he leaves Rodrigo and goes to Othello. Iago is openly saying that his hate of Othello is as intense as his hatred of hell, and that he only remains with him because he needs to. This also gives the impression that his hate is eternal. From this, I wonder if Iago hates Othello for more reasons than just not giving him the promotion.
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Delete"To find out practises of cunning hell"
DeleteThis line is spoken by Brabantio to Othello about how Brabantio believes that Othello used foul purposes and ways to take his daughter from him. The word hell as used in this quote is used as a noun and is where the foul arts that Brabantio believes that Othello used came from. The word hell is used a place of deep evil and where evil spells might be concocted or practises taught.
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Delete"Damn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her" (page 8)
DeleteBrabantio said this to Othello when he was accusing Othello of using enchantments to lure Desdemona to him. Although the word hell isn't in the line, Brabantio implies that Othello is damned to Hell for taking away his daughter. It shows how evil Othello is in the eyes of Brabantio.
“Divinity of hell!” (page 38)
DeleteIn this quote, from Act II scene 3, Iago is telling the audience how he plans to ruin Othello, using Desdemona and Cassio. He starts his soliloquy by pretending to justify his actions, claiming he’s just trying to help Cassio, but then goes on to crow over how evil and perverse his plan is. In this quote, by calling hell divine, his twisted way of thinking is shown.
“Go to, woman! Throw your vile guesses in the devil’s teeth, from whence you have them.”
DeleteThis quote is from an interaction between Cassio and Bianca. Bianca is suspicious that Cassio is having an affair with another woman, especially when Cassio gives her Desdemona’s handkerchief to copy. Cassio then tells her that her worries, and her misguided jealousy are from the devil, and by extension, hell. Simultaneously, Othello is consumed by his jealousy and acting like he is possessed, showing the truth behind Cassio’s statement.
"Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly words."
DeleteThis is when Iago is speaking directly to the audience, arguing that his actions do not have evil intent, because Cassio will benefit from his plans. By poisoning Othello's mind with his venomous words, Iago's intent is to give Othello doubts about Desdemona's loyalty. However, Iago then refers to his actions as those of a devil: putting on a trustworthy persona in order to lure his victim, Othello, close enough to be influenced by his warped lies.
“if sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt
Deletean erring barbarian and a super subtle Venetian not
too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell.”
In this quote Iago says that he is going to use all the trickery he can muster to turn good into bad. He uses the word hell here to emphasize the evil that Iago is going to cause with his wits and ability to play people the way he wants to suit his purposes. The word hell also makes it seem that Iago is going to be employing all of his evil persuasion tactics to get what he wants. This tirade by Iago convinces Roderigo that he is in good hands with Iago and then gives Iago his money. This is, in essence, the way that Iago is able to manipulate people for what he wants.
“How am I then a villain
To counsel Cassio to this parallel course,
Directly to his good? Divinity of hell!
When devils will the blackest sins put on,
They do suggest at first with heavenly shows,”
In this quote Iago is referring to his ploy to force Cassio to get on better terms with Desdemona, which will help Iago convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are on slightly too good terms with each other. However, as Iago directly points out in his speech to the audience, he is doing Cassio good by giving him a good suggestion to get back into the good favor of Othello. Iago uses the word devils to imply that his trickery and the ease that he plays other characters are wrought from the deepest hell of his mind.
"Damn her, lewd minx! Oh, damn her, damn her! Come, go with me apart. I will withdraw, to furnish me with some swift means of death for the fair devil. Now art thou my lieutenant."
DeleteOthello has been poisoned by Iago's twisted lies, and in Othello's eyes Iago has molded the kindhearted, gentle Desdemona into a cheating, devilish animal. Othello is heartbroken by the news of her dishonesty, and his anger rages in his heavy words. He tells Iago that he wants Desdemona dead, and he is thinking of how he plans to kill the "fair devil," meaning she is as evil as an entity of hell.
LIGHT
ReplyDelete"Belief of it oppresses me already.
DeleteLight, I say, light!"
This is when Brabantio was speaking with Rodrigo and Iago. Rodrigo had just told Brabantio that his daughter was marrying Othello. This, of course, made Brabantio very upset. When he was referring to light, he was saying it in a figurative way. He thought of his daughter getting married to Othello as being very dark, and he wanted things to be the way they were before, which was light in his opinion.
He may have also meant it in a much less figurative way. After he said this, his servants got torches and they went to see Othello. Therefore, he probably was referring to light in both a literal and figurative way.
"But, look! what lights come yond?"
DeleteThis is when Othello was speaking with Iago about Iago not getting promoted. At the end of one of Othello's speeches, he saw torches coming. This is when he asked what lights were coming yond. So there really is no figurative meaning to this reference to light, it was just Othello spotting lights coming towards him.
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Delete"Trifles light as air
Deleteare to the jealous confirmations strong"
This occurs when Othello is telling the audience the significance of the handkerchief his wife had just given him. This line is laid out this way for contrast. The handkerchief is "light" in a sense, and Othello's jealousy is very "strong". Yes, a handkerchief is physically light, but I think Shakespeare leaves this line up for interpretation. I think this type of line is what defines Iago in this play, as this is a part where he is scheming to the audience behind other character's backs.
There is also another way this particular line could be interpreted. Iago got this handkerchief very easily, however it will be very difficult for Othello to process Cassio having this handkerchief. This is another example of Iago using contrast to bring out what he is doing to the audience.
This quote is a prime example of Shakespeare using contrast to bring out something a character is doing. He does this because without that contrast, the pure evil of Iago may not be as obvious to the audience. Even though he isn't actually comparing what Iago does to what someone else does, I think the general idea of dark/light or light/strong brings out what someone is doing to the audience/reader.
"I have't. It is engender'd. Hell and night
DeleteMust bring this monstrous birth to the world's light."
This is when Iago was initially scheming to the audience about his plan to "abuse Othello's ear" and make him think that his wife was cheating on him.
Iago's use of "light" in this phrase is strictly figurative. He is essentially saying that he will bring sadness to Othello's happiness. Once again, Shakespeare uses contrast to bring out the evil in Iago. I wrote about contrast in my last comment, but he is essentially bringing out the bad in Iago by comparing it to something good.
This line is significant because it is when Iago's plan is just starting to come together. His choice of words is somewhat interesting, as he references "hell," "night," "monstrous," and "light." Obviously, the first of those three terms are all very dark terms, but then Shakespeare throws in "light" as a use of contrast.
DARK/NIGHT
ReplyDeletePage 3
DeleteIago: "As when, by night and negligence..."
Page 4
Roderigo: "At this odd-even and dull watch o' the night.."
Both of these quotes come from scene 1 in which Iago is putting his evil plan into action. They go to Brabantio's house in the middle of the night when they probably could have done the same thing in broad daylight. This is the beginning of a horrible plot to bring someone down out of evil and spite. It makes total sense for these things to be occurring in the middle of the night because darkness and shadows are often associated with evil. This also ties in with Iago being unseen in the shadows when Brabantio stands at his window and it gives an image of something very frightening taking place.
Page 8, Iago: Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack: / If it prove a lawful prize, he's made for ever.
DeleteThe night is an appropriate time for the events in scenes I and II to take place, due to their nature. Brabantio is hunting for Othello, who he believes to have bewitched his daughter. The "lawful prize" he is trying to prove is the wickedness of Othello, which in reality, is not true. The night is a time of darkness, and in this darkness, one can easily become confused. Brabantio has been manipulated by Iago to think that Othello is nothing but a barbaric witch, who has drugged and kidnapped his daughter and must be brought to justice. Othello, however did none of these things, with Brabantio's daughter running off with Othello on her own accord. Brabantio does not see this, for he is blinded by Iago and Roderigo's claims, as well as by the night.
Page 7-- "The goodness of the night upon you, friends!"
DeleteThis is Othello's greeting to Cassia and the officers who accompany him. I thought this was interesting because in most of the other cases where "night" is mentioned in this scene, it is always in a bad connotation, like when Roderigo says, "As when, by night and negligence..." In this line Roderigo is commenting on how easy it is to neglect things during the night. The lack of light makes things harder to see (perhaps even makes the truth harder to see) and people are less likely to feel the need to investigate things further, since they can't see anything. He believes this happened with Desdemona, and during the night, Brabantio let his guard down giving Desdemona the chance to run off.
