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Iago in Othello: Easy Kids' Guide to His Tricky Character

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Ruby Forfar-Jones

03/04/2023

English Literature

Othello critics about Iago

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English Literature

Iago in Othello: Easy Kids' Guide to His Tricky Character

Iago's complex character analysis in Othello reveals a masterfully crafted antagonist whose motivations remain deliberately ambiguous throughout Shakespeare's play.

Key points:

  • Various literary critics across different periods have interpreted Iago's character analysis differently, from Coleridge's "motiveless malignity" to modern psychological interpretations
  • Iago's motives range from professional jealousy to possible repressed homosexuality, making him one of Shakespeare's most complex villains
  • As Iago's job in Othello is that of the trusted ancient (lieutenant), his betrayal becomes even more significant
  • The character demonstrates exceptional manipulation skills through his quotes and actions, having over 1,000 lines in the play
  • Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello is reflected in his refusal to explain his motivations at the play's conclusion
...

03/04/2023

261

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Further Critical Perspectives on Iago

This page continues examining critical views on Iago's character, focusing on Dr. Johnson and Bradley's perspectives of Iago as the ultimate evil character. It explores textual evidence supporting and contradicting these views.

Quote: Dr. Johnson stated, "The character of Iago is so conducted, that he is from the first scene to the last hated and despised."

Highlight: Iago has over 1,000 lines in the play, second only to Hamlet among Shakespeare's characters, indicating his central importance.

The analysis notes Iago's ambiguous motivation and his refusal to explain himself at the play's end. It also examines Iago's self-description "I am not what I am" and its biblical connotations, as well as the dramatic irony in his reputation as "honest Iago."

Vocabulary: Hamartia - A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to a character's downfall.

The page concludes by discussing how Iago's manipulative nature is evident from the play's beginning, using the motif of poison to illustrate his destructive influence.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Iago as a Promethean Character

This page explores Charles Lamb's interpretation of Iago's character as more of a Promethean figure, focusing on his ambitions and intellectual activity rather than solely on his crimes.

Quote: Lamb wrote, "We think not so much of the crimes which they commit as of the ambition, the aspiring spirit, the intellectual activity which prompts them to overleap those moral fences."

The analysis examines how Iago's actions throughout the play support this view, highlighting his intellectual scheming and manipulative skills.

Example: Iago's line "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" in Act 1, Scene 1 demonstrates his early plotting against Othello.

Highlight: The page discusses how Iago's opportunistic nature might contradict the idea of his "mastery," but ultimately enhances his portrayal as an evil character.

The analysis also considers counterarguments to this interpretation, maintaining a balanced view of Iago's complex motivations and character.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Honigmann's Perspective on Iago

This page begins to explore Honigmann's 1991 view on Iago's character, which counters Dr. Johnson's interpretation. The analysis is cut off, but it suggests a focus on audience reactions to Iago in the theater.

Quote: Honigmann states, "In theatre our reactions are..."

While the full quote and analysis are not provided, this introduction suggests a shift towards considering how Iago's character is perceived by audiences during performances, potentially offering a different perspective on his role and impact in the play.

This approach could provide valuable insights into Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello, considering how his actions and motivations are interpreted by viewers in real-time theatrical experiences.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Iago's Motivations and Character Development

This page delves deeper into the complexities of Iago's motivation in Othello, exploring the various factors that may drive his actions throughout the play.

Iago's motivations remain ambiguous, with several possible explanations:

  1. Professional jealousy over Cassio's promotion
  2. Suspicion that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia
  3. Racial prejudice against Othello
  4. Possible repressed homosexual feelings towards Othello

The play provides evidence for multiple interpretations, contributing to the ongoing debate about Iago's true motivations. His refusal to fully explain himself at the end of the play ("Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.") further adds to the character's enigmatic nature.

Highlight: Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello is a key factor in the ongoing critical debate surrounding his character.

Quote: "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1) - This statement by Iago encapsulates his deceptive nature and sets the tone for his actions throughout the play.

Example: Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief situation demonstrates his opportunistic nature and ability to adapt his plans as circumstances change.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Iago's Impact on Other Characters and the Play's Structure

This final page examines how Iago's actions and character influence the other characters in Othello and shape the overall structure of the play.

