Iago (to Othello):
I am glad of this; for now I shall have reason
To show the love and duty that I bear you
With franker spirit. Therefore, as I am bound,
Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof.
Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio;
Wear you eyes thus, not jealous nor secure.
I would not have your free and noble nature,
Out of self-bounty, be abused. Look to't.
I know our country disposition well:
In Venice they do not let God see the pranks
They dare not show their husbands; their best conscience
Is not to leave't undone, but keep't unknown.
In this passage Iago tries to convince Othello that Desdemona has been cheating on Othello. This shows a lot about Iago's character and ability to manipulate language. The order in which he speaks and tries to lead Othello’s mind is significant in Othello being convinced. By beginning with "love and duty" Othello rather than Desdemona, Iago makes his thoughts regarding her secondary and his duty to Othello most important. But the language is ambiguous if read closely. Iago says "the love and duty that I bear you" but never says how much that it, introducing the possibility that he bears very little. He then tells Othelllo to receive what Iago is bound to give, but Iago does not feel he owes Othello much or he would not be using him in this way. Iago mocks Othello while simultaneously manipulating him. When Iago speaks of his knowledge of Venetian women’s reputation, he goes a step further in talking down to Othello. Othello is reminded that he is not from the same geographical area as the others. Iago is able to manipulate this to make himself look good and to make Othello worry and feel his otherness. Iago is still asserting his superiority. This passage also shows betrayal and questions the power of military ranks and bonds.
Monday, May 5, 2008
"Othello" Act III scene 3 lines 192-205
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3 comments:
From: Norma Velazquez
While I agree with what's been said about this, I want to call attention to other aspects of Iago's character that are clearly illustrated in this passage.
Iago is to Othello and Desdemona, what Satan is to Adam and Eve (in Paradise Lost for example). He is the observer in the couple's relationship . The interesting thing about this passage is that Iago never really lies about anything (in this passage), he simply suggests through supposed observations to which he honestly says "I speak not yet of proof".
Not only does Iago's character parallel Satan's in being the third person voyeur, but also the instigator. Just as Satan plants the seed of doubt into Eve, so does Iago for Othello. Understand the parallel has nothing to do with these two characters being considered evil. Iago, like Satan, insinuates ideas and most importantly asks Othello to question what he sees.
Britain and Spain were having religious struggles over power and in 1588 the Spanish Armada is sent to Britain but is forced to turn back because of a bad storm. This is the background for the Turks sudden crash and retreat. Up until this point, the play is very much a comedy, but then we get Iago's third parallel. Othello can be seen as the enemy of comic harmony (I don't think this necessarily makes him evil).
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