Othello obviously takes a different perspective to nighttime, seeing as he wishes the characteristics of night upon Cassio and the officers. Othello is clearly from a different culture than the rest of the characters in this scene and the play, so maybe in the culture he comes from, the night is a good thing whereas with the others it is identified with robbers and thieves and things that belong in the shadows of society. His view might also be happier because as a newly eloped, the nighttime means seeing Desdemona, who he loves, so the night to him is something good. Othello could also just be more in love with life than the rest, and is happy even during the nighttime (this also could be due to his recent elopement). It might also be because, as a soldier, attacking under the cover of night usually results in fewer casualties on your side than an obvious attack during the day time, and is in general more successful for the attackers. Compared to the others, in general Othello sees the night as a good thing, while the native Italians see it as a time of crime or a time of rest, like when Brabantio says, "How! the duke in council! In this time of the night!" Brabantio is surprised that something could be so important to the duke that he would leave the protection of his house during the night to discuss it. To Brabantio, as a nobleman, he probably has no experience with a situation grave enough to rouse him out of bed, until this night when his daughter has run away. So, he is amazed that the duke has something this important that had to be discussed right away.
In general, this scene really demonstrates for us the difference between Othello and the others like Roderigo and Brabantio. These different reactions to the same word/theme show us the characteristics of each man's personality and provides reason for or sets the scene for what is to come.
Page 7-- "The goodness of the night upon you, friends!"
DeleteThis is Othello's greeting to Cassia and the officers who accompany him. I thought this was interesting because in most of the other cases where "night" is mentioned in this scene, it is always in a bad connotation, like when Roderigo says, "As when, by night and negligence..." In this line Roderigo is commenting on how easy it is to neglect things during the night. The lack of light makes things harder to see (perhaps even makes the truth harder to see) and people are less likely to feel the need to investigate things further, since they can't see anything. He believes this happened with Desdemona, and during the night, Brabantio let his guard down giving Desdemona the chance to run off.
Othello obviously takes a different perspective to nighttime, seeing as he wishes the characteristics of night upon Cassio and the officers. Othello is clearly from a different culture than the rest of the characters in this scene and the play, so maybe in the culture he comes from, the night is a good thing whereas with the others it is identified with robbers and thieves and things that belong in the shadows of society. His view might also be happier because as a newly eloped, the nighttime means seeing Desdemona, who he loves, so the night to him is something good. Othello could also just be more in love with life than the rest, and is happy even during the nighttime (this also could be due to his recent elopement). It might also be because, as a soldier, attacking under the cover of night usually results in fewer casualties on your side than an obvious attack during the day time, and is in general more successful for the attackers. Compared to the others, in general Othello sees the night as a good thing, while the native Italians see it as a time of crime or a time of rest, like when Brabantio says, "How! the duke in council! In this time of the night!" Brabantio is surprised that something could be so important to the duke that he would leave the protection of his house during the night to discuss it. To Brabantio, as a nobleman, he probably has no experience with a situation grave enough to rouse him out of bed, until this night when his daughter has run away. So, he is amazed that the duke has something this important that had to be discussed right away.
In general, this scene really demonstrates for us the difference between Othello and the others like Roderigo and Brabantio. These different reactions to the same word/theme show us the characteristics of each man's personality and provides reason for or sets the scene for what is to come.
Page 52, Iago: "I lay with Cassio lately, and being troubled with a raging tooth, I could not sleep. There are a kind of men so loose of soul, That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs: One of this kind is Cassio..."
DeleteThough the words night and dark are never used, I believe this passage reinforces the idea that night is a time where men are at their worst, such as Brabantio earlier on in the story. Supposedly, when sleeping near each other, Iago overhears Cassio confessing his love for Desdemona in his sleep, and later begins kissing Iago as if he was Desdemona. Not only does Iago use this as evidence for Desdemona's affair with Cassio, he also uses it as an insult to his character, describing him as "a man so loose of soul" that even in his sleep he can't hold back his own thoughts. This serves a duel purpose to Iago; it convinces Othello of Desdemona's treachery, allowing him to be manipulated further, and simultaneously causes even more hatred towards Cassio, for not only being a lying man, but a weak one as well. The thought that Desdemona would love Cassio, a man so weak of character (which is what Othello finds most important) is unthinkable to Othello. With this story, Iago completely bent Othello to his own will, putting him into a rage that calls for Cassio's murder.
Page 37, Iago: "You are in the right. Good night, lieutenant; I must to the watch."
DeleteCassio: "Good night, honest Iago."
This is in stark contrast to Cassio's earlier actions and feelings. Prior to speaking to Iago, Cassio had gotten drunk and assaulted Montano, and been stripped of his lieutenancy by Othello. However, after all but Iago and Cassio left, Iago assures Cassio that he will be alright, and gives him hope by suggesting that he could talk to Desdemona, who is now considered by Iago to be the "general", in that Othello is fully committed to her wellbeing and will do almost anything for her. Cassio leaves the conversation feeling joyful, but the audience, knowing Iago's plan, knows what will inevitably happen to him. Iago's abilities in manipulation are again shown, and with just the slightest nudge of Cassio towards Desdemona, his plan will be able to go into action, and Cassio will doom himself to the fate Iago has planned for him. The irony is that, while Cassio believe that it is a good night for him, it is the exact opposite; a fortunate turn of events for Iago, while Cassio, intent on following Iago's "advice", has had him situation worsened even more.
Page 46
DeleteOthello: "Think'st thou I'ld make a life of jealousy,
To follow still the changes of the moon
With fresh suspicions?
Othello is essentially saying that Iago's warnings about jealousy are unnecessary. By using the imagery of the moon, he makes the thought of this seem completely impossible by comparing it to something as basic and simple as the night sky. Although he doesn't actually use the words darkness or night, the same idea is presented when you think of the moon. The moon and night sky relate back to the idea of darkness which is generally not perceived as a good thing. Darkness is often associated with unhappiness or even evil so in this case, it might be foreshadowing Othello's feelings of anger and jealousy which are soon to come.
Page 53
DeleteOthello: "Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow cell!"
Again, the word dark is not directly used, but the use of the word black is pretty close, and it characterizes Othello's emotions really well. By using the word black, he gives his audience a sense that he no longer feels joyful and lighthearted because of his recent marriage, but now his emotions are much more dark and powerful. Black vengeance is very ominous and it seems as though he has been pushed over the edge and is ready to snap. Now that Iago has convinced Othello, his own emotions will do the rest of the work for Iago. His wish for revenge and the anger and betrayal Othello feels, will be enough to finish off Iago;s plan.
BLOOD
ReplyDeletePage 6
Delete"O heaven! How got she out? O treason of the blood!"
This quote uses the word blood to refer to family rather than the literal meaning of blood. In this quote Brabantio has just heard the news of his daughter eloping with Othello, whom Brabantio does not seem all too fond of. He exclaims "O treason of the blood!" this is showing how Brabantio interprets this situation. The way Barbantio see's this is that his Daughter is betraying him and the family by eloping with Othello. Brabantio might see this situation as an act of defiance because he uses the word treason which is similar to betrayal , which I believe will be a common theme throughout Othello.
Page 1
"'Sblood, but you will not hear me: If I did dream of such a matter, Abhor me."
When I first read this quote, I was very confused by the meaning. After looking it up, I discovered that the term 'Sblood, is short for God's Blood, a term commonly used to express anger or frustration in medieval times. That being said, the use of this term shows that Iago is frustrated and most likely has a short temper.
BLACK/WHITE
ReplyDeleteEven now, now, very now, an old black ram
DeleteIs tupping your white ewe.
Iago says this when informing Brabantio (rather crudely) of Brabantio's daughter's relationship with Othello. He clearly points out that Othello is black and Desdemona is white, implying that this is some kind of wrongdoing, while also making a clear and crude display of the relationship with the use of negative details, comparing them to animals. He is obviously trying to use these details to get Brabantio angry at Othello. This shows the beginning of some racial problems that will probably be a big part of the play from this point on.
If she be black, and thereto have a wit
DeleteShe'll find a white that shall her blackness fit.
Iago says this when speaking to Desdemona after she asks him to critique her in response to hearing him slander women in general. He's saying that even if a women is ugly, she will find a good man to do what she wants, and uses blackness to describe ugliness and whiteness in place of a good man.
O thou foul thief, where hast thou stow'd my daughter?
DeleteDamn'd as thou art, thou hast enchanted her;
For I'll refer me to all things of sense,
If she in chains of magic were not bound,
Whether a maid so tender, fair and happy,
So opposite to marriage that she shunned
The wealthy curled darlings of our nation,
Would ever have, to incur a general mock,
Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom
Of such a thing as thou — to fear, not to delight!
Brabantio says this to Othello soon after he finds out about Othello's relationship with his daughter. In the second to last line, he says that Desdemona, after refusing the offers of tons of men from all over the city, would never leave her father for the "sooty" or black Othello. He says that Othello is too be feared, not delighted in, and calls Othello a "thing." All of these adjectives he clearly uses negatively, including sooty. This is another early display of the negative connotation with blackness and racism that continues throughout the book.
And, noble signior,
DeleteIf virtue no delighted beauty lack,
Your son-in-law is far more fair than black.