Iago's manipulations affect nearly every character in the play:

  1. Othello: Iago exploits Othello's insecurities and jealousy, leading to his tragic downfall
  2. Desdemona: She becomes an innocent victim of Iago's scheming
  3. Cassio: Iago manipulates events to disgrace Cassio and ruin his reputation
  4. Roderigo: Iago uses Roderigo's infatuation with Desdemona for his own ends
  5. Emilia: Iago's wife unwittingly becomes complicit in his plans

The play's structure is also heavily influenced by Iago's machinations:

  1. Iago's soliloquies and asides provide insight into his plans and motivations
  2. The separation and reuniting of characters in different scenes is often orchestrated by Iago
  3. The play's tragic conclusion is a direct result of Iago's actions and manipulations

Highlight: Iago's portrayal of evil in Shakespeare's Othello is central to the play's structure and the development of other characters.

Vocabulary: Soliloquy - A dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone, revealing their inner feelings to the audience.

Example: Iago's famous line "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1) sets up the theme of deception and appearance vs. reality that runs throughout the play.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

View

Page 6: Aesthetic Evil

Hazlitt's perspective presents Iago as "an aesthete of evil," while examining his manipulation techniques and ultimate downfall.

Quote: "Some wine, ho!" exemplifies Iago's manipulative nature

Highlight: Iago's loss of control and resort to violence when Emilia reveals the truth shows his limitations

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English Literature

Iago in Othello: Easy Kids' Guide to His Tricky Character

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Ruby Forfar-Jones

@rubymae2710

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Iago's complex character analysis in Othello reveals a masterfully crafted antagonist whose motivations remain deliberately ambiguous throughout Shakespeare's play.

Key points:

  • Various literary critics across different periods have interpreted Iago's character analysis differently, from Coleridge's "motiveless malignity" to modern psychological interpretations
  • Iago's motives range from professional jealousy to possible repressed homosexuality, making him one of Shakespeare's most complex villains
  • As Iago's job in Othello is that of the trusted ancient (lieutenant), his betrayal becomes even more significant
  • The character demonstrates exceptional manipulation skills through his quotes and actions, having over 1,000 lines in the play
  • Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello is reflected in his refusal to explain his motivations at the play's conclusion
...

03/04/2023

261

 

12/13

 

English Literature

5

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

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Further Critical Perspectives on Iago

This page continues examining critical views on Iago's character, focusing on Dr. Johnson and Bradley's perspectives of Iago as the ultimate evil character. It explores textual evidence supporting and contradicting these views.

Quote: Dr. Johnson stated, "The character of Iago is so conducted, that he is from the first scene to the last hated and despised."

Highlight: Iago has over 1,000 lines in the play, second only to Hamlet among Shakespeare's characters, indicating his central importance.

The analysis notes Iago's ambiguous motivation and his refusal to explain himself at the play's end. It also examines Iago's self-description "I am not what I am" and its biblical connotations, as well as the dramatic irony in his reputation as "honest Iago."

Vocabulary: Hamartia - A tragic flaw or error in judgment that leads to a character's downfall.

The page concludes by discussing how Iago's manipulative nature is evident from the play's beginning, using the motif of poison to illustrate his destructive influence.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Iago as a Promethean Character

This page explores Charles Lamb's interpretation of Iago's character as more of a Promethean figure, focusing on his ambitions and intellectual activity rather than solely on his crimes.

Quote: Lamb wrote, "We think not so much of the crimes which they commit as of the ambition, the aspiring spirit, the intellectual activity which prompts them to overleap those moral fences."

The analysis examines how Iago's actions throughout the play support this view, highlighting his intellectual scheming and manipulative skills.

Example: Iago's line "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" in Act 1, Scene 1 demonstrates his early plotting against Othello.

Highlight: The page discusses how Iago's opportunistic nature might contradict the idea of his "mastery," but ultimately enhances his portrayal as an evil character.

The analysis also considers counterarguments to this interpretation, maintaining a balanced view of Iago's complex motivations and character.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Honigmann's Perspective on Iago

This page begins to explore Honigmann's 1991 view on Iago's character, which counters Dr. Johnson's interpretation. The analysis is cut off, but it suggests a focus on audience reactions to Iago in the theater.

Quote: Honigmann states, "In theatre our reactions are..."

While the full quote and analysis are not provided, this introduction suggests a shift towards considering how Iago's character is perceived by audiences during performances, potentially offering a different perspective on his role and impact in the play.

