7–32 ). Within one single scene, II.iii, Iago is four times called "honest", twice by Othello, once by Cassio, and once by himself. ... middle of paper ... They are not quite of the same class and Iago resents that, for he knows that the promotion was not ... "Honest Lago" 337 In the construction of the play two leading motives are em ployed,?Iago's mendacity and Othello's credulity, and these motives are inseparably connected, forming a single stream of influeuce, from which flow all the action and all the passion of the plot. is definite hatred throughout the play. many other characters towards their tragic end. and actions, Iago manipulates others to do things in which he benefits. It is hard to imagine Othello as a man who could be led to murder his innocent wife at this point in the play. I believe Both Othello and Desdemona call him, "Honest Iago", Cassio, Brabantio and Rodrigo also show their faith in Iago. Is it acts like these make him seem absolutely mad, because he behaves so erratically. (full context) Emilia is dumbfounded as she digests this information, but recovers herself enough to say that Iago was lying and to condemn Othello's actions. Othello believes “honest Iago’s” every word and begins to trust on him for information. Brutus throughout the whole play has made many blunders. ... the exact opposite and wins everyone over. through Desdomonia. When he learns of his fathers death, he acts mad and possibly even becomes truly mad. "If Cassio do remain, ...to be a person "of exceeding honesty, (who) knows all qualities, with learned spirit of human dealings." The relationships between Hamlet and his mother and Hamlet and Ophelia. This would suggest that this is a fundamental characteristic of his. The word "honest" itself means free of deceit with the implication that one is sincere in his/her actions, behaviors, and so on. Even though that didn t work he is able to get himself in a better position to further inflict harm, and confusion between Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio. He hath a daily beauty in his life Analysis of the Character Iago's Honesty in William Shakespeares's Othello Iago gaining such great trust from Othello contributes to his deceiving nature. When Michael Cassio explains, “I have very poor and unhappy brains/ For drinking” (2.3.28-9). Analysis. He uses Roderigo, `whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out' to `put our Cassio in some action'. But this is not surprising because Hamlet distrusts everyone and tries Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." Seeing as he always comes across as helping others and not looking out for himself, this “honest” tactic ironically gains him more trust and respect from others. By doing this he is planning frame Cassio and Desdomonia as having an But Iago is actually honest to the readers who read this play! ” (II. Copyright © 2000-2020. He wants what Cassio has. Everyone else will have to stay single. Iago has very few redeeming qualities. For this reason, he seeks to destroy Cassio's reputation. Othello calls him ‘honest Iago’ as early as Act 1 Scene 3, and trusts him throughout the play. He looked down on Ophelia at this moment because she had upset him by following what her father had told her to do. Iago notices Othello’s character and acts on his weaknesses, showing both his cruelty and intelligence. Iago is one of the most complex characters in William Shakespeare’s Othello. When faced with this accusation, Iago simply offers that killing Cassio will aid his cause and the gullible Rodrigo falls for it. This decision on Roderigo’s part seals his fate as a consequence of trusting the “honest” Iago.Thus, through the entire play, the character of Iago alters little except in the method of his treachery which increases proportionally. ironic because really everything the man says they know to be a lie. given the name “Honest Iago” despite how honest he really is. This helps explain why Curley does not want his wife to have conversations with the other men; she has not been married long and she is already looking at them. Throughout the whole play Iago manipulates the people around him and lies to them. So the thought that he would go and try to ruin the life of the Moor over something like that just seems. Tom hates the fact that his wife, Daisy, has been spending so much time with another man, Jay Gatsby. that this is one of the reasons that he tricks and manipulates Throughout the story he known as “Honest Iago. Iago is, in many ways, the most intelligent and appealing character in the play. Iago often refers to his wife as a wench (Shakespeare 3.3.330), and believes a woman is only useful when she is pleasing her man (Shakespeare 2.1.117). Tricking someone into believing that they are being honest and true is one of the most terrible acts possible for it is messing with the persons trust and emotions. For him this was going to be easy- he would prey on the weaknesses of people around him and use them to his own advantage. honest even by Othello himself, Iago uses it to his advantage . Before Iago can even begin to initiate his plan he is referred to as honest by many of the characters. Although he never directly tells his motive for hating Othello, there ... William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. That makes me ugly..." Iago is seen as one of the most hated villains ever as he was extremely devise and no one ever really understands why as his motives are never quite clear. He desires to be in command as Cassio is. Emilia and comments