Critics and Context: iago

Question 1

As __________ describes, the _______________ invariably poses as “_____________” and __________________” by “________________.” This _______________ certainly matches _______________________ as the “____________,” with Iago __________________ out of his ___________.

Answer 1

• Leah Scragg / - Vice figure of Morality plays
• “the friend of his victim” / - treats his duplicity as “sport”
• “combining mischief with merriment.”
• assessment of the Vice figure
• WH Auden’s critical stance on Iago / - “joker in the pack”
• seemingly drawing giddy pleasure
• baleful plots

Question 2

Argument for Othello causing his own downfall rather than Iago (3)

Answer 2

• F.R. Leavis
• Iago’s success in duping Othello is

- “not so much Iago’s diabolic intellect as Othello’s readiness to respond”

Question 3

Argument for Iago as a Vice Figure (2)

Answer 3

• WH Auden
• Iago is the “joker in the pack”

Question 4

Description of Vice Figure (4)

Answer 4

• Leah Scragg
• The Vice figure of Morality plays invariably poses as “the friend of his victim”
• And treats his duplicity as “sport”
• By “combining mischief with merriment”

Question 5

While Leavis asserts _______________________ “________________________;” Iago’s _______ is overtly evident in ________________ as he ____________________ while _______________________ in the process. (Follow on)

Answer 5

• Iago’s success in duping Othello is “not so much Iago’s diabolic intellect as Othello’s readiness to respond”
• sagacity / - Act Three, Scene Three
• plants the seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind
• simultaneously convincing Othello of his unwavering loyalty

Question 6

(Follow on) This is seen as Iago ______________ to persuade Othello: appealing to his _______________“______________” and his _____________“__________________. “ The _________________ suggests ____________________ are more apt as _____________“_______________” and _______________“__________________“_______

Answer 6

• employs both pathos and logos
• emotions by summoning the “green-eyed monster” of jealously
• logic by suggesting “She did deceive her father, marrying you.”
• intelligence Iago demonstrates in this act
• Tina Renier and Harold Goddard’s critical views
• Renier suggests Iago posseses “towering intellectual capacity.”
• Goddard argues Shakespeare bestowed “the highest intellectual gifts” on Iago

Question 7

Argument for Iago as intelligent (2)

Answer 7

• Tina Renier
• Iago posseses “towering intellectual capacity.”