Iago Flashcards
How is Iago characterized as a disgruntled employee?
Iago is portrayed as resentful, egocentric, and feeling overlooked by his peers.
He believes he is entitled to a promotion and is enraged when Othello chooses Cassio over him.
What does Iago mean by saying, ‘I know my price, I am worth no worse a place’?
Iago feels entitled to a higher position and expresses his anger at being overlooked.
This shows his inflated self-worth and resentment towards Othello.
What societal element wounds Iago’s ego?
The pecking order of society, where he is at the bottom and must serve those above him.
His sarcasm towards Cassio’s promotion highlights his bitterness.
What motivates Iago’s actions according to John C. McCloskey?
Iago is motivated by a desire for personal justice and takes matters into his own hands.
He believes he has the right on his side but lacks legal recourse.
How does Iago’s character exemplify toxic masculinity?
Iago is ruled by sexual jealousy, pride, and competitiveness, showcasing aggressive traits.
His misogyny and paranoia further emphasize these traits.
What is Iago’s view of his wife Emilia?
Iago views Emilia as a ‘lost cause’ and unworthy of care, calling her derogatory names.
He is more enraged by other men’s interest in her than by her actual infidelity.
How does Iago manipulate others?
Iago identifies and exploits the insecurities and desires of others for his own gain.
This manipulation reflects the vulnerabilities within Venetian society.
What role does Iago play in the actions of others?
Iago orchestrates actions without directly committing crimes himself, avoiding blame.
He uses others’ malice to achieve his goals.
How does Iago view the Venetian system?
Iago sees himself as a renegade or visionary aiming to dismantle the system from within.
His motivations are driven by selfishness and greed.
What does Iago mean by ‘I follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him’?
Iago admits he is using Othello for his own purposes rather than out of loyalty.
This illustrates his self-serving nature and lack of moral concern.
True or False: Iago fears divine judgment and moral consequences.
False
Iago is indifferent to divine judgment, focusing solely on his material desires.
Fill in the blank: Iago’s character is described as a _______ who is absorbed with the present and scorns the life to come.
materialist
His outlook emphasizes a self-centered and narcissistic approach to life.
How does Iago manipulate Roderigo in Act 1 Scene 3?
He promises Roderigo that he will enjoy Desdemona while belittling him, calling him a ‘silly gentleman’.
This manipulation demonstrates Iago’s ability to disguise his true intentions while playing on others’ desires.
What is Iago’s relationship with Othello?
He pretends to be a loyal friend while focusing on Desdemona’s flaws and reminding Othello of his love for him.
This duplicity showcases Iago’s skill in deception and manipulation.
How does Iago avoid blame for his actions?
He orchestrates the actions of others to do his dirty work, preying on their malice and evil.
This indirect approach allows him to escape accountability.
What drives Iago’s character according to Shakespeare?
Selfishness, pride, misanthropy, and greed.
Iago’s motivations reflect a deep-seated desire for personal gain rather than loyalty or morality.
What does Iago admit about his intentions in Act 1 Scene 1?
‘I follow [Othello] to serve my turn upon him.’
This phrase reveals his manipulative nature and lack of genuine affection.
How does Iago view divine judgment?
He does not fear it because he only cares about achieving his own desires.
This perspective indicates his materialism and narcissism.
What does Iago’s perspective on love and duty signify?
He rejects both concepts, which are central to Venetian society.
This rejection highlights his anti-social tendencies.
What mental state does Shakespeare suggest Iago possesses?
A conflicted, unstable mental state with ever-changing motivations.
This instability suggests that Iago’s actions may stem from a desire for chaos rather than clear objectives.
What reductive views does Iago express about others?
He describes Othello as a ‘lusty Moor’ and portrays women as ‘villainous whores’.
These views reflect the racial and gender biases prevalent in Jacobean England.
How does Iago tailor his discriminatory language?
He adapts it to provoke strong reactions from his peers.
This strategic use of language demonstrates his understanding of social dynamics.
What does Iago teach Roderigo about lust?
‘Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.’
This metaphor emphasizes his cynical view on sexual desire and morality.
How does Iago view love in Act 1 Scene 3?
He considers it ‘merely a lust of the blood and a permission of the will’.
This perspective reflects his disdain for emotional connections.