is iago the protagonist in othello
While this change is speculation, there is another alteration to Iago through the course of the play. In Disney Princess Enchanted Tales: Follow Your Dreams, Iago claims he was born to be a peac… Why is Iago instead carried off after being granted the final word on his fate? claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the Without Iago’s diabolical persuasion, Roderigo would not have been present in Cyprus to help frame and wound Cassio. Deuteragonist: Despite being the Character Title, Othello is actually the deuteragonist, with Iago being the main character. Even Cassio’s rank of lieutenant is taken and presented to Iago in Act I due to his treachery. If Cassio was the antagonist, Iago would certainly have mentioned hating him as well. He seems almost to wink at the audience as he revels in his own Shakespeare shifts the action from Venice to Cyprus. This is a complete reversal of Iago’s character. Othello still holds Iago to be his closest friend. In his opening argument with Roderigo, Iago says that his anger stems from the fact that Othello unfairly passed him over for promotion and made Michael Cassio his lieutenant, even though Cassio, unlike Iago, has no military field experience. If we agree that Iago has no real motives for hurting Othello, we could also argue that Iago's character is a kind of "Vice" figure. In Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad. Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer. When Iago wants to set up the appearance of inappropriate behavior between Cassio and Desdemona, he decides that “my wife must move for Cassio to her mistress” (2.3.) However, he is one of the most dangerous examples of evil. Othello. A possible explanation is Iago’s nature of robbery. with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets Antagonist Character Role Analysis Iago. By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Sparknotes and verify that you are over the age of 13. he were a clown (II.iii.310). Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. While he is flawed by his paranoia and pride, Othello is only unstable and destructive after intricate deception. So, a "Vice" figure is stock character from medieval morality plays like "Everyman." He states, “Demand me nothing. Anytime he refers to Roderigo in his soliloquies, Iago dismisses the Venitian as an idiot from whom he can extort money, proclaiming, “For I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit. In Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, Iago is an evil character. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. doubt him; he is able to tell the audience, “And what’s he then Though there is little sympathy made for him, and his arrangement as the diabolical villain is cemented in place, empathy can be achieved for Iago if his viewpoint is thoroughly explored, as it is. His insanity could also be explained due to the extensive war record that he claims in Act I, Scene i. Use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. He is a master of deceit and a servant of the devil. for Othello frequently and effusively. Eventually, Iago commits the supreme theft of life by killing defenseless Roderigo, and then his own wife. Iago is clearly a sociopath, as he unscrupulously betrays his commander Othello, his wife Emilia, and his friend and patsy, Roderigo. Othello As the play’s title indicates, Othello is the protagonist. Iago was, presumably, a good and decent soldier in Othello’s army before the beginning of the play. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1974. A Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, Othello is an eloquent and physically powerful figure, respected by all those around him. This repetition is like a mantra for Iago, as if to convince himself habitually that Othello is his enemy, and to justify his actions. After all, Hamlet had no proof that Claudius killed his father, and many argue that Hamlet’s insanity invented the ghost that told him of the murder. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a … The changes in Iago are clearly Othello’s doing, as well. Iago also proceeds to manipulate Brabantio, a Venetian senator, a well-known citizen, and Desdemona’s father. Emilia and know that he can deflect her questions; he is able to Iago represents evil and cruelty for its own sake. Though the It cannot be an accident that he is the most detailed and human character in Othello. The Riverside Shakespeare. Protagonists are not necessarily the heroic or inherently good characters in a play’s plot. Protagonist Character Role Analysis Othello. At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that … he is with Roderigo, but the interactions between the two also reveal Why would Hamlet’s revenge be considered more valid than Iago’s? 7–32). ... Iago Othello… No one has time to read them all, but it’s important to go over them at least briefly. Iago is the play's main antagonist, and Othello's standard-bearer.He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona.Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. Othello. This is easy to believe with regards to Iago as the protagonist, because there is such rich detail surrounding him, and most of the play is devoted to his twisted mind. