Othello Act: 2

1. Choose one of Iago's soliloquies (end of 2.1 or end of 2.3) and thoroughly analyze it.

Iago is conversing to himself about how his plan is going to pan out. He demonstrates his willingness to do anything to get revenge on Cassio and Othello, although praising them for being good people. Iago discusses how he believes both Othello and Cassio has slept with his wife and how he will not stop until he gets revenge. Iago's tone is one of hate and bitterness; he is very conceited, thus doing all of this evil to better himself and no one else by being manipulative.

 

2. In Act II Iago launches his plan to destroy Othello. What is his motive? Jealousy? Racism? Is he opportunistic? A sociopath? All of the above? None of the above? Use TEXTUAL SUPPORT.

 

I feel as if Iago's motives for destroying Othello are more directed towards jealousy and racism. Iago says he believes Othello has slept with his wife, would indeed make him jealous of Othello. Iago also calls him a worthless moor, which is a racial slur in those times. Iago is so self-centered that all his motives are agianst any others and for the benefit of himself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Choose another character (from film, books, etc) that reminds you of Iago. Explain

 

Loki from the movie Thor reminds me of Iago becuase he is selfish and self-centered. Like Iago, Loki just looks out for himself and acts as if he is friends with others (like his brother Thor), but he actually plots against him. Loki also manipulates others for his own good and for his personal benefit, just like Iago does to the other main characters in Othello.

3. Create two discussion questions from Act II that you would like to discuss with the class

 

How does Iago's motives affect the other characters besides Othello?

 

Is Othello overconfident in himself? If so, How?