Hence, there is no doubt that Iago is much lower than Othello and, therefore, the latter proves to be much more attractive to the readers. Hence, Othello is far from being a positive character what differs him from Iago is not being good head to toes, a specific manifestation of all virtues a human being can possess, but the way Othello acts and thinks – the latter proves far more magnificent than the lowest of the low that Iago is: “Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw/ The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt” (Shakespeare para.1839-1840), he said with dignity, while Iago’s cues, “I hope you will consider what is spoke/ Comes from my love” (Shakespeare 1871-1872) are shot through with hypocrisy and meanness, while he is pretending to offer Othello a helping hand. “A noble barbarian” (Christofides), this character possesses considerable flaws as well, yet they do not seemingly change the reader’s attitude towards the character, still leaving him attractive and even gorgeous in his savage-like rage. As Christofides says, “Traditionally, the problem of Othello has been seen as Othello” (Christofides). In contrast to Iago, Othello’s negative features, once manifesting themselves, obtain a certain hue of magnificence. Providing a striking contrast to Iago, Othello still represents another complex character that is not simple enough to be “good” or “bad” and is also balancing on the verge of becoming evil, yet in his own way. Since Iago wishes Desdemona to die without any reason except the wish to destroy Othello, Iago is evil itself, and his key motivation is evil. Iago does not possess any single positive feature except his questionable and even mocking “honesty,” which makes him ultimately evil: “Iago moves finally to the desire for Desdemona’s death, or, more precisely, for a specific kind and location of death” (Zender). However, it is also important to consider the public’s perception of the characters as the protagonist of the play to possess the element of tragedy within, the ultimate feature that is supposed to make the character dual, and, thus, more appealing to the reader. As Ancola explains,Ĭonsequently, “honest Iago” – just think of the numerous times his honesty is referred to in the play – tries whenever possible to tell the truth, so much that sometimes when he does tell a lie, he will actually admit it. Moreover, Ancola emphasizes that Iago’s desire, to tell the truth offers a striking contrast to his mean essence. But in a world filled with lies–as ours is–how does one become evil? The answer is as obvious as it is simple: One tells the truth!” (Ancola). Weirdly enough, since Iago is claiming to be constantly telling only the gospel truth, he is an evil incarnate.Īncola suggests that telling the truth is a crime in the world where lies reign: “In a truthful world, an evildoer causes mayhem by lying. However, despite the obvious negative features that Iago possesses and uses to seize power over Othello and, leading this titan astray, make him collapse, the character possesses certain virtues. Hence, Iago’s image and behavior comply with the scenario of the play. Iago is doubtlessly the main villain because of the role that he plays in the story. Iago: Poisoned with the Desire to Destroy Hence, though the characters in question are incredibly complex, the main antagonist must be the lowest of the low in Othello. However, in the modern understanding of the word, being a villain presupposes the fight of good and evil within the character. To simplify the idea of a villain in Shakespeare’s vision, critics may say that Shakespeare sees the villain as the person plotting something evil while claiming to be pure and innocent.
Judging by the extract quoted above, the Shakespearean concept of a villain in the given play relates rather to a merciless and despicable intriguer than to a character that is equal to the protagonist of the play. To win the Moor again? (Shakespeare, 1491). When this advice is free, I give and honest, Portraying Iago in his play, Shakespeare offers the following commentary:Īnd what’s he then that says I play the villain?
However, the definition of a villain is rather a complex issue itself. Combined with the elements of utter vileness and meanness and attempts to obtain the reputation of an honest man, Iago is the one who deserves the title of the true villain of the play, in contrast to the straightforward and noble Othello.
0 kommentar(er)