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character … end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept Clearly, Othello himself would be the primary candidate, but Cassio would also serve as a suitable antagonist to Iago. It however becomes clear that Iago’s antagonist is Othello, because an important aspect of the position is to cause some fundamental change in the protagonist. Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. Character Title: Othello is called Othello, of course. The protagonist of Othello is Othello himself. In \"Fowl Weather\", he mentions that he once lived in the rainforest, but did not enjoy its unpredictable weather, prompting him to move to the desert. Iago is able to take the handkerchief from At the same time, you could make the argument that Iago is the real protagonist, since his character dominates the play and he is the one with the most soliloquies (which is a pretty clear "main character" signal in most Shakespeare plays). Iago refers to Othello not by his name but as 'the Moor', calling him 'the devil' (2.1.216) and 'defective' (2.1.220), a racist portrayal which makes Desdemona's unfaithfulness more believable to Roderigo. Luckily, FreeBookSummary offers study guides on over 1000 top books from students’ curricula! These motivations for Iago’s villainy are the first plot points that are revealed in Othello, and cast Iago as a victim before anyone else. Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, is “Honest” Iago. He wants to bring down Othello because he thinks that he has slept with his wife, even though Emilia says that she did not(IV.ii.147). This happened through the tragic events of manipulation from Iago. No. Jealous – Over time, Othello starts to show his jealousy and how reckless he really is. That is Iago. You can view our. Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. Probably, yes! With Iago’s excellent use of logos and repetition, Iago now has strong control over Othello. Othello is so affected by Iago efforts and his ability to manipulate that all these thoughts soon abandon Othello’s mind. The antagonist in the play is Iago. He is boisterous, egotistical, sometimes witty, and all too eager to seek revenge. Othello is the protagonist because the story revolves around something that happens to him and changes him (from loving husband and successful officer to madman and murderer). Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. In The Return of Jafar, Jafar mentioned that he purchased Iago in the bazaar at some point in his life. The play revolves around his corruption by Iago and his descent into a dangerous jealousy. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. Shakespeare may have entitled the play The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice to show that the tragedy belongs to Othello, even though the control of the play is stolen by Iago. At the beginning of the play, Othello occupies a complex position within Venetian society. These soliloquies show the audience the inner workings of Iago’s twisted mind, and not Othello’s. Made a Slave: In Othello… Othello from enjoying marital happiness, and he expresses his love Othello is the tragic protagonist of the story. On the subject of the conclusion of Othello, a notable difference in Shakespeare’s style is present. Othello is the tragic protagonist of the story. The play revolves around his corruption by Iago and his descent into a dangerous jealousy. While Othello is respected and loved, and Cassio is trusted, Iago is only given the lowly position of “his Moorship’s ancient,” or flag-bearer. The role is thought to have been first played by Robert Armin, who typically played intelligent clown roles like Touchstone in As You Like It an Emilia at first appears to be one of her husband Iago’s puppets. Some readers have suggested that Rather, a protagonist is the principal character, propelling and leading the plot’s progression. Indeed, he seems maddeningly perfect to his adversaries. As entertained spectators, we find ourselves on Iago’s side when Othello is a brave and competent soldier of advanced years and Moorish background in the service of the Venetian Republic.He elopes with Desdemona, the beautiful daughter of a respected Venetian senator.After being deployed to Cyprus, Othello is manipulated by his Ancient (pronounced Ensign) Iago into believing Desdemona is an adulteress. Iago is a manipulative villain who serves as an antagonist, or an enemy to the protagonist, and develops a plan to destroy the lives of Cassio, Othello and Desdemona.Iago seems to … Through some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. Iago, the villain in Othello, is perhaps the most sadistic and consummately evil character in all English literature and his eventual downfall illustrates the triumph of love over hate, a key theme in many of Shakespeare’s plays.Iago, an ensign serving under Othello, the Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, is undoubtedly the most interesting and perplexing character in Othello. Iago hates Othello and devises a plan to destroy him by making him believe that his wife is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. What you know, you know. ” The tragedy, and the general development of the play, comes solely from Iago’s motivations and actions, evil as they may be. Iago's past is mostly shrouded in mystery. Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. Roderigo, even Emilia—at the slightest provocation and enjoys the in the final scene, when Iago kills his own wife (V.ii.231–242). What's interesting is that we spend more time with the villain than the protagonist, which is one of the more unique qualities of Othello. Iago as the Hero of Othello A Shakespearean play always includes a typical villain character. In Shakespeare’s tragedies, the protagonist often gives epitaphs or soliloquies when on-stage alone, and makes lasting changes on other characters. Iago is also the character who gives soliloquies to the audience, mapping the progression of the play and of his ill deeds, as if he were the narrator. is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack With these attributes, the clearer protagonist in Othello is the villainous Iago. most inveterate liar, Iago inspires all of the play’s characters He is the evil one, and the character initiating all of the problems. (2.1.191–93) Setting the scene. The Character of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello The antagonist in Shakespeare’s Othello is a demi-devil; unequalled in malice, proficient at con and dexterous at manipulation. Likewise, Othello would not have grown paranoid and murdered Desdemona without continuous prompt by Iago’s advice. Hence, Othello is the protagonist, Iago the antagonist. Even Othello’s greatest enemy, Iago, confesses in act I, scene i, “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago,” or rather, he would not want to be Iago if he could be a man like Othello. Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, is “Honest” Iago. While in a revenge tragedy Iago would be the main character, Othello is a classical tragedy rather than a revenge tragedy. In literature there is always a direct link between characterization and theme development. Hamlet’s death marked the end of the story, as did Lear’s and Macbeth’s. Iago was able to alter Othello's views on his own wife with the help from Rodrigo. 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. Do we as an audience focus on him? If Shakespeare had intended Iago as the principal character, why is the play entitled Othello? Hamlet is a crazed, murdering prince, Lear is narcissistic, senile, and a verbally abusive father, and Macbeth is a murderous traitor to his king and country. In fact, many truths that society clings to are based on individual points of view, and Othello is a play that is based, in large part, on Iago’s perceptions and motivations. a streak of cowardice in Iago—a cowardice that becomes manifest Cassio obstructs Iago in his goals, no doubt, but Othello evokes the sinister nature of Iago’s revenge and drives him to commit terrible acts. freebooksummary.com © 2016 - 2021 All Rights Reserved. There are various motives that may have contributed to Iago’s distaste for the protagonist Othello. Iago mentions this suspicion again at the end of Act II, scene i, These unfavorable and evil attributes serve Shakespeare’s main characters by presenting them as realistically written men, and there always seems a degree, however small, of sympathy associated with their respective downfalls and tragedies. All this makes Iago possibly the most interesting character of the play, which one would think unlikely since Othello is the hero, and Iago is the villain. Iago soon uses this trust that was gained to turn Othello into a man that is nothing better than himself. Iago is clearly a sociopath, as he unscrupulously betrays his commander Othello, his wife Emilia, and his friend and patsy, Roderigo. This text is NOT unique. foolish Roderigo, which serve as a showcase of Iago’s manipulative -abilities. Otherwise he would have been dismissed, as Cassio was for a drunken misunderstanding. Crazy Jealous Guy: It's his Fatal Flaw. It is almost unanimously believed that Othello had never bedded Iago’s wife, Emilia, but that is not relevant. While Othello’s past and present are somewhat mythical and mysterious, an audience gets to delve into Iago’s, making him the principal character. Iago is a major character in William Shakespeare's 1607 play Othello. This never ends, even when killing Roderigo, but eventually Iago sees his plan played out in full with the deaths of Othello, Desdemona, and even Emilia. Cassio is shown racially as someone more refined and suited to the Florentine aura where Othello is treated as an “Other” by Iago, Roderigo and Brabantio. Although everyone, including Othello, believes that Iago is a loyal and devoted friend, Iago understands the strategic advantage that false friendship gives him. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the Iago (/ i ˈ ɑː ɡ oʊ /) is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello (c. 1601–1604). Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." That she loves him, ’tis apt and of great credit,” which marks Iago as crazy enough to believe his own lies. Iago actively works to thwart Othello by convincing Othello that Desdemona is being unfaithful to him, knowing that this belief will torment Othello. Print. skill. He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona. to express his true motivation—makes his actions all the more terrifying. This material is available only on Freebooksummary, We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. His final speech reveals a change in his behavior. From the very beginning, Iago speaks at great length about his hatred, his revenge, and his brilliantly orchestrated scheme. How about getting full access immediately? ” Desdemona’s handkerchief is stolen by Emilia, but because “My wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it. Iago's character and his techniques of illicit manipulation hav Iago makes him insecure from the mere character of Cassio. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. Othello deemed to be written in 1603 revolves around four main characters; Iago Othello, Desdemona wife to a Moorish general, Cassio and the general. You can't get much more antagonistic than Iago is towards Othello. Key quotation (Aside) O, you are well tuned now!But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, As honest as I am. Iago is a fictional character in Shakespeare's Othello. What is relevant is that Iago believes that Othello has cuckolded him. He is the husband of Emilia, who is in turn the attendant of Othello's wife Desdemona. even with Othello “wife for wife” (II.i.286). Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago Racial and female stereotypes also dominate. Also, these tragic protagonists always died on-stage or were specifically depicted in death. With these attributes, the clearer protagonist in Othello is the villainous Iago. This does not detract from his responsibilities of the plot’s progression, however. Both are preyed upon and fall victim to Iago’s devices, as well. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our, The whole doc is available only for registered users, Analysis of Othello by William Shakespeare. If Iago is considered the protagonist of Othello, then which character would be considered the antagonist? G. Blakemore Evans. the desires of those around him that makes him both a powerful and However, it has been hinted at a few times. the trait that is most lethal to Othello: trust. In Act , Scene i, the soliloquy reveals that Iago is not merely an evil man, but possibly a good man who has become murderously insane with jealousy. His apparent madness presents some sympathy for Iago, as well. In spite of his elevated status, he is nevertheless easy prey to insecurities because of his age, his life as a soldier, and his race. of Othello, and Iago’s lack of motivation—or his inability or unwillingness Othello. Also, he wants to bring down every other character until he … a compelling figure. In William Shakespeare Othello, Iago is the well-liked, trusted, and brave ensign of the great Venetian general Othello, or so it … Iago’s true, underlying motive for persecuting Othello is his homosexual love Shakespeare did not write such accidents. None of these claims seems to adequately explain Iago’s deep hatred In the final scene, Othello even cites Iago’s word as his reason for murder to Emilia, rather than citing the physical evidence of the handkerchief, “Cassio did top her, ask thy husband else…Thy husband knew it all. hatred of women that he displays. From this time forth I never will speak word. Othello's uncontrollable and empowering jealousy transformed him into a savage and irrational character. In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. This series of events would be seen as injustice by any man in Iago’s position. WORKS CITEDShakespeare, William. that says I play the villain,” and know that it will laugh as though This level of respect helps Othello become a tragic character indeed, but not a typical Shakespearean tragic protagonist. The Moor commander is constantly respected by Venetian senators, soldiers, and ladies alike, even after murdering his wife and committing suicide. At the As previously referenced, Iago decides to never again speak, an odd idea for a man so skilled at verbal persuasion. Iago has seven soliloquies of ten lines or longer (plus an additional handful of asides); Othello, on the other hand, has only three (including the “put out the light” speech in the final scene over what he assumes [and probably] is Desdemona’s sleeping body). He decides, “That Cassio loves her (Desdemona), I do well believe ‘t. His role is one of Othello's outwardly loyal courtier and friend, while at the same time manipulating his friends and master into doing his bidding, eventually persuading Othello to believe that his wife, Desdemona, has been having an affair, resulting in Othello killing her in a jealous rage. The play’s protagonist and hero. ” That is his last dialogue in the play. He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. pain and damage he causes. He is willing to take revenge on anyone—Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Othello, however, is an anomaly. It is Iago’s talent for understanding and manipulating position of lieutenant (I.i. Othello has the hamartia, and suffers the inevitable defeat. Iago Motives In Othello 1060 Words | 5 Pages. He is a senior officer in the Venetian army under the command of its general, Othello. Like many Venetian men of the time period, Brabantio’s reputation is the upholder of his honor. He certainly seems to take great pleasure in preventing The events of the play have brought him the decision to never speak again, which violates his very nature to talk and sling insults and weave great webs of deception. Another sympathetic aspect of Iago stems from Cassio’s promotion. What's interesting is that we spend more time with the villain than the protagonist, which is one of the more unique qualities of Othello.