Tuesday, September 11, 2012
What's Iago Really After?
I definitely agree with Julia that Iago is similar to Dorian in that every evil action he does is driven by selfish desires, and the thought that doing so will make him a better person. Iago is obviously jealous to a certain degree of the success that Othello has reached. In Iago's mind, Othello doesn't deserve to have this kind of recognition or ranking. So instead of taking his lack of promotion like a man, Iago targets Othello, the most successful one there, and tries to bring him down. Just like the Devil did in "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", Iago is trying to take down the most successful in order to satisfy himself with just a pinch of pride for doing so.
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REALLY interesting thoughts on Iago and the Devil in the song! And I REALLY like the idea that that Iago thinks that all of his plans "will make him a better person"! In what sense do you mean--or does Iago mean--"a better person"?
ReplyDeletei agree with you Rachel in the sense that Iago tries to take down Othello because he has such a high rank. Iago kind of has the mentality of a bully where he has to hurt and lie about other people in order to feel better about himself. Since he has the reputation of Honest Iago, he has the satisfaction of being the one with all the answers and reports of what happens. because everyone believes him 9even though he is lying most of the time) he feels respected and needed by the people.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that you label Iago as a "bully." I agree, but don't bullies generally pick on someone weaker, smaller? Is Iago a different type of bully or how is Othello "smaller" or "weaker"?
ReplyDeleteA bully when we traditionally think about is bigger or hangs out with a stronger group of friends who go and confront people. Iago does not confront people. He sits and waits and thinks and then convinces his targets to ruin there lives. I think he is an incredibly arrogant person. He thinks Othello is less intelligent than he is, but I think that Othello is just not as sinister and paranoid as Iago. Iago sees his calculating nature as a virtue. He bullies people just to prove that he is smarter and more deserving of there place. I think he hates seeing Othello get credit for doing something he could have done with ease.
ReplyDeleteI like your comment regarding Iago's seeing his manipulative ability as a virtue!
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