"Othello": Dramatic Irony

     Woah, Woah! Did Othello really just brutally strangle his beloved Desdemona?  In William Shakespeare's Othello, the mighty Moorish general becomes a slave to his Lieutenant's deception and murders the love of his life, Desdemona.  With the audience being aware of Desdemona's faithfulness, while Othello is not, dramatic irony takes its toll on the story line of the play.  The literary device allows the reader the have complete knowledge of Iago's sneaky manipulations and see the full truths and intentions of the characters.  If this literature did not involve dramatic irony, Cassio would have never been fired, Desdemona would not have been suspected of adultery, and Othello would not have killed his wife.  Basically, there would be no need for Iago, but also, no real story.  With the main characters thinking
"...Iago is most honest", the plot line is unwoven (Shakespeare, II.iii.7).  Because there is dramatic irony, a brilliantly chaotic plot is displayed, making Othello, Othello.

"Othello": Emilia being a Dynamic Character

       I near the end of the classic literature, Othello by William Shakespeare, I now claim a sense of respect and admiration towards  Emilia, the once obedient wife of Iago.  Before learning of her husband's deceitful plans, Emilia, although not exactly appreciated by Iago,  would parade submissively around him, satisfying his  every need.  In greater depth, without much of an explanation, Emilia willingly steals her best friend's handkerchief under the command of her husband.  Little did Emilia know, this simple action would set into motion a plan to kill her dear friend, Desdemona.  Upon hearing of Iago's evil deception of Othello, Emilia wishes "...His pernicious soul rot half a grain a day" (IV.ii.168).  It is at this point that the readers can detect a change in Emilia's character.  Emilia's faithfulness is quickly replaced by a new, fierce hatred.  This dynamic character reveals the truth evil of Iago to Othello.  Hopefully, Othello's new knowledge of Iago will make for a not so tragedy end to the tale.

"Othello": The Pivotal Role of Iago

     Looking back at the past four acts in Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago's numerous lies and manipulations of various characters begin to fall perfectly into place, making his role pivotal in the plot line.  Iago's countless lies have set off a chain reaction.  One vicious untruth leads to the downfall of them all.  Moreover, by Iago indirectly firing Cassio, Desdemona spends more time with Cassio, trying to reclaim his position.  Then, when Iago plant a false send of Desdemona's unfaithfulness in Othello, the couple turns against one another.  Eventually the intensity of Othello's hatred for Desdemona urges the desire to "...Strangle her in bed..." (Shakespeare, IV.i.191).  Clearly, Iago's plotting goes past the point of simply wanting a higher position in the military.  Because Iago suggests the killing of both Desdemona and Othello, I predict that the two will soon both perish.

"Othello": Predictions

     So far, in the first three acts of Othello by William Shakespeare, there has been numerous account of  drama and deceptions thanks to the evil workings of Iago.  Although I personally loathe Iago and his various manipulations of his closest friends, I do admit his clever and persuasive testimony is completely genius and believable.  Well played, indeed, Iago!  As I read on, Othello and Desdemona engage in an argument that will most likely result in the separation of the couple.  Later, Othello asks Desdemona to "fetch (him) the handkerchief" (Shakespeare, III.iii.80).  When Desdemona learns she has lost Othello's precious gift to her, I assume that all the chaos will break loose between the two.  Looking ahead, I predict, since this literature is labeled as a tragedy, that this conflict will not be resolved.

"Othello": Symbolism of the Handkerchief

    In Act III of classic literature, Othello by William Shakespeare, a simple handkerchief is used as a symbol  which I predict will play a vital role in the outcome of the work.  Firstly, this handkerchief was given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of his love.  The gift symbolizes Othello's pure and simple love for his wife.  Because of the meaning behind the handkerchief, Iago, using his manipulative genius, will use the symbol to turn the lovers against one another.  Iago plans to go to Cassio's and "...lose this napkin and let him find it" (Shakespeare, III.iii.131-2)  Because this handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona's love and faithfulness to her husband, Othello will automatically assume she is cheating.  As this gift was actually his own mother's, Othello will be heartbroken over this matter.  I predict Othello will eventually step down from his position in office, letting Iago to take his place.

"Othello": Irony of Iago

    Throughout Act II of Othello by William Shakespeare, the audience gets a taste of Cassio and Iago's differing treatment and opinions of women.  To begin, Cassio's flirty behaviors causes him to appear infinitely more friendly and desirable than the hardhearted Iago. Cassio greets the women he encounters with a kiss.  Also, when Desdemona enters his presence, Cassio demands all the men to kneel before her.  This action instills the notion that Cassio respects and honors women.  Moving on,  Iago is presented as a ma with a poor view of women.  Iago looks at women as sneaky and manipulative.  This view is ironic because Iago is bother sneaky and manipulative.  Later, Desdemona mentions that Iago treats "though praisest the worst best" (Shakespeare, II.i.143).  Overall, Cassio treats women incredibly better than Iago.

"Othello": Characterization of Iago

    In Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago is characterized through his deceptions of Othello, Cassio, and Montano.  Moreover, Iago yearns for a higher office in the military than the one he currently holds.  Instead of improving himself, Iago decides to gain his desired position by deceiving and humiliating those who genuinely respect and rely on his trust.  In even greater depth, Iago tell Montano that Cassio's drinking "Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep" (Shakespeare, I.iii.90).  Because his vice is revealed, Othello fires Cassio from office.  Iago, further illuminating his deceitful methods,  tells Cassio to ask Desdemona for help in restoring Othello's faith in him.  The overall message I took from this situation was that Iago uses his two-faced behavior to accomplish his goal.  Iago is ultimately characterized as a manipulative man seeking personal gain through the deception of others.