These lines are said by the duke, who contrasts fairness and blackness when describing Othello to Brabantio. He uses fairness with a good connotation, telling Brabantio not to worry about because Othello is a good person, and uses blackness with a bad connotation, also trying to relieve Brabantio's concerns by saying that Othello is not nearly as bad as he is good.
When devils will the blackest sins put on
DeleteThey do suggest at first with heavenly shows
As I do now
Iago says this line, talking about his terrible plans for Othello and Desdemona. He says that when devils are about to commit their most terrible sins, they act like angels (to avoid raising the suspicions of others), and that he is doing the same; acting "heavenly" so that his plot goes according to plan and no one ever suspects him of anything. Instead of saying "most terrible sins" he says "blackest sins," again using blackness in a bad light.
SOUL
ReplyDeleteIago: “… these fellows have some soul; And such a one do I profess myself.”
DeleteWhen Iago says this, he is in the middle of justifying the fact that Othello denied him a promotion to a higher ranked position. When Iago says that “[they] have some soul” it refers to the fact that they can think for themselves and do what they believe is the correct thing to do. On the other hand, Iago implies that people who are soulless do what their master tells them to do without thinking and act like robots.
Iago: “Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul;”
This quote occurs when Iago is alerting Brabantio that Desdemona and Othello have eloped. In this case, when Iago says that Brabantio has “lost half [his] soul” he is trying to alert him up as quickly as possible by over exaggerating the situation. This suggests that the word “soul” has a strong and powerful meaning, and also that saying someone has lost their soul will have an immediate impact.
Othello: “My parts, my title and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly.”
When Othello mentions his “perfect soul,” it again refers back to the interpretation that the soul is the heart of the person, and that you have to be able to believe in yourself in order to have a soul. In this case, Othello believes that he has done nothing wrong, which is why he says he has a “perfect soul.”
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DeletePg. 51, Othello: Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore; Be sure of it; give me the ocular proof; Or, by the worth of man's eternal soul, Thou hadst been better born a dog,"
DeleteIn this exchange between Othello and Iago, Iago is trying to convince Othello that his wife, Desdemona, is being unfaithful to him and is cheating with Othello's former lieutenant, Cassio. Iago was able to twist Othello's impression of Desdemona so much that Othello indeed is beginning to be convinced that Desdemona is cheating. This culminates at the point when Othello says "By the worth of man's eternal soul, thou hadst been better have been born a dog." In this context, the word "soul" represents everything that Othello has. In addition to this, the addition of the adjective "eternal" adds to Othello's pains as it shows that Othello is willing to give up his "soul" forever if it means he can prove his wife's innocence. This passage then ends when Othello saying that he would have rather been born a dog if he finds out Desdemona is in fact cheating. This imagery further emphasizes the emotions Othello was going through.
Pg. 52, Iago: There are a kind of men so loose of soul, That in their sleeps will mutter their affairs: One of this kind is Cassio.
DeleteThroughout this passage, Iago continues to "undermine" Othello's faith in his wife, Desdemona. However, in this case, Iago also tries to attack Cassio as well. What Iago means by "men [that are] so loose of soul" is that there are some people who do not care about what other people think of them and they have no emotions. Iago then continues the attack on Cassio (and Othello indirectly) by implying that he is having an affair with Desdemona." To Othello, this information from Iago is devastating, which makes Othello's further actions clearly understandable.
LIES/DECEPTION/BETRAYAL
ReplyDelete"I am not who I am." - Iago
DeleteThese words, as well as the speech Iago belts out just beforehand, demonstrate the motif of lies/deception very well for him. They show that he is one who will openly lie for his own personal benefit and should not be trusted. Greed and selfishness are a couple emotions or characteristics that Iago demonstrates here as well as he explains his reason for following Othello.
"I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs." -Iago to Brabantio
DeleteHere Iago stretches the truth about Othello and Desdemona to Brabantio in order to invoke hatred and anger towards "the Moor". This is a form of deception as, although it is true that Othello and Desdemona are married, he can't know that they had engaged in those kind of "engagements". On top of this, he uses horrifying imagery to urge Brabantio's anger.
"Tough I do hate him as I do hell pains, Yet for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love." -Iago of Othello
DeleteIago continues to plot against Othello and now openly admits that he is going to go and deceive him so that he might not suspect Iago of his knifing ways. Their relationship seems to be one of multiple levels. The one on the surface, which othello and the general public see being one of friendship, and the one below the surface of Iago's displeasure with his subordination.
In sleep I heard him say "Sweet Desdemona, Let us be wary, let us hide our loves;" And then, sir, would he gripe and wring my hand, cry "O sweet creature!" and then kiss me hard, as if he pluck'd up kisses by the roots, that grew upon my lips: then laid his leg on my thigh, and sigh'd and kissed, and then cried "Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor!" -Iago
DeleteDeception, lies, betrayal, all are present in this passage, unbeknownst to Othello. Iago never heard Cassio say these things about Desdemona, but by telling Othello that he did, he exacerbates his already unstable perception of the situation to the point where Othello is practically losing his mind. This clearly exemplifies betrayal towards Othello as Iago is one whom he has placed much trust in and holds close as a dear friend. The kind of language used here evokes images of lewd, sexual, and lusty actions that were socially unacceptable even during that time, and certainly in the eyes of Othello. Noticeably, these descriptions that Iago formulates don't match up either to Desdemona or Cassio's characters or personalities, but rather seems to significantly alter Othello's relationship with them both by changing his point of view and playing off of his pre existent fears and doubts.
Look to your wife: observe her well with Cassio- Iago
DeleteThere is so much implication in the entire conversation being had between Othello and Iago here. Iago never quite tells Othello that Desdemona has an affair with Cassio, but through not so subtle pointers in the right direction, he leads Othello to that conclusion. This is by nature deceitful, manipulative, and dishonest. Iago shows emotions of caring, concern, worry for Othello, his "dear friend", when we are fully aware of his motives. He obviously is using Othello's faith in him to this advantage, supporting a theme of psychological manipulation.
HANDKERCHIEF
ReplyDelete“I am glad I have found this napkin: This was her first remembrance from the Moor: My wayward husband hath a hundred times woo’d me to steal it; but she so loves the token, for he conjured her she should ever keep it, that she reserves it evermore about her to kiss and talk to”
DeleteIn this scene, the napkin Emilia is referring to is the handkerchief Othello gave to Desdemona. Judging by Emilia’s reaction to finding it and the way she describes Desdemona’s affection with it, it is clear that the handkerchief is important to Desdemona and Othello, as it was his first gift to her, and it is a symbol of her fidelity to him. However, it seems that Iago plans to use it for his own evil plans as he has persistently asked his wife to steal it from Desdemona.
“Have you not sometimes seen a handkerchief spotted with strawberries in your wife’s hand? / I gave her such a one; ’twas my first gift. / I know not that; but such a handkerchief—I am sure it was your wife’s—did I to-day see Cassio wipe his beard with. / If it be that— / If it be that, or any that was hers, it speaks against her with the other proofs.”
Here, Iago is giving Othello the final “proof” he needs to know that Desdemona is supposedly cheating on him with Cassio. Iago brings up the handkerchief, Othello states its importance, and then Iago tells him that he saw it in Cassio’s hands. While the reader knows that Iago planted it onto Cassio, this, to Othello, is hard evidence that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio, as the handkerchief is a symbol of fidelity and love, and if it is in the hands of another man, that means her love has shifted to that man: Cassio. Othello’s verbal reaction does not show overwhelming anger or emotion, but in his mind, he is already plotting out his revenge on Desdemona and Cassio.
ANIMALS (look for all kinds of references to different animals and insects)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIago: " Incense her kinsmen,
DeleteAnd, though he in a fertile climate dwell,
Plague him with flies. Though that his joy be joy
Yet throw such changes of vexation on’t,
As it may lose some color." (Shakespeare 3)
He is basically stating that rumors should be spread about his daughter. "Plague him with flies", referring to the people that would question and be the cause of his vexation when people find out about his daughter and Othello.
Iago: "
Because we come to do you service
and you think we are ruffians, you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse;...." (Shakespeare 4)
Iago calls Othello a "Barbary horse", which in other words is a racial slur. He's referencing to Othello being black and as a "horse". He further goes on to say that he is letting his family's status fall by letting his daughter be in a sexual relationship with a moor.
Iago:
"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
is tupping your white ewe". (Shakespeare 3)
This is a very clear innuendo in which Othello is regarded as the "old black ram" and Desdemona is the "white ewe". Othello is made to be very brutal and dark whereas Desdemona is the helpless, innocent, pure sheep.
"I had rather be a toad, and live upon the vapour of a dungeon, than keep a corner in the thing I love for others' uses."
