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Othello

Othello. Iago. Iago is one of the first true villains ever written as a mortal man. Previous villains were typically Satan or demons.

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Othello

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  1. Othello

  2. Iago Iago is one of the first true villains ever written as a mortal man. Previous villains were typically Satan or demons. Iago is a true villain in every sense of the word. He understands he is destroying lives and attempts to justify it, but he never gives a definitive answer because he does not know himself. Unique to time period, Iago is white and evil compared to his foil, Othello, who is black and good. At the time, the color of one’s skin was thought to reflect their inner soul. This is why such a high priority was based on paleness. This is only one of many plays Shakespeare wrote that subtly undermined the stereotypes of his time.

  3. Major Themes Appearance vs. reality: Especially relevant to the issue of Iago's character Race Pride: Especially important with regards to Othello Magic: Usually has something to do with Othello's heritage Jealousy/Self-Worth

  4. Self-knowledge: Othello's lack of self-knowledge makes him easy prey for Iago. Honesty: Although the word "honest" is usually used in an ironic way throughout the text, most characters in the play go through a crisis of learning who and who not to trust. Misrepresentation: This also allows Iago to gain trust and manipulate other people. Good vs. Evil

  5. Major Symbols The Handkerchief: This handkerchief, spotted with strawberries, is symbolic of a white wedding sheet stained with virginal blood. The Song “Willow” (Act V): Desdemona’s own situation. She herself is worried that the man she married has gone crazy and will desert her. Willows at the edge of water are a traditional symbol of women deserted by their lovers.

  6. Candle: The candle that Othello blows out just before he strangles Desdemona symbolizes Desdemona’s fragile life. War: Othello’s crucial monologue in 3.3.345-357, in which he describes the components of the battlefield – horses, troops, trumpets, banners, cannons – and how they are all lost to him now that he knows Desdemona is unfaithful. Here, these implements of war become symbols of Othello’s sexuality.

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