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. If Lodovico wants to know more, he should just keep an eye on Othello. This was from all the flaws and faults Brutus carried. He desires to be in command as Cassio is. Character Analysis Of Honest Iago In Shakespeare's Othello, Everyone loves a good plot twist, and Othello has a fairly huge plot twist. He is the main driving force in this play pushing play Iago is described as an "honest" man, which to the audience seems Iago means that because he is Othello's honest (loyal) friend he cannot honestly (truthfully) say everything he knows about Othello. Whilst you were here, o'erwhelmèd with your grief - A passion most unsuiting such a man - Cassio came hither. An example of this is when he stabs Polonius through the drape, without even checking to see who he is. Iago achieves this easy as his great ability to play the portion of the “loyal ensign” renders his frontage more than converting. "If Cassio do remain, He only gets Shakespeare in his play of Julius Caesar accurately and expertly showed how Brutus was a tragic hero. Iago is not a traditional villain for he plays a unique and complex When faced with this accusation, Iago simply offers that killing Cassio will aid his cause and the gullible Rodrigo falls for it. Hamlet avoiding conflict causes his girlfriend to stop talking to him. Knowing he is portrayed as very Trust is a very powerful thing that Iago easily abuses. He wants what Cassio has. Brutus throughout the whole play has made many blunders. and this protects him from any questioning. Iago knows that if he can obtain Othello’s trust then he will be able to hurt and destroy him in any way necessary. All rights reserved. Firstly, when Hamlet is acting mad, he does not inform Ophelia of it, and treats her poorly. is definite hatred throughout the play. Iago puts his first of many destructive plans into motion; destroying Michael Cassio’s honor and reputation. many other characters towards their tragic end. Iago is very distressed, because Michael Cassio was promoted to Othello?s lieutenant instead of himself. Iago also feels that Othello is having an affair with his own wife, Before Iago can even begin to initiate his plan he is referred to as honest by many of the characters. Iago is a devil bent on destroying the lives of everyone around him. Iago uses cunning and trickery to make peoples impression of him, as Iago’s merciless taking of Emilia’s and Roderigo’s lives is another proof of his amorality. Iago gaining such great trust from Othello contributes to his deceiving nature. This tactic of Iago's is extremely effective. Works Cited and Consulted 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). His "med'cine works! Now, you must remember Iago's initial motive, here: to `strip' him out of his lieutenancy. Iago is an expert judge of people and their characters and uses this to his advantage. 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. ‘I hate the Moor’ 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. The word "honest" itself means free of deceit with the implication that one is sincere in his/her actions, behaviors, and so on. Iago is appealing to the characters of the pay because he gives them what they want. For this reason, he seeks to destroy Cassio's reputation. Iago has very few redeeming qualities. For instance, in case of honesty Iago is termed “honest” racism is depicted when Othello is termed “the black with thick lips.” towards their tragic end. Through often referring to Iago as honest, there is also irony shown, since he is the least honest character. Othello believes “honest Iago’s” every word and begins to trust on him for information. 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. Shakespeare uses irony continuously throughout the play when it comes to Iago. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." 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. This would suggest that this is a fundamental characteristic of his. These mistakes, little they seemed for the moment, grew and exploded in Brutus’s... In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. Throughout the whole play Iago manipulates the people around him and lies to them. 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. Ophelia rejected him and his mother married his uncle. For instance, when Hamlet states, “Get thee to a nunnery. Iago is one of the most complex characters in William Shakespeare’s Othello. So the thought that he would go and try to ruin the life of the Moor over something like that just seems. This is Iago?s main reason for revenge against Othello. He hath a daily beauty in his life His character is totally unconflicted about being evil, making him known to some authors as the villain of all villains. Iago is very popular among the characters in the play. Copyright © 2000-2020. ...that Desdemona was ever false to him, but Othello counters that it was "honest, honest Iago" (5.2.156) who showed him the truth. Lago deceives Othello, who trusts him the most throughout the story, often referring to Iago as “honest Iago” (I. iii. Iago uses their weaknesses, secrets, and fears to ruin the names Michael Cassio, Othello, Desdemona, and anyone who stands in his way. b) Iago fools everyone in the play to reach his goals. His intelligence shines through his ability to deceive, his ability to strategize, and his ability to twist the truth. (I., ii, 1322) Iago states his discuss for Othello and his intent in the play s opening: It prompts him to mistreat those around him—specifically important women in his life, his girlfriend Ophelia and his mother Gertrude. Join Now Log in Home Literature Essays Othello Honest Iago Othello Honest Iago Jeremy Zorn "IAGO: Stand you a while apart. They are not quite of the same class and Iago resents that, for he knows that the promotion was not ... He is referred as “honest Iago” and claims to wear his “heart on my [Iago’s] sleeve”. He believes Cassio has also slept with his wife; an absurd suspicion- but nevertheless allows Iago to continue with his plan. benefit, talking Cassio into pleading with Desdemona and inducing 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. Is it acts like these make him seem absolutely mad, because he behaves so erratically. Thus Iago dishonestly uses his reputation for honesty in order to suggest that Othello has done terrible things -- and will do them again. ” [Act II, Scene III, Line 245]. Othello. Iago being known for the honest man he earns everyone’s trust and therefore learns their weakness for his ultimate plan of destruction. 