DeleteHe is referring to Desdemona cheating on him. He says that he'd rather be useless toad with little worth and a complete fool rather than be cheated on by his lover. The toad is showen to have little importance. "In a corner of the room", Othello is saying that if Desdemona cheats on him, the disrespect it would bring him is so much more awful than not being recognized at all. He does not want to be made a fool of in front of all the people and especially not by someone who he claims to love so dearly.
"Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys, as salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross as ignorance made drunk."
Iago is telling Othello about Desdemona and Cassio's sex affair and that they can get proof very easily but Othello might not want to see it. He uses animal imagery and specfically that of concpiscent animals to explain Desdemona and Cassio's situation. Iago usually uses animal imagery when describing the characters to be having intercourse or being inhumane and it is no different in this scene. He is being graphic as to create a stir of emotion and jealousy in Othello.
“O curse of marriage,
DeleteThat we can call these delicate creatures ours,
And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,
And live upon the vapor of a dungeon,
Than keep a corner in the thing I love
For others' uses"
The use of the word toad in this passage tries to illustrate just how much othello would want to let Desdemona find new love if she was caught cheating on him. He would rather become a small, disgusting and slimy creature than do something that would restrict the life of the one that he loves. He would give up his freedom and his stature to allow Desdemona to be free.
“It is impossible you should see this
Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,
As salt as wolves in pride, and fools as gross”
Again Iago is using animal imagery in an attempt to anger Othello and send him further on a path to madness and revenge. By putting these ideas in othello's mind, othello becomes more and more upset at the thought of Cassio and Desdemona together, which is a thought that Othello has already begun to believe. The use of monkeys and wolves try to demonstrate how Desdemona and Cassio would give up all moral thought and succome to their most primal urges all again in an attempt to anger othello and put more thoughts in his head that would lead him to exact revenge.
“You shall mark Many a duteous and knee-crooking knave, that doting on his own obsequious bondage Wears out his time, much like his master’s ass, for nought but provender…” pg. 2
Iago uses the image of the donkey to illustrate how some servants focus solely on their work and don’t look out for themselves, and because of this selflessness, the become like a domestic animal with no goals and dreams of their own. They only serve their master and don’t have any other choice but to do someone else’s bidding. In Iago’s eyes, those servants are like animal feed and are worth lower than even a lowly animal that would eat them.
“...plague him with flies…” pg. 3
Iago uses this idea of a plague of flies to show his expectations that Brabantio is going to be so distraught by the horrible thoughts, the flies, of his daughter running off with a moor that he would become sick. These annoying and oh so real flies are surrounding him, consuming him and causing him to act irrationally and even track down and attempt to kill Othello.
“...you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse;...." pg. 4
The word Barbary is another attempt to describe how Othello is an outsider and how he is supposedly monstrous and wild. Barbary is referring to the ottoman empire in the arab world that houses such wild animals as the barbary lion and the barbary horse which are unusually large and wild animals. Not only is the word barbry trying to describe Othello’s origins, it also provides an otherworldly image of a wild and monstrous figure.The image of a large horse “covering” the innocent daughter of the senator, is an angering view. Clearly that was what Iago was attempting to do along with his remark of othello and Brabantio's daughter “...making the beast with two backs…” which is another clear innuendo explicitly describing acts that Barbano would definitely not want to hear.
“Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
is tupping your white ewe.” pg.3
Again, an innuendo that explicitly describes a sexual act while giving a racial identity to Othello and giving Othello unwanted traits such as being elderly. In this quote it also describes desdemona as pure, white and feminine in comparison to an unsavory Othello.
HEAVEN
ReplyDeleteThroughout portion read so far: "By heaven" and "O heaven"
DeleteBoth of these expressions help to emphasize whatever feelings the character is having at that particular point. For example, when Brabantio says, "O heaven! How got she out," he uses the phrase to help intensify his feelings of surprise and anger, similar to more modern phrases like "Oh my God."
Page 2: Iago - "Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty."
DeleteClaiming that heaven is Iago's "judge" conveys a sense of spiritualism to what Iago does. By saying it, he is essentially indicating that he is looking out for himself (evidenced by the rest of that speech), and, ultimately, heaven/God. It would seem that assigning heaven as Iago's "judge" in terms of love and duty implies that Iago is (a) religious, and (b) uses God and prayer in his decision making.
ABOVE POST CONTINUED:
DeleteIn terms of Iago's fundamental character, this portion of his speech develops the notion that he is selfish and deceptive by nature. Although he does indicate that "heaven is [his] judge," clearly he says this with himself in mind. In other words, heaven may be his judge, but his decisions are still self-serving in that he is looking for himself to get to heaven.
I find this rather hypocritical, because thus far, all we've seen from Iago is gossip, lies, and manipulation. Despite what he thinks, are these kinds of actions worthy of Iago eventually making it to heaven?
(Other than the above, there are literally zero more mentions of heaven up to the point that we're at in the play.)
DeletePage 2, Iago- "Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty"
DeleteThis quote portrays Iago being a religious person. He uses God in making decisions about his life. It also is saying that only how God views him is important to Iago because he says "heaven is my judge." Which means Iago's decisions they are based on whether or not he will go to heaven.
Page 6, Brabantio- O heaven! How got she out?"
DeleteThe way this quote is used is in a scared or panicked way. Brabantio is worried about his daughter and is unsure of where she is now and how she got out of the house. Brabantio is saying "O heaven" like we would say "Oh goodness" or "Oh my God." He is not directly talking about heaven he is using it to emphasize how he is feeling.
Othello: “Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, as if there were some monster in his thought too hideous to be shown. “
DeleteHere, Othello is expressing frustration with Iago’s repetition of Othello’s words (“honest” and “think”). However, contrary to his otherwise elegant, careful, and dignified ways of speaking that the audience has seen thus far, Othello adds in the remark, “by heaven.” Although heaven itself doesn’t necessarily have a specific significance in this particular section, by adding “by heaven,” Othello’s anger is clearly conveyed to the audience. For this line, in terms of actual performance, one can just imagine how Othello would declare, “by heaven!” with anger and apprehension. This is all about comparison to previous reactions: would Othello ever speak this way before now? Or is Othello adopting this new way of speaking as he beings to morph into a more angry and negative character.
Iago: “In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks they dare not show their husbands; their best conscience is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.”
DeleteAt this point, in his “insider knowledge” (no matter how true it actually is), Iago uses heaven to communicate a very important idea to Othello. He is saying that in Venice, women do things (like cheat) that heaven can see, but they do not tell their husbands about. Iago goes on to claim that Venetian women rather do whatever horrible deeds they may be doing and keep them “unknown,” instead of simply leaving them “undone” in the first place. In other words, women in Venice, according to Iago, are unethical and have no integrity. By claiming that heaven can see the “pranks” (euphemism!) that women do, the audience gains a sense of spirituality and grandness. While their husbands may not know about the terrible things their wives are doing, heaven still sees them. It follows that Iago would likely believe that women committing these deeds would ultimately end up in hell. In a broader sense, one could conclude that, according to Iago, women who are doing various “pranks” will, in the end, end up in hell. Again, is this true? Are Venetian women actually that unsavory? Probably not. This is another example of Iago posing fake “expertise” as he manipulates Othello.
Othello: “If she be false, O, then heaven mocks itself! I'll not believe't.”
DeleteAt this point, Othello is in the midst of working himself up about Desdemona allegedly cheating on him. He goes on to claim something fundamentally large in the context of his speech. Othello is essentially stating that if Desdemona did, in fact, cheat on him, heaven itself is made up (“mocks itself”). This indicates to the audience just how much Othello (a) loves Desdemona, and (b) trusts Desdemona. First, obviously, if Desdemona was actually cheating on Othello, he would be absolutely devastated. Othello communicates this by saying that heaven itself wouldn’t even exist (which is a rather bold statement); it would be such a huge tragedy for Othello. Secondly, Othello – at this point, at least – still has a great deal of trust in Desdemona. As a result, he goes so far to say that if Desdemona actually was cheating, and thus breaking his trust, heaven wouldn’t exist. Since Othello most likely believes in heaven, Othello is essentially saying that he maintains great trust in Desdemona. Unfortunately, this trust doesn’t last for long as Iago continues various manipulation techniques.
Othello: “Look here, Iago; all my fond love thus do I blow to heaven, ’tis gone.”
DeleteIn the midst of his rage following the discovery of Cassio’s wiping his brow with the strawberry handkerchief, Othello immediately declares his resulting hatred for Cassio. By claiming that any fond love Othello may have had is being “blown to heaven,” Othello communicates just how serious he is: Othello is really, really mad! Since heaven not only represents something that might guide Othello, but also a location physically high, claiming that Othello would blow any love he may have to heaven makes perfect sense. Plus, it provides a bit of imagery: in a performance, one might suggest that Othello literally blow from his hand upwards in order to represent his disappearing love. This is a perfect example of how a religious allusion helps communicate an otherwise non-religious point.
Othello: Think, my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, As if there were some monster in his thought.
