Show How Shakespeare Sets Out the Contrasting Characters of Othello and Iago. What Possibilities Does This Contrast Offer for the Development of the Plot?

Show How Shakespeare Sets Out the Contrasting Characters of Othello and Iago. What Possibilities Does This Contrast Offer for the Development of the Plot?

  • Submitted By: kwankhl
  • Date Submitted: 03/04/2012 3:09 AM
  • Category: Book Reports
  • Words: 428
  • Page: 2
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In “Othello”, Othello and Iago are two very different characters. Othello is a very gentle and honest General, while Iago is a very malicious and wicked Ancient. This contrast helps the development of the plot.

In act 1, it mentions the elopement of Othello and Desdemona. Othello elopes with Desdemona not because he wants to satisfy his sexual desire, but he is really in love with “the gentle Desdemona”, and he “would not my unhoused free condition put into circumscription and confine for the sea’s worth”. From he can satisfy his freedom for Desdemona, shows that he really treats the relationship seriously and purely. However, Iago looks at their relations in a dirty way. He describes Othello as a “barbary horse” and “beast” which always conveys the idea of sex.
Furthermore, Othello trusts people very easily which shown in the way he trusts Iago and says that Iago is of “honesty and trust”. He believes in him as he trusts loyalty makes Iago worth trusting, while Iago “in following him, I follow but myself”. Iago is only serving himself, which also shown in “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. He is not loyal at all but very good at pretending. He pretends to be very loyal to Othello, seems to be serving him, but actually he is working for Rodergo. He is like a Janus who is a two-face god.
Moreover, Iago doesn’t show his real side to people while Othello is a very honest man. Iago does not let the others to look at his heart and real desire, which is shown in “I am not what I am”. He seems to be working for Rodergo and serving Othello, but in fact, he aims for killing Othello and getting back the title of lieutenant and that is his plan of ‘double knavery’. On the other hand, Othello is very true to the others. He speaks what his mind and heart tells him to. Also, when he speaks to people, he is always so gentle and soldier-like, while Iago speaks rudely and showing his violent.

In conclusion, the two contrasting characters help the developing...

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