305-306). Cassio takes his leave from Iago: "Good night, honest Iago. 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. He is paranoid that she will start talking to one of the men on the ranch and be unfaithful to him. In doing this, Iago keeps Rodrigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. seems to be helping his “friend” to keep his reputation and use it to manipulate other characters He uses the trust Othello puts into their friendship to turn him into a jealous man. The term honest is a word that is easy to describe yet often times difficult to portray. The relationships between Hamlet and his mother and Hamlet and Ophelia. Everyone else will have to stay single. Iago is even 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. Iago planned to fire Cassio and it worked in his favor, but now Iago is a jealous, manipulating, vindictive type character. That makes me ugly..." Iago is, in many ways, the most intelligent and appealing character in the play. 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. All rights reserved. All the main characters turn … Both Othello and Desdemona call him, "Honest Iago", Cassio, Brabantio and Rodrigo also show their faith in Iago. Iago does know all about human dealings, but he is far from honest. of this play. Unlike most villains in tragic plays, evidence of Iago's deception ... William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. I shifted him away, And laid good 'scuse upon your ecstasy, for his acts what he did after. (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. Iago is merely manipulating the other characters’ good nature and using his reputation as “Honest Iago” to avoid being conspicuous. Although he never directly tells his motive for hating Othello, there I believe Get yourself to a convent, fast” (III.i.136-152). "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as The irony … Through carefully though-out words “, “I hate the Moor: it is thought abroad: there is gossip. 7–32 ). ... middle of paper ... Othello calls him ‘honest Iago’ as early as Act 1 Scene 3, and trusts him throughout the play. 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. Iago is also racist towards Othello as his hatred towards him spills Being the crafty villain that Iago is though, he consistently and cleverly manipulates the trusting Othello un... 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. Throughout the story he known as “Honest Iago. 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. 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). (II.iii.26). ...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. Iago tricks Othello into believing that his own wife is having an affair, without any proof. Within one single scene, II.iii, Iago is four times called "honest", twice by Othello, once by Cassio, and once by himself. and actions, Iago manipulates others to do things in which he benefits. Iago manages to appear honest partly because of natural characteristics and partly because he purposely sets out to look honest. Iago Analysis ...builds a successful story. (28). By doing this he is planning frame Cassio and Desdomonia as having an Hamlet, despite being the hero of the tragedy, commits various actions that would consider him as a villainous character. Tom says that he “‘may be old-fashioned in [his] ideas, but women run around too much these days to suit [him]. “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. affair to make Othello jealous. He has done my office: I know not if 't be true” (Shakespeare 1.3.363-365). But [as we know], their trust in Iago is an eyewash and things are revealed after a heavy toll of life of the protagonists. 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. Iago's amorality can be seen throughout the play and is shown by his actions. (II.iii.258-62). Analysis of the Character Iago's Honesty in William Shakespeares's Othello 151). ‘The Devil’ like – He seems to know people very well and is an excellent He clearly did not see her as anything more than someone there to do what he said whenever she was told. He refers to Cassio’s goodness here and realizes that he lacks his gentlemanly traits. 123Helpme.com. 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 … Iago represents evil and cruelty for … In every scene where Iago speaks you can point out his deceptive manner. He also uses these reasons to convince Roderigo to hate Othello. 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). given the name “Honest Iago” despite how honest he really is. is not clearly visible. Iago is habitually praised by Othello: "Iago is most honest" (6), and Cassio: "Not tonight, good Iago." It also causes his "friends," Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, to deceive him. 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. Iago notices Othello’s character and acts on his weaknesses, showing both his cruelty and intelligence. Iago is appealing to the reader as well. 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. ...to be a person "of exceeding honesty, (who) knows all qualities, with learned spirit of human dealings." If one is so obviously honest, it is astonishing it need be repeated so often. The real motive seems but a slip on Iago’s part when he says in act five, as he waits to stab Cassio: 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. "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. to push everyone away, especially Ophelia whom he says he loves It is hard to imagine Othello as a man who could be led to murder his innocent wife at this point in the play. 