DeleteOthello is annoyed that Iago is repeating his words. Othello believes there is something he is thinking or knows but he is holding it back. Othello knows there is much more going on and just wants to get to the bottom of it. Iago is persistent and is not coming straight out and saying what truly he believes or is on his mind. Othello uses "By heaven" to express that he wants Iago to come out and say what he is thinking no matter how upset he might get.
Iago: “In Venice they do let heaven see the pranks they dare not show their husbands; their best conscience is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.”
DeleteThis line Iago uses heaven to show importance in what he is saying to Othello. He wants to make his point very clear, so Othello understands clearly what Iago is going to say. Iago says that the women in Venice are not faithful to their husband. Although their husbands may not see what their wives are doing, God is. The women don't avoid doing what is wrong, they just don't want to get caught. The only person who sees their wrong actions is God and in the end those women will be punished for their unfaithfulness and actions by God. Meaning those women will end up in Hell.
VEXATION/ANGER/WRATH/RAGE
ReplyDeleteRoderigo and Iago, pg 1; “Thou told’st me thou didst hold him in thy hate.” “Despise me, if I do not.”
DeleteRoderigo and Iago are discussing the Moor (aka Othello) while they head off to Brabantio to tattle on him. Iago is expressing resentment that Othello chose Cassio and not him as his lieutenant, since Cassio is a) not a Venetian b) an arithmetician not a “manly man” and c) not a military commander, he’s a tactician, a man who fights wars from a distance. Iago is trying to paint Othello is an incompetent leader, using phrases such as “his Moorship.” Clearly, seeing that they are discussing Othello with an air of contempt and are about to go inform Brabantio of his elopement with Brabantio’s daughter, they are creating an early picture of Othello as an unlikeable person.
Brabantio; pg 4; “What profane wretch art thou?”
No specific use of the word anger, wrath, etc. but Brabantio’s choice of language implies that he’s not exactly happy to see Iago. It makes sense. Iago has woken him up at some ungodly hour to tell him that his daughter and Othello ran off together, and doing it in the most jesting, inappropriate, and sarcastic way he can. This doesn’t show Brabantio as a bad person, but it does show him as someone whose strings are easily pulled at three in the morning. I would interpret this as not really having any major implications, since most people would be grumpy if thrown into that situation. However it does show Iago as a bit of a joker, perhaps not one to take things as seriously as he should. If Othello picked up on this too, then it’s no surprise that Iago was not made Othello’s officer.
Othello pg. 51; “Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore... answer my naked wrath!”
DeleteOthello is a general, he thinks everything through thoroughly. This only helps add to that image. Othello wants solid proof that Desdemona is untrustworthy. I think he has realized how adapt Iago is at making up schemes and he’s not taking anything he says as true without a mountain of decent evidence. One may argue that he has not fully realized this, seeing how he falls for the information which would be a quarter legitimate on a good day. However he has definitely learned to be a little bit cautious with Iago, and this is why he is so aggressive with Iago. He makes no uncertain terms about how aware he is of Iago’s tactics and deceiving abilities, and how he wants blatant truth from Iago and not some cooked-up half-truth. I imagine Othello as a guy similar to an NFL nose tackle, definitely not a guy you would want unleashing his “naked wrath” on you. It’s only a threat, but one might infer that Iago is aggravating Othello a little bit, and that Othello definitely doesn’t want any tales unless Iago can prove them solidly.
Iago pg. 58; “Can he be angry? I have seen the cannon... There’s matter in ‘t indeed if he be angry.”
If you ever wanted proof that Iago was a two-faced scumbag, here it is. He’s very clever, but he’s not a guy I would trust with anything. Desdemona speaks of Othello as changed (“My lord is not my lord”) and Iago feigns ignorance. Even if he was a total nitwit he would understand that Othello was angry at Cassio and Desdemona, given that he promised death to both of them. Yet he pretends to know of nothing of the sort in front of Desdemona. Clearly he’s not helping her out of this hole. However this is a little surprising, one thinks that in order to get Desdemona for Roderigo he would try to help her, as was proven when he asked Othello to let her live even though he said he would murder Cassio. Wouldn’t he want to at least give her a bit more help so that when Othello comes out blazing mad she’s not completely in the dark?
EYES/SEEING/BLINDNESS
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
Delete“Where didst thou see her? O unhappy girl!” (Shakespeare 5).
Delete“ From hence trust not your daughters’ minds By what you see them act.” (Shakespeare 6).
The word “see” is used in two different meanings that can be seen with these two quotes. In the first excerpt the word “see” is used in a situatioin full of tension. Brabantio has just found out that his daughter has ran away with another man and he must be feeling a mixed emotion of sadness with a little anger. Brabantio can not but hope that his daughter is ok. By using this word, he is expressing his hopefuleness because he wants to know if Roderigo or Iago have seen Desdemona. I think this phrase makes Brabantio more confident because through his hopefulness he has come to a conclusion that Desdemona will be ok. In the second excerpt I think “see” in this phrase is used to express anger. He saying this to no one in particular and is implying to never trust their daughters by the way they act in front of you because had so much confidence in her but she blew it all away. I think this phrase changed the way that he looks at his daughter again because she brought shame to him. His anger that can be seen in this word will also be expressed physically when he meets Othello.
"Awake! what, ho, Brabantio! thieves! thieves! thieves! Look to your house, your daughter and your bags! Thieves! thieves!"(Shakespeare 3)
DeleteThe word "look" is used as a word of caution to Desdemona’s father Brabantio. Iago is warning Brabantio of the wrongdoing his innocent seeming daughter is committing and he refers to the man she ran away with, as a thief. This line is happening when Roderigo and Iago are waking Brabantio up to tell him of the treachery. Brabantio is unaware of the fact that his daughter eloped with Othello, whom he does not approve of, so emotions must run rampant after the line is said by Iago. Brabantio must feel very surprised and outraged about the news, especially since he is learning of the news through two men shouting up to his bedroom waking him up at night. The word “Look”implies that Brabantio should go see the man and his daughter together for himself because it is absolutely true what Iago is saying. “Look” also refers to: keep an eye on your daughter, or, protect your daughter from this man who has apparently stolen her.
“Here comes another group to seek for you.
It is Brabantio: general, be advised;
He comes to bad intent.”(Shakespeare 8)
The word “seek” is used when Othello was being informed by Roderigo and Iago that Brabantio was looking for him. After being informed about his daughter eloping with Othello, Brabantio has come to meet face to face with the man who “stole” his daughter. Othello has chosen to take the calm and peaceful side to this confrontation while Brabantio is terribly angered and will probably use physical actions against Othello. Roderigo and Iago play a crucial role as well in this scene because they are acting loyal towards their general but they are secretly trying to ruin him by being on Brabantio’s side. The two sly men told Brabantio to find Othello and “see”for himself the kind of terrible man he his. Whenever the motif of eyes and sight is applied, it seems like it is advice towards Brabantio or Othello, almost telling them to ‘look out’ for the danger coming their way.
“For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago; I’ll see before I doubt, When I doubt, prove” (Shakespeare 46).
DeleteIn this excerpt, Othello fails to believe Iago when he tells him about Desdemona’s behaviors. The word eyes in this sentence is used as a witness that she could not of cheated on Othello. Othello claims that Desdemona loved him even after knowing what he’s been through and what his true characteristics are. He has so much faith in Desdemona that he knows that she would never do such a thing to him. Othello is also hoping that Iago’s suspicions should not come true so he tries to prove him wrong. He says Desdemona married me in spite of knowing who I am and then add the No Iago after that. In the second part of the excerpt Othello says that he needs proof before he can come to any conclusion about Desdemona. He needs to see Cassio with Desdemona before he can believe Iago. The word see is used as a proof. It is used so Othello can prove that Desdemona is not cheating and that Iago is wrong.
“Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none!” (Shakespeare 44-45)
DeleteIn this excerpt, Iago is explaining to Othello that men should be what they appear to be. If they are not honest then they should not pretend like they are. This excerpt is very ironic coming from Iago because throughout this book, because Iago is the most dishonest men of all characters. To the reader, Iago’s reputation is just becoming worse and he is becoming more dishonest by saying this. To Othello it makes him look like the most honest man there is because he says these exact words to him. Even though Iago knows that he is dishonest he keeps on planting ideas into Othello’s minds until he agrees that Desdemona is cheating on him and until Iago gets his position of lieutenant. The second part could also be an advice to Iago because he says that if they are not honest then they shouldn’t seem like they are.
“Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it,
DeleteThat he would steal away so guilty-like,
Seeing you coming.” (Shakespeare 42)
In this passage, imagery is created through the use of the word ‘seeing’. Iago is insinuating to Othello that Cassio walked away from Desdemona guiltily as if he had something to hide, as though he was hiding a secret. Iago is planting a seedling of doubt into Othello’s mind that Cassio is someone he should not trust. The word ‘seeing’ is used to further elevate the suspicions about Cassio. Iago is trying to make it seem like not only does Cassio have a secret, its a secret that Othello can’t know about because he walked away when he saw Othello. The idea of Desdemona having an affair with Cassio is being perpetuated through this motif of sight. Not only does this passage contain imagery due to the motif, but it also raises suspicions about what kind of secret Cassio is hiding from Othello. Iago is just starting his plan to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s marriage and.
“Look to your wife: observe her well with Cassio;
DeleteWear your eye thus, not jealous nor secure”(Shakespeare 46)
In this passage, Iago is cautioning Othello to keep an eye on his wife with Cassio because there may be something suspicious going on between them. He advises Othello to watch how Desdemona is without being jealous, nor being completely trusting of her; he is telling Othello to keep an open mind to the idea of Desdemona being unfaithful. He is telling Othello this because normally, Othello is impartial to anything concerning his beloved wife and believes that she could never wrong him of anything or be unfaithful to him. This time however, Othello’s mind is being altered by Iago’s words and he is actually considering the fact that Desdemona may not be the honest wife he believes her to be. Intimation is brought up in this passage because Iago is suggesting to Othello, that Desdemona and Cassio are hiding a secret that would absolutely destroy Othello if it were true. Iago is acting like a friend and is cautioning Othello about his supposed unfaithful wife. Othello is taking the ‘bait’ and whenever he sees Cassio and Desdemona together, his suspicions will arise causing him to doubt the relationship he has with Desdemona.
DEVIL/MONSTER/BEAST
ReplyDelete“Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you: Arise, I say.”
DeleteIn this line, Iago is telling Brabantio to give chase after his daughter, who has eloped with Othello. By comparing Brabantio to a grandsire, Iago is referring to the possibility that if he, Brabantio, does not act quickly enough, his daughter and Othello will get away. This is the first reference to the devil in Othello but will undoubtable not be the last. Othello’s marriage to Brabantio’s daughter, Desdemona, was not sanctioned by her father and he will try anything to stop them.
“I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.”
Besides the obvious sexual reference, Iago’s goal is to anger Brabantio into taking action against Othello. This causes quite the response from Brabantio. He goes on to call Iago out. (You can understand, imagine that some stranger said that your daughter was having sex with some man). It makes sense that Iago would try to anger Brabantio. As an enemy of Othello, he would be willing to do anything to mess/cause conflict him. This line goes to show that Iago will do anything to cause problems for Othello, even if it means using profane and vulgar language.
“Think, my lord! By heaven he echoes me,
DeleteAs if there were some monster in his thought”
The motif of monster is used to describe the thought of Iago’s that Othello wants to know. It seems like Iago does not want to tell Othello what his thought is but Iago’s thought is a lie. Iago is using underhanded and sneaky tactics to convince Othello that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio. Iago’s goal is not to tell Othello outright but get Othello to ask him what is on his mind. This way when Othello is tricked into believing that Desdemona is cheating, he, Othello will not question Iago. Othello will think that he came to the conclusion himself.
“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;
It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock”
Iago is saying that the more you think of jealousy the more jealous you become. This has certainly happened to Othello already. Iago has changed Othello from a loving husband to a jealous and wary man who is looking for Desdemona to make the slightest mess up. Iago is making fun of Othello without him noticing as well. The green eyed monster of jealousy is only present because of Iago, who is mocking Othello. Iago could be referring to himself as the monster. This makes sense because earlier in the play it is quite evident that Iago finds enjoyment out of ruining and taking advantage of people. Assuming the role of a monster would be exactly what Iago wants to do.
“To furnish me with some swift means of death
For the fair devil.”
After Iago convinces Othello that Cassio is sleeping with his wife, Othello begins to plot to kill Cassio and Desdemona. He gives the task of Cassio’s death to Iago and himself of Desdemona’s. But, he still reffers to Desdemona as “fair.” Hopefully this means taht there is some small chance that Othello still loves Desdemona and he will not kill her. Or, he is taking in to account his wife’s beauty and sees it as a reason for her disloyalty. Othello probably thinks that if she is so pretty then she would probably want to find another handsome suitor, like Cassio.
“For here’s a young and sweating devil here,
That commonly rebels.”
Othello’s indirect confrontation with Desdemona does not go well for her. Othello only sees her as a cheat and obsessed with Cassio. The only reason Desdemona talks of Cassio is because she promised him that she would help him get back his position as lieutenant. Othello refers to Desdemona as sweaty because
FAITH/DOUBT
ReplyDeletePage 2
DeleteIago- "We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly follow'd...In following him, I follow but myself"
- The idea of faith is a very tricky thing to handle. Many people find it very hard to trust especially if they have experienced the piercing betrayal of a trusted one in the past. Often times, this potential of being betrayed makes it hard to know who you can and can't trust and leads to conflict and doubt. As represented by this quote, Iago is exactly the type of person you wouldn't want to trust. His selfishness and egotistical personality drives him to believe it is okay to go against another's back, as long as you yourself benefit from it. In this quote, explains how he plans to work behind Othello's back as revenge for not being chosen as lieutenant.
Page 6
Brabantio- "Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters' minds by what you see them act"
-This line reflects Brabantio's anger and despair after being defied by his daughter. Similar to the above idea, Brabantio felt pained in response to this betrayal and in response, he feels as if he can no longer trust his daughter. He even goes on to warn all the other fathers not to be fooled and trust their supposedly innocent daughters. On the contrary, Brabantio has a lot of doubt that his sweet, beloved daughter could oppose him so outwardly. Refusing to believe it, he blames Othello for kidnapping his daughter and using witchcraft to make her fall in love with him.
Roderigo Page 5- “If she be in her chamber or your house, Let loose on me the justice of the state for thus deluding you.”
DeleteRoderigo and Iago both arrived at the senator Barbantios house to warn him that his daughter Desdemona has run off with the Moorish General, Othello. When Roderigo informs Barbantio of his daughter’s marriage Barbantio doubts that he is telling the truth partly because he believes that Roderigo is just telling him this news as a ploy to win Desdemona. Though it is true that Roderigo hopes to ruin Desdemona’s marriage to Othello it is because he genuinely loves Desdemona versus Iago who is telling Barbantio to stir up trouble and to get back at Othello for not promoting him. Yet both of their motives come from their resentment of Othello. Nonetheless Roderigo convinces Barbantio that he tells the truth and it gains his faith, Barbantio even says “O would you had had her!”
Othello Page 7- “Let him do his spite: My services, which I have done the signiory, Shall out-tongue his complaints.”
This line displays how Othello has faith in himself; From previous descriptions of Othello by Iago and Roderigo one would assume that Othello is barbaric and uncivilized, but examining this passage shows that Othello is self-assured and confident. He knows without a doubt that his “services” to the venetian army will outweigh any of the Senator’s “Complaints”.
Page 46 Othello: “Why, why is this? Think’st thou I’ld made a life of jealously, to follow still the changes of the moon with fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt is once to be resolved…Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw the smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; for she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago; I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; and on the proof, there is no more but this, Away at once with love or jealousy!”
DeleteIago starts to bring up slight details of interaction between Desdemona and Cassio to make an effort to stir suspicions within Othello. During which he is relentless in repeating several times of how he should try to not grow jealous. Othello is almost taken aback that Iago would think him jealous or suspicious of harmless interactions between Cassio and Desdemona. And that he would not once doubt his wife’s loyalty given that Desdemona chose him because out of her free will and without proof there really is nothing to doubt. Although it seems as if Iago’s attempt to make Othello question Desdemona’s loyalty has failed, he has started to make Othello notice these seemingly innocent details and once Iago has acquired even more ways to warp more potential evidence it will start to make Othello doubt Desdemona.
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DeletePage 52 Othello: “By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not; I think that thou art just, and think thou art not: I’ll have some proof. Her name, that was as fresh as Dian’s visage, is now begrimed and black as mine own face…”
DeleteAs Iago continues to report more lies to Othello, Othello starts to have conflicting notions of who to have more faith in: his wife or the always “honest Iago”. Before Othello never once doubted his wife’s loyalty to him but now he is starting to question his wife’s morality which shows that Iago’s continual lying is starting to take its toll on Othello. Othello still isn’t completely sure that Desdemona is unfaithful since he is still demanding more proof. But opposed to before Iago started to plant lies in Othello’s head, Othello had the majority of his faith and trust in Desdemona but now Othello has begun to set a greater part of his faith in Iago and more of his doubt in Desdemona.
