1) How does Shakespeare explore the theme of jealousy in these extracts?
The theme of jealousy is explored by Shakespeare through literary devices including: imagery and stylistic structure. The stylistic structure used to convey such emotion is the reunion between Othello and his love Desdemona; by having the poetic and in love couple kissing on one side of the stage while captivating the audience’s attention on Iago’s ‘aside’ scheming; heightens the sense of Iago’s envy for the lovers. It is made more significant when Othello, whom Iago has been (from the beginning of the play) been characterised to be incredibly jealous of, has come back a hero and is greeted by a beautiful sought-aftered wife. This idea of jealousy leads on to the literary device of imagery that is used in Act 2. After the Turkish fleet has been cast aside by the storm; Act 2 begins with Iago openly abusing women for their qualities, reducing them to nothing by prostitutes and inanimate objects. Outwardly this response can viewed as hostile, rude and unappreciative, but like Iago’s characterisation (a complex and unpredictable piece of artistry by Shakespeare with ambivalent qualities) his badmouthing can also very well be his hidden envy for women, how they are shielded, by domesticity, from the animosity and harsh and barren realities of society. Thus the negative imagery along with contextual structure linking Iago’s ‘aside’ during Othello’s and Desdemona’s kiss and ‘chastising’ of women has worked well together in presenting the development in the theme of jealousy.
2) How would an audience react to Iago’s plotting against Othello, Desdemona and Cassio?
Personally I find Iago the ultimate villain in which from the very beginning of Act 1 scene i the audience have been encouraged to dislike through Shakespeare’s presentation of this character being very deceitful, manipulative and cunning yet appear harmless and honest through his silver tongue. Therefore the audience’s reaction towards Iago’s plotting would inevitably be dislike, negative and wariness, for straight away Shakespeare has managed to illustrate a very dangerous character. The sense of tension in the audience is heightened through Shakespeare’s artistry of creating dramatic irony throughout the play; this is an effective dramatic/literary device which emphasises the audience’s wary perceptions towards Iago and feel more sympathetic for the other characters (Desdemona, Othello and Cassio) in the play. Furthermore, the contemporary audience of ‘Othello’ would feel very strong scepticism towards Iago’s plotting as adultery during the respected time period is a great offence and for Iago to use this as his plot: making the people/characters around him jealous and misinterpret each other which leads to their downfall; again, makes the audience greatly dislike Iago as well as think of him as a low life that is both dangerous and sly. This feeling is brought about most prominently in the audience as Shakespeare has made us very familiar and attracted to the idea of these victorious, wilful and dedicated characters of Othello, Desdemona and Cassio. The idea of them coming to harm is very unattractive thus heighten the audience’s strong reaction towards Iago.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteThis is a very detailed response to the questions. I particularly liked the way in which you have woven the stage directions along with its context in your answers.
I strongly agree with your personal opinion in question 2 - I don't think Iago ever gains sympathy from the audience.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas expressed in a confident and clear fashion. You show great understanding of the entire scene and weave your comments about different sections of it together very nicely.
One thing I'd be looking for more of, though (and usually you do this), is direct reference to the text - many good points about Iago's use of imagery and denigrating language go by without proof. This is normally a strong point of yours!
Also, Adam's comments are very accurate - a further question, though, that is more geared toward Grade 7 responses: 'I don't think Iago ever gains sympathy from the audience' - HOW and WHY does Shakespeare ensure that the audience never sympathises with Iago and how is that important to the play as a whole?
Thank you Adam, really appreciate your comment =]I do think, however, its blatantly obvious that i had written this response in the early hours of the morning as my English is quite shocking :S ...oops
ReplyDeleteHowever, to answer your questions in how and why Iago never gains sympathy from the audience; I personally think, is because throughout the play Iago has been characterised to possess and perform suspicious and questionable qualities. From the very beginning in Act 1 scene i the audience is introduced a character who displays mercenariness and manipulation, not only does Iago display these traits but he executes them without hesitation and with great results; seen most prominently with how he very cleverly persuades and rouses both Roderigo but also the very highly regarded Brabantio "Iago, who had have my purse/As if the strings were thine...'Sblood, but you'll not hear me" and "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping you whit ewe!" both quotations showing how Iago knows exactly what to say and to whom it would be most effective to highlights the extent of his skills. For Shakespeare to make Iago's unattractive qualities his strengths, its more likely that the audience grow wary of this his character and understand that Iago is trouble. In addition, the use of his soliloquys to end each major dramatic episode describing and denigrating those around him such as Emilia, Cassio, Othello, Roderigo and even Desdemona (who all think so highly of him) is emphatic in signifying that there is no good in this character and that he is pure villainous evil. Overall Shakespeare illustrates a vivid character who depicts an untrustworthy and odious character whom trusting could lead to your imminent downfall; sympathy from the audience is thus, rightfully, not gained by Iago.
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI found that your points and ideas made in the first question are very good. However, more quotations might be good to expand your answers and add evidence to what you're saying.
I particularly liked your second answer on the audience's reaction and how you took into consideration what a 15th century audience might feel.
Good job!