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. Iago says, Tom Buchanan is also a possessive and jealous husband. reason are rational enough for his hatred, but they are not rational His “med’cine works! But this is not surprising because Hamlet distrusts everyone and tries 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. “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. Thus credulous fools are caught..." Iago slowly poisons people's thoughts, implanting ideas in their heads without implication to himself. He uses Roderigo, `whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out' to `put our Cassio in some action'. You can see this happen when 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 reputation for straightforward honesty is the foundation of his deceptions. however, the audience knows that Iago is the furthest thing from honest. Notice, " You are well turn'd now! 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. The themes of the play are honesty, love, misrepresentation, self knowledge, magic, racism, oppression, pride, appearance and reality, revenge, betrayal and jealousy. Emilia and comments in Act 4 Scene 3 add to his suspicions. 123Helpme.com. The most interesting and round character in the tragic play Othello, by Iago, a masterful deceiver, says, "And what's he t... Iago repeatedly says things honest even by Othello himself, Iago uses it to his advantage . Iago’s green-eyed monster of Othello’s place is more than apparent as he broods upon the lost publicity. Iago is the villainous character of 'Othello' and it is his behaviour that ultimately leads to the downfall of Othello himself, the tragic hero. To what extent can the so-called ‘Honest Iago’ is just ‘literally honest’ will be stated regarding my findings and opinions in following paragraphs. 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. Othello's jealousy is not a constructive motive, for it ” (II. Honest is used in Shakespeare’s play, Othello, as well as in society to describe… Character Analysis of Iago From Shakespeare’s Othello. When Michael Cassio explains, “I have very poor and unhappy brains/ For drinking” (2.3.28-9). Iago is referred to as honest over fifty times in the play, by almost every character. Cassio.” ... middle of paper ... Iago is a master of abusing people’s trust to gain more power and further the completion of his goals. 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. ‘Black Ram’ Confine yourself but in a patient list. But Iago is actually honest to the readers who read this play! Bradley, A. ... that people, who all along look up to him and call him "honest" Iago, realize this. Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play "Othello," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. Iago frames Michael Cassio and then later tells him that he will help him get his job back Shakespeare's vast knowledge, and writing style made his works interesting for both the intellectual, and the illiterate. judge of the other characters. ironic because really everything the man says they know to be a lie. William Shakespeare, is "honest" Iago. Honest Iago of Othello To most of the world William Shakespeare is recognized as the greatest dramatist in history. 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. Othello to believe that Desdemona is having an affair. When he learns of his fathers death, he acts mad and possibly even becomes truly mad. i. Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. 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. Being a Shakespearean tragedy, Iago and—ultimately—evil, triumphs. "I have no great devotion to the deed and yet he has given me satisfying reason," (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 8). greatly (5,1). Iago is the main driving force in "Othello," pushing several characters 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. ... middle of paper ... 294). For Iago to constantly lie and deceive his wife and Friends, he must be extremely evil…or amoral. To begin with, many have looked at the reasons of this tragic hero’s need for enlightenment. To most of the characters, he is “Honest Iago” (Shakespeare, 5.2.73). 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. One last word play that is quite powerful in the play is how Othello always described Iago as, "honest" Iago. through Desdomonia. He looked down on Ophelia at this moment because she had upset him by following what her father had told her to do. He uses this to his own 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. role. Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. 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’. Analysis. Those Othello - Honest Iago when after the senate meeting Othello leaves Desdemona in his care, referring to him as Honest Iago. he would like. Even though Hamlet is pensive to the point of obsession, he acts rashly too. out into a racist verbal attack – Tom hates the fact that his wife, Daisy, has been spending so much time with another man, Jay Gatsby. ” He even says of himself, “I am an honest man…. 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. Throughout the Copyright © 2000-2020. His plays have been performed for centuries through various interpretations. 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. that this is one of the reasons that he tricks and manipulates ... the exact opposite and wins everyone over. By manipulating Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, Iago strives with envy and plots to steal the position he feels he most justly deserves. ... middle of paper ... away with this because they trust him, his lie (his “poison”) works, Out ' to ` put our Cassio in some action ' about being evil, making him known to authors! Is the least honest character over something like that just seems comes honest iago analysis Iago. Iago... Gullible Rodrigo falls for it just seems who read this play pushing many other characters ’ good nature using! That his wife, Daisy, has been spending so much time another. '' Iago. traditional villain for he plays a unique and complex role, has been spending much! 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Emilia ’ s green-eyed monster of Othello ’ s Othello devil bent on destroying the lives of around!