Page 47
DeleteOthello: "I'll see before I doubt: when I doubt, prove"
As of this point in the play, Iago has already hinted multiple times at Desdemona's "affair" with Cassio. Like the manipulative guy he his, he takes every innocent detail and twists it to make it is seem as if Desdemona is unloyal. In reality, she is completely innocent. Despite the "pestilence" that has been poured into his ear, Othello still has complete faith in Desdemona. Supported by the play, there is an indirect relationship between "faith" and "doubt". As Othello has complete faith in her, there is no reason for him to doubt her. In the same sense, if Othello were to doubt Desdemona, he would have little to faith in her. The above quote however, makes it clear that Othello would only doubt Desdemona if he had actual proof that she had been unfaithful.
Page 47
Othello: "I am bound to thee for ever"
Page54
Othello: "Now art thou my lieutenant"
Iago: "I am your own for ever"
While Othello had faith in Desdemona, he also had faith in Iago. He believed everything that Iago told him, was out of honesty and the good of his own heart. Clearly, he was wrong. Iago is very deceiving and manipulative. Unlike a typical bully, Iago doesn't openly insult or take revenge on those he dislikes. Instead, he makes his targets trust him, finds out their weaknesses and insecurities, and attack at them. This is precisely what he does on Othello who takes the bait and becomes a different person in a very short time span. This shows how delicate the balance/relationship between "faith" and "doubt" is. Although it is crucial to have faith in someone in order to be close to him/her, it is very easy to be tricked or manipulated into having faith. In this sense, it is very rare for a person to have complete faith in someone. As seen however, your trust and "complete faith" in someone can be altered/diminished even by the smallest of incidents. By this point in the play, Othello goes from having complete trust in Desdemona, to having absolutely no trust at all. Instead, he puts his trust in Iago who in reality, is scheming against Othello.
EVIDENCE/PROVE
ReplyDeletePg.8
DeleteIago: “Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carack: If it prove lawful prize, he’s made it for ever”.
Here Iago is explaining to Cassio that Othello has boarded a land carack, or married Desdemona, and if he can lawfully keep it; he will be set forever. A land carack appears to be something like a treasure ship which means that Iago knows she is of much value. He also knows that Othello has married Desdemona and if it is lawful, he will have her forever. This he, and many others, do not want. This motif has me noticing that Othello may get to stay married to Desdemona if it is proven lawful, but I wonder how this will be done with so many against such a union? This adds a new layer of meaning in that it seems as though there will have to be a trial to see if Othello can stay married to Desdemona thus having to prove whether or not it is lawful.
Pg. 46
Delete“No, Iago, I’ll see before I doubt, when I doubt, prove,
And on the proof there is no more but this:
Away at once with love or jealousy!”
Othello tells Iago that he will need evidence before he ever begins to suspect Desdemona, and when he does suspect her, he will look for proof. And if he has proof he will let go of his love and jealousy. Othello still believes at this point that Desdemona is innocent until proven guilty and finds it quite hard still to think of her doing such a thing, he puts his faith and love in her without question. Iago may not have convinced Othello of Desdemona’s “unfaithfulness” yet, but he has gained something most valuable to his scheme. Here he learns that Othello will only take proof in order to believe him, and for Iago this is a very helpful because he knows exactly what he must do. And we see later that Iago uses this when he places the handkerchief in Cassio’s room.
HONEST
ReplyDeletePage 3
DeleteIago. "...but I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at: I am not what I am."
This quote is from the very beginning of scene I and is from the very end of Iago's second long speech to Rodergio. Even though it doesn't say the word 'honest' in the quote, this is when Iago is revealing himself to Rodergio. He is telling Rodergio how he is pretending to obey and be friends with Othello but he is really only acting for his own benefit. When Iago says "I am not what I am." he is being honest about who he is and what his true relationship with Othello is. This honesty develops Iago's and Othello's relationship and shows how it is one-sided. This quote is where the reader sees what Iago is really doing and how is is really only in this relationship for his own benefit.
Brabantio "In honest plainness thou hast heard me say..." page 4
DeleteThis quote is in the middle of scene I where Roderigo and Iago wake up Brabantio to tell him about Othello. In this passage, Brabantio is basically saying to Roderigo that Desdemona is not for him. The statement "in honest plainness" would be synonym with words such as frankly, honestly, or to tell you the truth. His tone here shows that Brabantio is fed up with Roderigo and implies that Roderigo had gone to their place of residence before to ask about Desdemona. It is interesting how in these first two scenes honesty is not mentioned as much as dishonesty. Iago and Roderigo seem to lie as they go, trying to get revenge on Othello. Othello actually seems the only character who is ethical and honest, out of the characters that we have met so far.
“I think thou dost; and for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty and weigh’st thy words before thou givest them breathe…”
DeleteOthello says this to Iago on page 44 and as we all know Iago is nothing but lies and almost never tells the truth, but yet he has convinced Othello otherwise. Iago tries to explain to Othello, giving him false evidence and making things up, how Desdemona could be cheating on him with Cassio. Even though everything that Iago says is a lie, the reoccurring theme of honesty still comes into play because he is deceiving Othello and making him think the heart of Iago truly lies in the good of Othello.
“God be wi’ you; take mine office. O wretched fool, that livest to make thine honesty a vice…To be direct and honest is not safe. I thank you for this profit, and from hence I’ll love no friend sith love breeds such offence.”
Here, on page 51, Iago uses the idea of honesty to further manipulate Othello. In this situation Iago is essentially playing the victim. He is saying that he feels stupid for ever trying to help Othello if he can’t take Iago’s honesty. Even though none of what Iago says is actually true because Iago is only looking out for himself, this “honesty” pulls Othello further into Iago’s web.
Page 40
DeleteCassio "I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest"
In this quote Cassio states how honest Iago is after Iago leaves the scene. It is ironic how the other characters seem to be so naive to Iago's schemes. They are completely oblivious that Iago is twisting their lifes into a wreck. It seems to be a recurring theme in this play that while Iago is in the process of manipulating the various characters to do his bidding, they comment on how honest Iago is and kind.
Page 47
Othello "I do not think but Desdemona's honest."
In this scene, Iago is in the midst of convincing Othello of Desdemona's unfaithfulness. The tone of Othello's voice shows that he is not the same Othello as he was in the beginning of the play. There seems to be some hesitance when he is stating Desdemona's innocence. Iago has started to pour the doubt into Othello's ear, but it has not taken hold yet. The next line Iago speaks seems to amplify this. "Long live she so! and long live you to think so!"
SWEET/FAIR
ReplyDelete'T is yet to know--
DeleteWhich, when I know that boasting is a honour,
I shall promulgate--I fetch my life and being
From men of royal siege, and my demerits
May speak unbonneted to as proud a fortune
As this that i have reach'd: for know, Iago,
But that I love the gentle Desdemona,
I would not my unhoused free condition
Put into circumscription and confine
For the sea's worth (pg 7 Othello)
Analysis: sweet/fair
In tese lines Othello is telling Iago how sweet and fair Desdemona is. He talks about how his love for his beautiful wife is so strong that there is no nee to hide it. He is willing to pay the cost to hide it. He is willing to pay the cost to have her hand in marriage. This passage invokes the reader with pity for Othello. he just wants to live in peace with his wife but people are prying into their business and making it difficult for Othello to love his bride in peace.
How is it with you, my most fair Bianca?
DeleteI’ faith, sweet love, I was coming to your house. (pg 59 Othello)
In this quote Cassio has just parted from Desdemona and Emilia who have just told him of Othello’s uncanny mood and is standing before the castle as Bianca approaches him. He greets her in this loving way showing how he views her as sweet and fair and precious. Bianca has just been introduced to this story and this shows a new side of Cassio. Cassio has only been portrayed as a lewd man from Iago’s lying tongue, but now the reader is shown how he has this girl who he can sleep with but does not value. Although he greets her initially as his sweet love, he seems to not really mean that.
I will deny thee nothing: (pg 43 Othello)
DeleteIn this passage, Desdemona has just bombarded Othello with pleading questions, in regards to getting Cassio in his good favors again. Othello not wanting to upset his sweet wife says that if she wants him to see Cassio he would. This statement shows how much Othello loves his wife and doesn’t want to upset her.
HEART
ReplyDelete"Others there are/Who, trimm'd in forms and visages of duty,/Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves"
DeleteThis line is from Iago's second monologue, directed at Roderigo, on page 2 of the play. Here, he is basically speaking about certain people, one of which he considers himself, who are "superior" to others in the army, and these are the people who really only care about themselves. The use of the word heart indicates that these people really do only care about themselves, inside, however on the outside, they make it look like they care for others, while where it really counts, the only person they're looking out for in this army is themselves.
"For when my outward action doth demonstrate/The native act and figure of my heart/ In compliment extern, 't is not long after/But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve/For daws to peck at: I am not what I am."
Here, the word "heart" is used not just once, but twice. And similarly to the previous quote, it is in Iago's speech to Roderigo, and it is also speaking about loyalty. However, in this passage, Iago is more focusing on his revealing of his true character. The use of the word heart here implies that he has put his full love and spirit into this facade he's putting up, and when he finally reveals it to everyone that "[he] is not what [he is]" that will be him in reality: his wearing of his heart on his sleeve.
