Iago the Pimp
Iago is like a pimp because he tries to whore Desdemona out to Roderigo (thought he doesn’t deliver) and he uses others to profit himself. Masters and Slaves Speech It is foreshadowing because it basically flat out warns Othello that Iago will soon have everyone wrapped around his finger, the master of the whole shady thing. Master of Manipulation Iago has Roderigo barrage Brabantio with a bunch of things at once, waking him up from his sleep. Tells him exaggerations such as how his daughter’s “been stolen” and things like that. It sends Brabantio into an angry panic, he isn’t really able to process these things clearly in that disoriented state. Iago keeps himself anonymous, putting all the blame onto Roderigo. The Devil Himself Some devil and hell references to be found in act 1, such as when Iago was shouting outside of Brabantio's window late at night. Iago shouts, "Arise, arise; / Awake the snorting citizens with the bell, / Or else the devil will make a grandsire of you". He means that basically, if he didn't hurry he would be a grandfather to Othello's children. Another point in which it was used was when Brabantio got angry at Iago, and he replied "'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you". He meant that Brabantio was being ungrateful, because they were only looking out for him. Manipulating the Top Dog Iago plays dumb with Othello, but “innocently” insinuates that Desdemona may be impure. Has Othello thoroughly convinced that he’s only looking out for him. Feigns concern. This is how he manipulates Othello. What Comes Next Somehow, Othello starts to believe all that he says, even without checking with Desdemona first, and even without any real evidence. Iago and Janus Janus is the goddamn god of two faces. He couldn’t have made it more obvious. He literally referenced the god of backstabbing and it flew right over Othello’s head. Freakin’ Othello. Unless he was saying that because he was implying Cassio was two-faced, not himself. Then you can forgive it. These Accusations Brabantio accuses Othello of thievery/kidnapping of his daughter, also witchcraft. Military Council and Brabantio The military council's workings are similar to the fight between Brabantio and Othello because there is an accusation and a punishment response, but they are different because the council actually listen to Othello's side and use evidence to decide, rather than jumping in based on only emotion. Othello Escapes the Trouble Because it is revealed that Dessie and Othello are actually married, he didn’t steal her at all. Desdemona even said she must obey Othello because he is her husband. Iago’s Opinion He thinks that love doesn’t actually last, that women are unfaithful and ready to throw you away the moment a younger, more attractive or successful person comes along. He probably feels this way due to his own insecurity in his relationship. Iago’s Soliloquy In Iago’s soliloquy act the end of act 1, he explains his plans to the audience from the very beginning. He admits that Othello is easy to manipulate because he’s gullible and trusting towards men who seem honest. Iago also mentions toward the end of the soliloquy that he will get help from the devil. |