Critics

Question 1

What was Coleridge view on Iago

Answer 1

• Iago acts out of “motiveless Malignity”
• Motiveless: Coleridge suggests that Iago’s actions are not motivated by any tangible or understandable reasons
• Malignant :Coleridge suggests that Iago Villainy is rooted in his inherent wickedness rather than external circumstances

Question 2

F.R Leavis’ view on Iago

Answer 2

• Leavis argues that Iago displays a “not uncommon kind of grudging malice”.
• This suggests that Iago’s behaviour may be extreme, however his underlying feelings of jealousy and resentment are relatable to audiences
• It also implies that Iago’s malice stems from feelings of resentment or envy towards virtuous characters such as Othello and Cassio

Question 3

Coleridge’s views on Desdemona

Answer 3

“Desdemona is almost sanctified in our eyes by her absolute unsuspiciousness and holy entireness of love.”

Question 4

Marilyn French’s view on Desdemona

Answer 4

Desdemona ultimately “accepts her culture’s dictum that she must be obedient to males

Question 5

Majorie Garber’s view on Othello

Answer 5

“Othello must compensate for his own ordinary humanity”

Question 6

Stephen Greenblatt’s views on Iago

Answer 6

“Iago’s subordination, is a kind of protection, for it conceals his power and enables him to play on the ambivalence of Othello”

Question 7

Loomba’s view on Othello

Answer 7

“total outsider”