Othello: A Possible Flaw in the Plan

Iago apparently has everyone convinced of his saintly personality, everyone besides Roderigo.  Roderigo is angered at Iago because he had been promised that Desdemona would become bored of Othello and fall in love with him, but he hasn't seen any improvements in this area. Furthermore, Roderigo has been giving Iago jewels to give to Desdemona as tokens of his affections, and  now doubts that Iago has even given these to Desdemona. Roderigo says, "I have heard too much, and your words and performances are no kin together." (IV.ii.181-182). He continues, "I tell you ’tis not very well. I will make myself known to Desdemona. If she will return me my jewels I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation. If not, assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you." (IV.ii.190-194).  It seems to me that Roderigo might possibly be the hiccup in Iago's plan that I have been anticipating.  With plan as intricate as Iago's, I would be amazed if absolutly nothing went wrong. However, Othello is one of Shakespeare's tragedies, so the likelihood of the villain being successful is far greater.

Othello: The Handkerchief

The handkerchief, though a seemingly small and insignificant object, obviously plays an important symbolic role throughout William Shakespeare's Othello. In the beginning of the play, the handkerchief, formerly owned by Othello's mother, serves as a symbol as Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona.  He gives it to her as a token of his love, and says that as long as she keeps this handkerchief, he will love her.  However, the handkerchief has chaotically changed hands many times, mirroring the chaos that is Othello and Desdemona's relationship.  When Bianca shows up with the handkerchief claiming that she found it in Cassio's bedroom, this is the concrete proof that Othello needed of Desdemona's infidelity.  "As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in the wrong.—How do you now, lieutenant?" (IV.i.125-132). The handkerchief has switched roles, now serving as a symbol of Desdemona's supposed infidelity and Othello's newfound hate.

Othello: Not Only Evil, Also Smart

Perhaps the reason why Iago is considered by some to be the best villain of all time is that he is not only purely evil, he is also smart.  He is cunning, which allows his evil plans to follow through, so far without even a hiccup.  A prime example of Iago's cleverness is in his convincing of Othello of Cassio's guilt in the situation with Desdemona.  Othello wants concrete proof of Desdemona and Cassio's crimes, and Iago manages to lure Cassio into providing the proof himself. "Now will I question Cassio of Bianca, A huswife that by selling her desires Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature That dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s plague To beguile many and be beguiled by one. He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain From the excess of laughter. Here he comes. As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad. And his unbookish jealousy must construe Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior Quite in the wrong.—How do you now, lieutenant?" (II.i.83-93).  Just as Iago plans, Othello is completely convinced and outraged to the point that he tells Iago to kill Cassio and makes plans himself to kills Desdemona.  He is even further enraged by the fact that Cassio is laughing at his apparent affair with Desdemona, proving that he doesn't even love her.  Othello's rage at this revelation shows his still-remaining love for his wife. 

Othello: Cassio Falling in the Trap

Even after he loses his position under Othello as a result of Iago's manipulation, Cassio continues to fall deeper into Iago's trap.  Iago convinces Cassio that Desdemona, Othello's wife, might be the key to convincing Othello to reinstate Cassio as one of his officers.  Cassio takes this advice, though he doesn't entirely believe that it will work, because he is desperate to regain his noble reputation.  This can only end badly.  First, the entire idea was Iago's, the root villian of the story who is intent upon every honorable characters' ruin. Also, he had already planned in previous scenes to make Othello believe that Cassio was being intimate with his lover, Desdemona.  Cassio's further interaction with her in his pleading for her to intercede on his behalf will probably come off looking very bad, especially because he no longer works for Othello and has no apparent reason to be speaking with his wife.  Cassio wastes no time in requesting to see Desdemona, "Why, no. The day had broke Before we parted. I have made bold, Iago, To send in to your wife. My suit to her Is that she will to virtuous Desdemona Procure me some access."  Iago's planning has been entirely successful so far, so it is only expected that this plan will follow through as well.  I wonder what Othello's reaction will be when he is convinced that Cassio and Desdemona are together.

Othello: Iago's Intentions

I can't help but to be curious as to Iago's malicious intentions regarding Othello.  It seems that he doesn't  wish to kill him, because manipulations and "sucking-up" would not help him at all in this regard.  I think that he must plan to prosper from some sort of downfall of Othello. Maybe he hopes to take Othello's place with the Italian navy? Or to inherit his favorable place among the leaders of the state like the Duke.  Then again, how would the downfall of Cassio help in any of these matters, other than the amount of personal audience that Iago would then have with Othello if he were appointed as his right-hand-man. Overall, Iago's manipulations grow more and more obvious, especially in regards to Cassio. In Act II Scene i, "If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to play the sir in." This passage is Iago discussing how Cassio's courtesy towards women could actually end up getting him in trouble.  Then toward the end of Act II, Iago actually causes the demotion of Cassio when he pressures him into getting drunk amongst the end-of-war celebrations.  In his drunken state, Cassio makes foolish decisions that confirm his demotion and the success of Iago's wicked plan.  It should be interesting to discover what other havoc Iago's manipulations and sly intentions might provoke.  

Othello: Cassio vs. Iago

Othello's two most influential comrades, Cassio and Iago, are very different from one another.  Cassio is obviously a man of good character.  He is respectful and polite and gives his commander, Othello, the utmost respect.  Iago, on the other hand, is malicious and rude.  He is manipulative of everyone for his own selfish purposes, and while he is not unctuously trying to promote his disguise of an honest reputation, he is mean and rude to everyone.  For example, because he has no reason in particular to impress his wife because she has nothing that he wished to attain, he is incredibly inconsiderate to her. He tells Cassio, "In faith, too much. I find it still, when I have leave to sleep. Marry, before your ladyship, I grant, She puts her tongue a little in her heart And chides with thinking."  In this passage Iago is criticizing his wife for essentially talking to much.  This is how he greeted her.  Cassio on the contrary greets Emilia with, "Good ancient, you are welcome.—Welcome, mistress. (kisses EMILIA) Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, That I extend my manners. 'Tis my breeding That gives me this bold show of courtesy."  Clearly Cassio is the man of better character, though he may not be the man of better wit.

Othello: The War

I find it odd that this war between the Italians and Turks isn't quite ringing any bells with me. I don't remember ever learning about a war like this in history classes, though I'm sure that it did actually happen.  Also, it is a little strange to me that the Italians would hire a Moor as a commander in their army.  What is the reason for Othello, the Moor's, allegiances to Italy.  He did discuss being a slave and I wonder if he was enslaved somewhere in Italy.  It is clear that the majority of the plot of this story will have little to do with the actual war, as the Turks are seemingly defeated at the beginning of Act II. This ending of the war acts almost like foreshadowing in that it reveals that the plot will be centered around the relationships of the characters of the story rather than the war.  Other foreshadowing that has thus far been present is the straightforward intent of Iago to manipulate all those around him into doing what he wants.  In Act I Scene 3, Iago explains how Othello is easy to manipulate, "The Moor is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are."  I'm sure Iago's manipulations will dominate the plot of the story.