in Act 4 Scene 3 add to his suspicions. Iago says, 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. Iago achieves this easy as his great ability to play the portion of the “loyal ensign” renders his frontage more than converting. b) Iago fools everyone in the play to reach his goals. Honest Iago of Othello To most of the world William Shakespeare is recognized as the greatest dramatist in history. play Iago is described as an "honest" man, which to the audience seems To most of the characters, he is “Honest Iago” (Shakespeare, 5.2.73). Whilst you were here, o'erwhelmèd with your grief - A passion most unsuiting such a man - Cassio came hither. however, the audience knows that Iago is the furthest thing from honest. Othello to believe that Desdemona is having an affair. In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. He is paranoid that she will start talking to one of the men on the ranch and be unfaithful to him. Firstly, when Hamlet is acting mad, he does not inform Ophelia of it, and treats her poorly. The irony … This was from all the flaws and faults Brutus carried. “, “I hate the Moor: it is thought abroad: there is gossip. Iago’s merciless taking of Emilia’s and Roderigo’s lives is another proof of his amorality. I shifted him away, And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy, Shakespeare uses irony continuously throughout the play when it comes to Iago. Iago does this by getting Cassio drunk and causing him to get in a fight and disturb Othello, Othello then demotes Cassio of his rank as second-in-command thus securing the position for Iago. Shakespeare in his play of Julius Caesar accurately and expertly showed how Brutus was a tragic hero. ” [Act II, Scene III, Line 245]. For instance, in case of honesty Iago is termed “honest” racism is depicted when Othello is termed “the black with thick lips.” Confine yourself but in a patient list. He seems to know people very well and is an excellent (28). His "med'cine works! away with this because they trust him, his lie (his “poison”) works, Throughout the 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 themes of the play are honesty, love, misrepresentation, self knowledge, magic, racism, oppression, pride, appearance and reality, revenge, betrayal and jealousy. Through often referring to Iago as honest, there is also irony shown, since he is the least honest character. He is the main driving force in this play pushing Iago's amorality can be seen throughout the play and is shown by his actions. In every scene where Iago speaks you can point out his deceptive manner. Iago does know all about human dealings, but he is far from honest. ” He even says of himself, “I am an honest man…. It also causes his "friends," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to deceive him. If Lodovico wants to know more, he should just keep an eye on Othello. Through carefully though-out words Iago tricks Othello into believing that his own wife is having an affair, without any proof. Knowing he is portrayed as very Iago repeatedly says things greatly (5,1). Lago deceives Othello, who trusts him the most throughout the story, often referring to Iago as “honest Iago” (I. iii. It prompts him to mistreat those around him—specifically important women in his life, his girlfriend Ophelia and his mother Gertrude. Iago is a master of abusing people’s trust to gain more power and further the completion of his goals. Being the crafty villain that Iago is though, he consistently and cleverly manipulates the trusting Othello un... he would like. 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. Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. Even in Act 5 Scene 2, after he has killed Desdemona and when Emilia stoutly defends Desdemona’s innocence, he still maintains he is right because Iago said so: Iago’s crude language is excused as that of a straightforward soldier, with Cassio allowing, 'He speaks home, madam; you may relish him more in the soldier than in the scholar' (2.1.161–62). It would make sense for him to be mad at the Moor and even perhaps plan to kill the Moor over this, but we can see in other scenes that Iago clearly does not care about his wife. Iago does succeed in his plan, because, ironically, everyone in the play believes all his actions and advisements are just, true, and from the heart. The most interesting and round character in the tragic play Othello, by Iago is the main driving force in "Othello," pushing several characters Iago manages to appear honest partly because of natural characteristics and partly because he purposely sets out to look honest. For instance, when Hamlet states, “Get thee to a nunnery. (I., ii, 1322) Iago states his discuss for Othello and his intent in the play s opening: 305-306). Copyright © 2000-2020. Iago is referred to as honest over fifty times in the play, by almost every character. Iago’s reputation for straightforward honesty is the foundation of his deceptions. Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play "Othello," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. Iago knows that if he can obtain Othello’s trust then he will be able to hurt and destroy him in any way necessary. In Othello, the Moor was easily able to call his friend, Iago, “honest Iago.” Whereas in society, honesty is often times questioned due to the lack of knowledge. William Shakespeare, is "honest" Iago. Othello - Honest Iago Iago also feels that Othello is having an affair with his own wife, Iago?s plan is to manipulate Cassio and Desdemona, so that it would appear that they are having an affair; which would break Othello?s heart. An example of this is when he stabs Polonius through the drape, without even checking to see who he is. Get yourself to a convent, fast” (III.i.136-152). ... middle of paper ... Honest is used in Shakespeare’s play, Othello, as well as in society to describe… ...ally, he caused more trouble for the people of Rome he held so close than good, but it is for his actions that he among of conspirators deserves some amount of sympathy and honor. Unlike most villains in tragic plays, evidence of Iago's deception All the main characters turn … ‘I hate the Moor’ (II.iii.26). seems to be helping his “friend” to keep his reputation and use it to manipulate other characters To begin with, many have looked at the reasons of this tragic hero’s need for enlightenment. 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. ‘Black Ram’ Iago is very distressed, because Michael Cassio was promoted to Othello?s lieutenant instead of himself. In doing this, Iago keeps Rodrigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. Iago is a jealous, manipulating, vindictive type character. Iago puts his first of many destructive plans into motion; destroying Michael Cassio’s honor and reputation. Othello. Thus credulous fools are caught..." Iago slowly poisons people's thoughts, implanting ideas in their heads without implication to himself. When Iago announces that he will set down the pegs that make the music of Othello’s and Desdemona’s happiness, ‘as honest as I am’, he may mean either ‘because I am so honest’ or, ‘though I am so honest’. Bradley, A. Ophelia rejected him and his mother married his uncle. is not clearly visible. The term honest is a word that is easy to describe yet often times difficult to portray. He clearly did not see her as anything more than someone there to do what he said whenever she was told. Being a Shakespearean tragedy, Iago and—ultimately—evil, triumphs. Cassio, like Rodrigo, follows Iago blindly, thinking the whole time that Iago is trying to aid him, when in-fact, Iago, motivated by his lust for power, is attempting to depose Cassio of his position as lieutenant. benefit, talking Cassio into pleading with Desdemona and inducing Iago planned to fire Cassio and it worked in his favor, but now It is so typical of Iago to make sure a comment which absolutely describes his motives but covers it to appear have some moral conscious. and this protects him from any questioning. Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. This tactic of Iago's is extremely effective. Tom says that he “‘may be old-fashioned in [his] ideas, but women run around too much these days to suit [him]. when after the senate meeting Othello leaves Desdemona in his care, referring to him as Honest Iago. reason are rational enough for his hatred, but they are not rational ... that people, who all along look up to him and call him "honest" Iago, realize this. He uses this to his own “Honest Iago” is a sentence heard a fair amount of the time when used to describe Iago, but the audience sees very early on that Iago is anything but honest. In this rage, he tells Ophelia that if she marries a smart man he will know that she will ruin their marriage, he tells her that he doesn’t want to marry her anymore, and to bring herself to a whorehouse. Iago is merely manipulating the other characters’ good nature and using his reputation as “Honest Iago” to avoid being conspicuous. To what extent can the so-called ‘Honest Iago’ is just ‘literally honest’ will be stated regarding my findings and opinions in following paragraphs. Iago is the villainous character of 'Othello' and it is his behaviour that ultimately leads to the downfall of Othello himself, the tragic hero. affair to make Othello jealous. Hamlet avoiding conflict causes his girlfriend to stop talking to him. He is referred as “honest Iago” and claims to wear his “heart on my [Iago’s] sleeve”. He also uses these reasons to convince Roderigo to hate Othello. judge of the other characters. Hamlet tells her these things to try and hurt her feelings even though he loves her, her is mad at her for listening to Polonius all the times. Iago is also racist towards Othello as his hatred towards him spills Iago being known for the honest man he earns everyone’s trust and therefore learns their weakness for his ultimate plan of destruction. Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him with what he leads people to believe as honesty. His character is totally unconflicted about being evil, making him known to some authors as the villain of all villains. This is Iago?s main reason for revenge against Othello. 294). Needless to say, Iago is one of Shakespeare’s most sinister villains, often considered such because of the unique trust that Othello places in him, which he betrays while maintaining his reputation of honesty … Thus Iago dishonestly uses his reputation for honesty in order to suggest that Othello has done terrible things -- and will do them again. Iago is appealing to the characters of the pay because he gives them what they want. One of the most ironic parts of the play is the fact Othello puts great trust into Iago, who lies the most and is actually working against Othello. Now, you must remember Iago's initial motive, here: to `strip' him out of his lieutenancy. He uses the trust Othello puts into their friendship to turn him into a jealous man. This is a scene of mixed speech and action with the comedy of drunkenness, the visual action of the brawl, and the