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Othello villain6/11/2023 ![]() Othello thinks so much of his wife that he is literally chained to her and hates being away from her. Iago makes the use of a metaphor to compare Othello’s entire existence to an item or object that is ‘enfettered to her love’.Įnfettered means that a person is enchained. ![]() That she may make, unmake, do what she list” (II iii 254-255). As he knows Othello thinks the world of her, “His soul is so enfettered to her love. He is like an animal looking for his prey and Desdemona just so happens to fit the bill and he makes her a valuable asset in his plan for revenge against Othello. He has deducted that she is a free spirit who is ready to help anyone that needs it, he uses this to his advantage to create his masterplan. This shows that Iago has a great understanding of how Desdemona is as a person. What that means is that if something exists in nature everyone is open to take it with no price. Here, Iago makes a comparison of Desdemona’s generous nature to the free elements that exist in nature. This scene not only shows the what type of villain Iago is but also shows his observant nature by showcasing how he is going to use Othello and Desdemona’s weaknesses for his own gain. This scene overall is important because it gives the reader an idea about just how much of a good villain Iago is. By giving Cassio advice he knows is going to upset Othello he is opposing him which makes him the dictionary definition of a villain. He repeats the word ‘villain’ numerous times and keeps claiming that he is not one, but the word villain itself means, “A character in a story or play who opposes the hero.” (Marriam Webster). Iago is not only tricking the characters in the play, he is tricking the readers themselves. To counsel Cassio to this parallel course. To further prove this, he then states something similar later in the scene, “How am I then a villain. His public and private persona opposites just like being divine and hell is. This can be easily overlooked by the reader but it is important, as he himself is seen as a good man but he is the villian. He is comparing something divine to hell which is the opposite. His word play leaves the reader astounded like when he says, “divinity of hell!” (II iii 259). The reader also feels an uncomfortable sense of admiration from the scale and skill of his manipulation of others. Although the readers first reaction may be to despise Iago for his tricks. The use of the word “honest” by Iago clearly demonstrates his ability to keep his true self hidden and earn the trust of others which he will ultimately abuse. Firstly, we can see his ability to manipulate others and present a duplicitous face to the readers and his victims. Throughout the scene, different aspects of Iago’s villainy are clearly displayed. This in itself is a form of irony as it is shown in the play that Iago does not have good intentions when he gives advice to other characters. He states that no one can call him evil as he has given Cassio good advice. ![]() ![]() From the start of the scene Iago is seen justifying himself. He knows that he is the villain and still asks that question, the use of this rhetorical device is to produce an effect of doubt. The scene starts with Iago saying, “And what’s he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free I give and honest.” (II iii 245-246). This scene is particularly important as it shows the reader more about what type of character Iago is and his qualities as a villain. This essay will explain why act 2, scene 3 of Othello is highly important in the play as it is the section which allows the readers to understand Iago and shows us his observant nature which allows him to be a master of manipulation and a good villain. Iago is a character who has many layers to him, which can be especially seen in act 2 of Othello. This can be seen from the play ‘Othello’. ![]() Shakespeare is a playwright who knows how to make a villain complex and intriguing. ![]()
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