How does Shakespeare explore the theme of jealousy in these extracts?
Shakespeare explores the theme of jealousy through the dramatic device in the first extract of the couple reuniting on one side of the stage and the deliberate contrast of a malicious conniving Iago plotting on the other side. The theme of jealousy is implemented as the audience feels the dramatic tension of Iago's motive to undermine Desdemona and Othello's marriage whilst we are witnessing the touching joyous reunion of the couple. The blatant contrast between character's auras of happiness and bitterness (scheming, plotting) is used by Shakespeare to portray that inevitable overwhelming jealousy that Iago feels towards Othello.
As all exit at the end of the extract, Iago is left alone on the stage where he quickly starts plotting his revenge. It is obvious to the audience that he does this out of jealousy of Othello and perhaps of Othello and Desdemona's happy marriage shown through their joyous reunion. However the theme of jealousy is emphasised as Iago includes Cassio within his plotting. The audience is aware that Iago is also somewhat jealous of Cassio as he got appointed Othello's right hand lieutenant however at the end, Iago says that he will tell that Desdemona is in love with Cassio, showing his plan to get revenge to satisfy his jealousy. Iago's clever plot to 'kill two birds with one stone' is to gain revenge on Othello and Cassio shows the extent of his jealousy, driving him to plot and scheme.
In the second extract Iago's soliloquy further highlights Shakespeare's theme of jealousy as he says he is not able to 'endure him [Othello]' due to his admirable qualities which Iago states as 'constant, love, noble nature'. This resentment Iago has for Othello's qualities or successes shows Iago as a character prone to jealousy and with his quick and arguably passionate plotting, the audience then develops an understanding that Iago's jealous nature is easy to accelerate to malicious and deceitful means.
In Iago's soliloquy, Iago reveals that he is not only jealous because of his resentment for Othello's status but also because he 'suspects' that Othello 'hath leap'd into my seat', meaning Othello had had an affair with his wife, Emilia. Without having proof for this accusation, the audience is then able to portray Iago as a character who is possessed by his jealousy that his judgement of reality is clouded. Even though he is not sure whether Othello had slept with Emilia or not, his jealousy consumes him, overwhelmingly pushing him to plot. This shows Iago's twisted jealous character who, with the overwhelming jealousy, is driven to extreme extents.
Shakespeare develops the theme of jealousy however with Iago's dark and deceptive scheming, Shakespeare highlights the danger of jealousy.
How would an audience react to Iago’s plotting against Othello, Desdemona and Cassio?
Shakespeare very skillfully creates great dramatic tension within the audience with the dramatic irony in Iago's deceitful conniving plotting. The device of dramatic irony, meaning that the audience knows about Iago's plotting however the characters are not aware, creates more anticipation for the climax of Iago's plots and also creates dramatic tension as the characters within the play are completely unaware. For example with Othello's trust in Iago when Iago is the last person Othello should trust, creates a sense of anticipation from the audience for Othello to discover or be affected by his obliviousness.
The audience may feel great discomfort and increasingly feel great dislike towards Iago, not only is he an extremely malicious character but the fact that the other characters have no idea creates even greater dislike for Iago as he is highly deceptive. In having sympathy for the other characters, the audience are forced to feel even more dislike for Iago as he is plotting against them. Shakespeare portrays Iago as a 'villain' in the play of Othello and with the devices of his 'asides' and 'soliloquy', this secretive malicious nature forces the audience to feel tense as they are to witness his schemes when the other characters are not even aware.
Katherine,
ReplyDeleteexceptionally good understanding of the character, themes, scene and dramatic devices shown here in your response. You identify a number of key points and your opening pargraph is very worthy (almost as an example introduction for a commentary on this section).
However, I think you need to provide more direct quotations to support your ideas and engage with the language of those quotations more thoroughly (really, you're just using them to back up points, rather than teasing out explanations of HOW the language helps to develop those points in the first place).
Katherine,
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion your points and ideas made on the first question are very good, but might want to include more quotations and expand your answers made on them.
Your answer to the second question was particularly good and the audience's reaction was well explained with clear examples in the extract.
Good job!