"'Zounds, sir, you're robb'd; for shame, put on your gown;/Your heart is burst, you have lost half your soul;"
This is the last mention of "heart" from the first act, and I find it quite interesting that it is, once again, from Iago. He is now speaking to Brabantio, and talking about how his daughter is missing, speaking of her disappearance as the "bursting of his heart." That implies that Iago wants to make it clear to Brabantio that not only is it important that Desdemona is missing, but is in a way making it seem that, if Brabantio is not devestated by this, he is not a very good father, as the ideal would be that, upon Desdemona's disappearance, Brabantio will have "lost half his soul."
p.24: "...I grant, She puts her tongue a little in her heart And chides with thinking"
DeleteIago is speaking about his wife, Emilia, in an awfully disrespectful manner, making derogatory remarks about her and all of woman kind in that they are "pictures out of doors, bells in [their] parlours, wild-cats in [their] kitchens...". Here he refers to the fact that she very infrequently speaks from her heart which I'm sure is not true at all. This is, in fact, slightly ironic in that Iago is the one who someone should be saying this to, as he almost never speaks the truth.
p.48: " If I do prove her haggard, Though that her jesses were my heart-strings, I 'ld whistle her off and let her down the wind..."
DeleteOthello is talking with Iago about Desdemona here, saying that if he finds out that she is actually cheating on him, even though they are bound together by his love, he will cut those ties and let her go. The way he refers to her "jesses" as his "heart-strings" implies that his love for her really does come from the bottom of his heart, and that he truly is tied to her forever. If those heart strings were cut, (from the way he used the term, him doing so himself) it would be him truly losing a piece of his heart, but he is saying he would be willing to do that if it meant he wouldn't have to live with her cheating on him.
p.55-56: ""...'T is a good hand, A frank one." "You may indeed say so, For 't was that hand that gave away my heart." "A liberal hand: the hearts of old gave hands; But our new heraldry is hands, not hearts.""
DeleteOthello speaking to Desdemona, subtly accusing her of cheating on him, and faking her love for him this whole time. Othello implies that "old hearts," meaning that older people, when they married, actually meant it, whereas nowadays, people just give hands, meaning that they don't actually give their heart fully to the person they are marrying. He says this to Desdemona in order to suggest that she really doesn't love him, and I think it sets her on edge a little bit, and Othello certainly takes this into account, feeding off of it in later parts of the passage.
TREASURE/JEWELS/WEALTH
ReplyDelete“From men of royal siege, and my demerits
DeleteMay speak of unbonneted to as proud a fortune”
This quote is on page 7, when Othello is talking to Iago. Othello is not worried at all about getting in trouble with Brabantio as he explains in this passage. He says his actions are worth more than anything he could say to defend his decision to marry Desdemona. This is an example of how Othello’s personality is actually very different from what one may think after reading Iago’s description of him. This quote makes Othello seem like a poised, level-headed, gentleman who never intended to hurt anyone, much unlike Iago’s description.
“Tying her duty, beauty, wit and fortunes”
On page 5, Rodrigo is telling Brabantio of his daughter’s actions. He tells Brabantio to check his daughter’s bedroom and if she is not there then she must be with Othello where she is “tying” herself to him. After marrying Othello, she made everything she was and everything she is worth, to him. This passage is the one that makes Barbantio realize that what he is being told is true and that he needs to take action to find his daughter. This line specifically is a very powerful one because it makes it clear to Brabantio that if she has indeed married Othello, that she is bound to him forever and has dishonored her father.
"So opposite to marriage that she shunn'd
ReplyDeleteThe wealthy curled darlings of our nation,"
This quote is spoken by Brabantio on page 8 when he is accusing Othello of using foul charms and magic to steal his daughter Desdemona. He is saying that it is obvious that a girl as pretty and happy as his daughter would never run off with Othello after refusing to marry any of the rich and wealthy men in their village. Therefore he comes to the conclusion that Desdemona must have been falsely charmed or drugged. This quote shows how wealth plays an important role in this time period. Brabantio thinks that Desdemona would not turn down wealthy men to be with a Moor. Even though Othello has riches, because of his race, Brabantio labels him as undesirable.
"What a full fortune does the thick-lips owe,
ReplyDeleteIf he can carry 't thus!"
Roderigo says this quote to Iago on page 3 right before they call out to Brabantio to tell him of Desdemona marrying Othello. Roderigo is saying that Othello will be lucky if he ends up staying married to Desdemona. This quote demonstrates the racial discrimination towards Othello because they refer to him by using racial slurs and they don't even address him by his name which is demeaning. Also, they think that it would be a treasure for Othello if he married Desdemona who is white, even though he is already a respectable and fortunate man. Roderigo and Iago call up to Brabantio and suggest that he must find Othello and get it daughter back who was "stollen" from him.
“I’ld whistle her off and let her down the wind to prey at fortune.”
ReplyDeleteOn page 48 Othello has finally snapped and is convinced that Desdemona is cheating on him. He compares her to a bird, and uses metaphor and imagery to show that if she was a bird and he was her master, he would cut off all connection with her. In reality he is “detaching” his heart strings from her, as he is no longer madly in love with her and instead loathes her. He also says if she were a bird she can go down and prey at fortune. This is an interesting line because fortune is usually associated as being a good thing; however Othello makes it seem like a negative thing; something a monstrous bird would prey on for food. This is really a turning point in the story because we see a completely new side of Othello, one that is villainous and wicked.
“Poor and content is rich, and rich enough; But riches fineless is as poor as winter. To him that ever fears he shall be poor”
Iago is talking to Othello about jealousy on page 46 when he says this line. Iago is telling him that to be poor, and not have things but happy makes you rich while having endless riches makes you poor. I think this is a good use of juxtaposition because Iago talks to Othello about jealousy right before he tells him that not having something can make you rich. So in Othello’s mind, he could now be thinking of jealousy and that maybe Desdemona isn’t so important after all. The two combined could do wonders for Iago’s plan.
“Nature will instruct her in it and compel her to some second choice….who stands so eminently in the degree of this fortune as Cassio does?”
Iago says this on page 27 when he is coming up with his plan to break up Desdemona and Othello, as well as get Cassio in trouble. He has just realized the perfect way to do so. He says that Desdemona will get bored with Othello soon and will want a different husband and who better than Cassio? He is a better fit for Desdemona as they are of the same social class and Othello is an outcast because of his past and where he came from. The way I see it, Iago could be using the word “fortune” in two different ways. He could be sarcastic, saying that Cassio was actually unfortunate enough to be in this situation, which will work perfect for Iago’s evil plan. He could also mean that Desdemona is the fortune and when she gets bored with Othello, Cassio will be lucky enough to be the perfect suitor for her.
“Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls:”
ReplyDeleteOn page 45 Iago is talking to Othello about reputation. Iago is saying that reputation is the most valued thing to people by describing it as a jewel. He says that reputation is more valuable than money and riches because money comes and goes but your reputation stays with you forever. If someone robs your money they become rich but if some ruins your reputation it not only makes you poorer but it doesn’t make the other person any richer. Following this Iago starts to use the strategy of reverse phycology as he tells Othello not to be jealous of Cassio and Desdemona. Even though Othello could easily destroy Cassio’s most, “immediate jewel”, which is his reputation. By planting these ideas of reputation and jealousy into Othello’s head shows how Iago is manipulating the characters to do what he wants them to do. This is just part of Iago’s plan to get Othello against Cassio while making it look like he is being honest and loyal to Cassio. Also, he is trying to get on Othello’s good side so he can get the lieutenant position that Cassio just got taken away from him. Iago wants the title of a lieutenant position because he highly values reputation and positions of authority.
“A man that all his time Hath founded his good fortunes on your love, shared dangers with you-”
Desdemona says this to Othello on page 57 when she tries to convince him to hire back Cassio. She is saying that Cassio had depended on Othello’s love and friendship, and that they have been through so much together. Since Cassio has had good fortune because of Othello, Desdemona thinks that Othello should help Cassio. But because of the doubts Iago has already put into Othello’s mind, Othello thinks that Desdemona is defending Cassio because she is having an affair with him. Even though this is not true and Othello said that he would not be jealous or think that Desdemona is guilty without proof, Iago has already started to manipulate. Othello. Othello even says he will hate Desdemona and he will want her dead if she is having an affair because she would be making a fool of him. During this scene Othello keeps demanding to know where the handkerchief that he gave Desdemona is, and he thinks that because Desdemona lost it he has a reason to be suspicious. Othello shows no interest in wanting to help Cassio which shows that the good fortune of their friendship means little to him because he can so easily be convinced that Cassio and Desdemona would be unfaithful to him.