This approach could provide valuable insights into Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello, considering how his actions and motivations are interpreted by viewers in real-time theatrical experiences.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Iago's Motivations and Character Development

This page delves deeper into the complexities of Iago's motivation in Othello, exploring the various factors that may drive his actions throughout the play.

Iago's motivations remain ambiguous, with several possible explanations:

  1. Professional jealousy over Cassio's promotion
  2. Suspicion that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia
  3. Racial prejudice against Othello
  4. Possible repressed homosexual feelings towards Othello

The play provides evidence for multiple interpretations, contributing to the ongoing debate about Iago's true motivations. His refusal to fully explain himself at the end of the play ("Demand me nothing. What you know, you know.") further adds to the character's enigmatic nature.

Highlight: Iago's ambiguous morality in Othello is a key factor in the ongoing critical debate surrounding his character.

Quote: "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1) - This statement by Iago encapsulates his deceptive nature and sets the tone for his actions throughout the play.

Example: Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief situation demonstrates his opportunistic nature and ability to adapt his plans as circumstances change.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

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Access to all documents

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Iago's Impact on Other Characters and the Play's Structure

This final page examines how Iago's actions and character influence the other characters in Othello and shape the overall structure of the play.

Iago's manipulations affect nearly every character in the play:

  1. Othello: Iago exploits Othello's insecurities and jealousy, leading to his tragic downfall
  2. Desdemona: She becomes an innocent victim of Iago's scheming
  3. Cassio: Iago manipulates events to disgrace Cassio and ruin his reputation
  4. Roderigo: Iago uses Roderigo's infatuation with Desdemona for his own ends
  5. Emilia: Iago's wife unwittingly becomes complicit in his plans

The play's structure is also heavily influenced by Iago's machinations:

  1. Iago's soliloquies and asides provide insight into his plans and motivations
  2. The separation and reuniting of characters in different scenes is often orchestrated by Iago
  3. The play's tragic conclusion is a direct result of Iago's actions and manipulations

Highlight: Iago's portrayal of evil in Shakespeare's Othello is central to the play's structure and the development of other characters.

Vocabulary: Soliloquy - A dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud when alone, revealing their inner feelings to the audience.

Example: Iago's famous line "I am not what I am" (Act 1, Scene 1) sets up the theme of deception and appearance vs. reality that runs throughout the play.

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

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Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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Page 6: Aesthetic Evil

Hazlitt's perspective presents Iago as "an aesthete of evil," while examining his manipulation techniques and ultimate downfall.

Quote: "Some wine, ho!" exemplifies Iago's manipulative nature

Highlight: Iago's loss of control and resort to violence when Emilia reveals the truth shows his limitations

Othello critics-lago Critic name Date Coleridge Stanley Hyman Levis Romantic period Late 20th Century View Quote - 'Motiveless Malignity' -

Sign up to see the content. It's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

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Critic Views on Iago's Character

This page summarizes various critical perspectives on Iago's character in Shakespeare's Othello across different time periods. Critics like Coleridge viewed Iago as having "motiveless malignity," while others like Hyman proposed latent homosexuality as a motivation. Leavis saw Iago as subordinate to Othello's own flaws in causing the tragedy.

Quote: Coleridge described Iago as having "motiveless malignity" and being "a being next to the devil."

Highlight: The page analyzes how these critical views apply to the play, noting both supporting evidence and contradictions for each interpretation.

Example: While Iago gives some reasons for his actions, like being passed over for promotion, his refusal to fully explain himself at the end supports the "motiveless malignity" view.

The analysis acknowledges the complexity of Iago's character, showing how different aspects of the text can support conflicting interpretations of his motivations and significance in the play.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

Knowunity has been named a featured story on Apple and has regularly topped the app store charts in the education category in Germany, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Join Knowunity today and help millions of students around the world.

Ranked #1 Education App

Download in

Google Play

Download in

App Store

Knowunity is the #1 education app in five European countries

4.9+

Average app rating

17 M

Pupils love Knowunity

#1

In education app charts in 17 countries

950 K+

Students have uploaded notes

Still not convinced? See what other students are saying...

iOS User

I love this app so much, I also use it daily. I recommend Knowunity to everyone!!! I went from a D to an A with it :D

Philip, iOS User

The app is very simple and well designed. So far I have always found everything I was looking for :D

Lena, iOS user

I love this app ❤️ I actually use it every time I study.