3. Heaven and Hell: ‘It hath pleased the devil drunkenness to give place to
the devil wrath’ pg.83 – Cassio believes achohol is the devil and he has
been possessed by it. Ironically, as the audience ,we would see Iago as the
devil whereas Cassio seeks comfort in him.
‘Now by heaven…judgement collied’ pg.79 Othello takes on the role of
God, who restores peace in Cyprus which was disturbed by the fight. He
uses passionate imagery to portray his anger and dissapointment. He is
seen by certain characters and the audience as a source of stability. This
could be seen as highly ironic because you could say he turns into the
devil by killing his wife, and brings any thing but stability to Cyprus.
Reputations: ‘Reputation, reputation… my reputation!’ pg.83 – Dramatic
irony is shown through the idea of Cassio weeping to Iago about his
reputation however, what is to come is far worse. This emphasises his
naivety and lack of awareness.
Appearance and reality: ‘Honest Iago’ pg.77 – The epithet used here
underlines the extreme irony in what Othello says. The characters are
only aware of what appears before them, where as the audience enter into
the reality of the situation. Othello’s trust in Iago is made obvious , which
allows him to be taken advantage of by Iago , allowing the plot to
develop.
4. ‘Yet I persuade… execute upon him’ pg.81 – Iago explains to
Othello that he must not lie and ‘speak the truth’ this is ironic for
his explanation isn't completely true. He accuses Cassio of causing
the fight, leaving Othello questioning his faith and trust in his
lieutenant. This is made clear on the next page where Othello
instructs Iago to ‘look with care about the town’ (pg.82), giving
him responsibility therefore power which is what Iago craves.
However on pg. 83 he supports Cassio while he breaks down
because of his ‘reputation’. Iago replies, ‘Reputation is an idle and
most false imposition’ juxtaposing his constant desire to have
status and a higher position in society. His plot to support Cassio
and undermine him, helps to gain Othello’s trust as well as
Cassio’s, but at the same time decrease their’s for each other.
Allowing, Cassio’s affair with Desdemona become more
believable to Othello and other characters.
5. Iago: He is extremely clever and can use his
intelligence to manipulate characters and perhaps
the audience at times. He recognises Cassio’s and
Othello’s weaknesses and works against them to
destroy and degrade them.
Othello: He easily believes Iago and shuns Cassio,
showing his naïve personality, decreasing the
strong, powerful perception the audience have of
him.
Cassio: He is faithful to Othello, but easily
distracted and persuaded by Iago. He is severely
conscience about his reputation and confines in
Iago about it. Showing his weak personality and
unawareness.
