How does Shakespeare explore the theme of jealousy in these extracts?
Shakespeare articulates a deeper explanation of the theme of jealousy through the bitter character of Iago. In his soliloquy, Iago suspects the Moor to have “hath leap’d into [his] seat” which means that he suspects him to have slept with his wife, Emilia. The simile “the thought whereof doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards”, shows how the simple suspicion of Othello being with his wife is driving him mad, consuming him slowly. This excessive jealousy will transform into an overwhelming need for revenge. The audience is encouraged to dislike Iago even more for he wants his sufferings to diffuse to others; this jealousy is ‘poisoning’ him and yet, he will instil the same sense of jealousy into Othello. As he said, “I put the Moor at least into a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure”
Iago despises Othello for his perfect virtues, and perfect marriage; essentially he is jealous for the qualities of others. He loathes Othello for his “constant, loving, noble nature” and for being “a most dear husband”; Iago fails to even come close to embody those qualities and is jealous of Othello for his excellence and admirable superiority.
In this extract Iago also shows that he is bitterly envious of women, it is shown through how he talks about them in a completely derogative view. This machist devaluing of women is a façade to hide his envy for their exclusion from the harsh realities of the world and their lack of responsibility. He says they “rise to play and go to bed at work”, essentially he is saying they only get up for sexual acts and they become lazy when they have to do their domestic duties; he envies the lack of worries in this lifestyle.
How would an audience react to Iago’s plotting against Othello, Desdemona and Cassio?
In these extracts, Shakespeare repeatedly and constantly exposes the audience to Iago’s malicious manoeuvrings and scheming against Othello, Desdemona and Cassio. Through dramatic irony Shakespeare creates an awkward and perturbed atmosphere for the audience because of the ambiguity of the scene.
The use of an aside for Iago where he plots for the downfall of Othello who is also on stage, revelling as he is reunited with his beloved, Desdemona. Before the aside, the audience sees Othello, a military general, unfolding all of his love and giving a genuine display of love. His hyperbolic and poetic language and constant referrals to Desdemona as a goddess makes the audience sympathise for the beauty of this passionate love. Dramatic irony is heightened because as Othello and Desdemona are kissing, Iago is plotting against them. The audience will feel tense as they cannot simply admire the display of love but they are constantly confronted with Iago’s despising scheming.
Furthermore, the scene, once again, ends with Iago and his scheming. Shakespeare purposely ended all these scenes with Iago so that the audience is constantly reminded of the plotting which builds up tension and anticipation towards the realisation of this plan.
Valentin,
ReplyDeleteYou've shown exceptionally good understanding of this extract and expressed this understanding with excellent and sophisticated language (I must confess I even ran it through 'turnitin' just to be sure...).
Your analysis of language in the first part of your response is very good (others should look at it as an example) and you skillfully describe the effects the range of dramatic elements create in the audience.
One key criticism I would add, though, is toward the latter part of your response you make assertions / arguments but provide no evidence (eg: His hyperbolic and poetic language and constant referrals to Desdemona as a goddess makes the audience sympathise for the beauty of this passionate love.) - this is something you cannot afford to do in the commentary
Val this is a really good response with particularly eloquent language used throughout- even i thought you had stolen the opening sentence from another source. I particularly like your take on Iago's jealousy of women. You have demonstrated a clear understanding of the extract- well done!
ReplyDeleteVal you have solid understanding of how jealousy was portrayed through Iago. Your response was very well structured which made your points very clear.
ReplyDeleteThis is a well structured answer with a lot of sophisticated language. Through your language you have described the jealousy portrayed through Iago very well. This shows how well you understood the extract! However I agree with Mr.B, your second part does not show evidence as well as your first part did.
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