With close attention to the language and tone of the dialogue in the referenced portion, discuss what impression you gain of the relationship between Othello and Iago at this point in the play. Do not limit your response to the extract alone. Refer closely to the text by using quotes lavishly to buttress your points. *
Answers
Explanation:
Article written by:
Alexandra Melville
Themes:
Tragedies, Ethnicity and identity, Deception, drama and misunderstanding
Published:
6 Jun 2017
Alexandra Melville provides a close reading of the villainous character of Iago in Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello.
Key quotation
(Aside) O, you are well tuned now!
But I'll set down the pegs that make this music,
As honest as I am. (2.1.191–93)
Setting the scene
In Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Iago formulates his plan to drive Othello mad. Shakespeare shifts the action from Venice to Cyprus. A storm has dispersed the Venetian fleet so that Cassio arrives first, anxious for Othello's safety. Desdemona arrives later with Iago and Emilia. The group wait, bantering on the topic of women. Iago notices Cassio's courteous manner towards Desdemona and resolves, 'with as little a web as this will I / ensnare as great a fly as Cassio' (2.1.164). Desdemona is relieved by Othello’s arrival and the joyful party depart, leaving Iago with Roderigo.
In this key passage (2.1.191–254), Iago persuades Roderigo that Desdemona loves Cassio. His speech plays upon stereotypes, revealing the dangerous underbelly of his earlier misogynistic ‘jokes’. His language is heavily ironic, repeatedly calling Cassio a ‘knave’, though we know this is the role Iago himself gleefully identifies with. As he reminds us in his following soliloquy, ‘knavery’s plain face is never seen till used' (2.1.267).
Boydell's Collection of Prints illustrating Shakespeare's works
Boydell's Collection of Prints illustrating Shakespeare's works
An illustration of Act Two, Scene 1 of Othello. Iago looks on as Othello and Desdemona greet