to-and-fro of arrangements between individuals at the end of the act. Works Cited and Consulted "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as His intelligence shines through his ability to deceive, his ability to strategize, and his ability to twist the truth. ... middle of paper ... ‘The Devil’ like – Iago Analysis ...builds a successful story. Hamlet, despite being the hero of the tragedy, commits various actions that would consider him as a villainous character. These mistakes, little they seemed for the moment, grew and exploded in Brutus’s... Character Analysis of Iago From Shakespeare’s Othello. out into a racist verbal attack – Notice, " You are well turn'd now! Trust is a very powerful thing that Iago easily abuses. If one is so obviously honest, it is astonishing it need be repeated so often. He has done my office: I know not if 't be true” (Shakespeare 1.3.363-365). He only gets Iago frames Michael Cassio and then later tells him that he will help him get his job back All rights reserved. After the murder of Desdemona and as Iago's scheme is about to be unveiled, it is pitiful when Othello still insist, "My friend, thy husband; honest, honest Iago" (V. ii. Cassio.” 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. The real motive seems but a slip on Iago’s part when he says in act five, as he waits to stab Cassio: One last word play that is quite powerful in the play is how Othello always described Iago as, "honest" Iago. 123Helpme.com. Perhaps therein lies the ultimate irony: The name of Oedipus will always be cloaked in a pall of darkest ignominy, but that of Sophocles remains forever radiant in brightest glory. Even though Hamlet is pensive to the point of obsession, he acts rashly too. Iago is an expert judge of people and their characters and uses this to his advantage. All rights reserved. He is valued for his loyalty and there is a consensus that he is very honest and straightforward and, in fact, he is repeatedly greeted as ‘honest Iago,’ and spoken of with the same language. for his acts what he did after. Iago’s green-eyed monster of Othello’s place is more than apparent as he broods upon the lost publicity. Though the story he tells is a heartbreaking and predictable tragedy, Sophocles masterfully employs the tools of his craft to fashion a drama that has captured the fascination of untold generations. Character Analysis Of Honest Iago In Shakespeare's Othello, Everyone loves a good plot twist, and Othello has a fairly huge plot twist. Iago is seen as one of the most hated villains ever as he was extremely devise and no one ever really understands why as his motives are never quite clear. For Iago to constantly lie and deceive his wife and Friends, he must be extremely evil…or amoral. He refers to Cassio’s goodness here and realizes that he lacks his gentlemanly traits. Shakespeare's vast knowledge, and writing style made his works interesting for both the intellectual, and the illiterate. Othello And Iago Analysis In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. Iago represents evil and cruelty for … "I have no great devotion to the deed and yet he has given me satisfying reason," (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 8). Iago means that because he is Othello's honest (loyal) friend he cannot honestly (truthfully) say everything he knows about Othello. (II.iii.258-62). Tom Buchanan is also a possessive and jealous husband. You can see this happen when By manipulating Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, Iago strives with envy and plots to steal the position he feels he most justly deserves. His “med’cine works! He believes Cassio has also slept with his wife; an absurd suspicion- but nevertheless allows Iago to continue with his plan. 151). ...that Desdemona was ever false to him, but Othello counters that it was "honest, honest Iago" (5.2.156) who showed him the truth. ... middle of paper ... to push everyone away, especially Ophelia whom he says he loves Iago is habitually praised by Othello: "Iago is most honest" (6), and Cassio: "Not tonight, good Iago." Join Now Log in Home Literature Essays Othello Honest Iago Othello Honest Iago Jeremy Zorn "IAGO: Stand you a while apart. 123Helpme.com. Those But [as we know], their trust in Iago is an eyewash and things are revealed after a heavy toll of life of the protagonists. Iago is not a traditional villain for he plays a unique and complex i. Iago uses cunning and trickery to make peoples impression of him, as towards their tragic end. Cassio takes his leave from Iago: "Good night, honest Iago. “Honest Iago” is a sentence heard a fair amount of the time when used to describe Iago, but the audience sees very early on that Iago is anything but honest. Othello's jealousy is not a constructive motive, for it Iago, a masterful deceiver, says, "And what's he t... role. Iago is even Iago is often called ‘honest’ in the play as the speech by Othello goes “…A man he is of honesty and trust…” (1.3.283). Iago uses their weaknesses, secrets, and fears to ruin the names Michael Cassio, Othello, Desdemona, and anyone who stands in his way. Iago is a devil bent on destroying the lives of everyone around him. His plays have been performed for centuries through various interpretations. of this play. Iago is appealing to the reader as well. ( Shakespeare, is `` honest '' Iago slowly poisons people 's thoughts, implanting ideas in their without! People ’ s need for enlightenment manipulates others to do what he after... 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