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Othello

Questions About Othello

by William Shakespeare

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Answered Questions (9)

Do you think that Iago's hatred for Othello stems from jealousy for Othello (after all he did suspect him of sleeping with his wife) and so he tries to duplicate the jealousy in Othello?
Georgia Yes, Shakespeare plays on the idea of masculinity in the 17th Century and the insecurity of men. Everything about a man's pride and "social standing" …m´Ç°ù±ðYes, Shakespeare plays on the idea of masculinity in the 17th Century and the insecurity of men. Everything about a man's pride and "social standing" was based on what they OWNED; including women which is addressed in act 1 when Iago says "look to your house, your daughter and your bags"- women/daughters being associated with property . The idea of Othello allegedly sleeping with his wife hits a wrong chord with Iago because a black man in a white dominated society is above him in office and has also "stolen his property". HOWEVER, there are so many creative ways you could interpret Iago as a character and why he does what he does. It is perfectly reasonable to associate Iago with psychopathic tendencies for example. The idea I like to go with is the portrayal and the clever imagery Shakespeare uses to present Iago as the devil; notice when he says "I am not what I am" it suggests he is the devil disguised as a human. He is ironically called "Honest Iago". It is completely plausible to interpret this idea, as the devil is known to initiate mayhem. This theory is resonated in the story of Adam and Eve, when Eve is tempted by the snake (devil) and we as the human race have to live a life of sin as a consequence. THIS, I think most importantly underlines and concludes the whole play on the question Shakespeare is addressing about how we react as human beings and do we have natural self-distruction tendencies?
Iago is very complex but one of the most interesting of Shakespeare's characters. His revenge could simply be about jealousy we will never know however, Shakespeare was a smart man and the connotations with Iago's revenge representing a much bigger meaning could not be coincidental.

Sorry that was long but I felt like this play needs a lot more recognition than it gets :)(less)
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Between Romeo and Juliet and Othello, which play do you think was the most tragic? You guys can suggest another play if you want, I'd be interested to hear about it. (Well technically see about it but you get the idea.)
Bethel Philip The most tragic is "Othello". In the play "Romeo and Juliet" they both died for love and trust. But in the case of Othello, he killed Desdemona out o…m´Ç°ù±ð The most tragic is "Othello". In the play "Romeo and Juliet" they both died for love and trust. But in the case of Othello, he killed Desdemona out of jealousy of love, which Lago brainwashed him (that his wife has been unfaithful to him, which was all a lie).
When he found out the truth, at the end he stabbed Lago, who stabbed his wife for saying the truth.
Before he killed himself he pointed out some facts like:
"Describe me
as someone who loved too much, but wasn't wise about it. I was not easily made jealous, but once I was tricked and manipulated, I worked myself into frenzy. Describe me as a fool who threw away pearl with his own hands, like a silly Indian who didn't know what it worth. As someone who washed not emotional, but who cried alot". after these raw sayings he stabbed himself to death.(less)
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What do you think would have made Lago a different man. Prior to the fact he was a sadist?.
Bethel Philip Lago's character specifically hatred for almost all the characters in the play would have been different if he felt secured and most importantly, the…m´Ç°ù±ð Lago's character specifically hatred for almost all the characters in the play would have been different if he felt secured and most importantly, the fact that; "Man is desperately wicked" is portrayed in the life of Lago.
He never had any concrete reasons for his malicious hatred for everyone, which exposes that the "Supernatural being" that controls man is no longer in control. i.e There is need for the a character modeller which is the "Creator".(less)
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Is this a good book
Vicki Carbone So many characters of note, so many themes worthy of consideration. For me, it's Shakespeare at his finest. I'd agree with Georgia about its treatment…m´Ç°ù±ðSo many characters of note, so many themes worthy of consideration. For me, it's Shakespeare at his finest. I'd agree with Georgia about its treatment of women. Of course, Shakespeare lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth and I'd assume that may have helped him see women in a better light. Emilia is amazing. Read the exchange between Desdemona and Emilia with regards to men.(less)
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who was cassio's jealous lover?
Bethel Philip Michael Cassio's jealous lover was Bianca (a Courtesan or a prostitute in Cyprus). Who Cassio (a regular customer) teases with promise of marriage, bu…m´Ç°ù±ðMichael Cassio's jealous lover was Bianca (a Courtesan or a prostitute in Cyprus). Who Cassio (a regular customer) teases with promise of marriage, but laughs at her behind her back.(less)
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