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.
What does Iago believe about human nature?
He views humans as purely selfish beings, lacking loyalty or altruism.
This nihilistic outlook influences his manipulative strategies.
Fill in the blank: Iago’s conspiracies against Othello can be seen as an allegory for _______.
civil unrest and rebellion.
This interpretation connects Iago’s actions to historical events like the Gunpowder Plot.
What does Iago’s quote about preferment suggest?
‘Preferment goes by letter and affection, / Not by the old gradation.’
This highlights his criticism of corruption and favoritism in society.
What is the significance of the phrase ‘an old black ram is tupping your white ewe’?
It illustrates themes of race and sexuality in the play.
This line reflects the racial dynamics and the provocative imagery Shakespeare uses to portray Othello’s relationship with Desdemona.
How does Iago view traditional Venetian ideals of race and gender?
He appeals to them while promoting his beliefs on the ‘right way’ to live.
Iago’s manipulation of these ideals serves to further his own agenda.
What does Iago teach Roderigo about lust?
He describes it as a stain on the human body, suggesting a need to control one’s desires.
This reflects Iago’s cynical worldview and his own moral conflicts.
What is Iago’s perspective on love?
He believes love is merely a weakness and a pretense.
Iago’s view of love is deeply cynical, seeing it as a facade that people use to manipulate others.
How does Iago manipulate Othello?
He exploits Othello’s trust to lead him towards his demise.
This manipulation is a central part of Iago’s character and the play’s conflict.
What is the relationship dynamic between Iago and Othello?
There is a power imbalance, with Othello trusting Iago while Iago harbors hatred towards him.
Iago’s exploitation of this trust is a key element of the plot.
What does Iago mean by ‘I am not what I am’?
It signifies the paradox of human identity and the limitations of self-perception.
This line encapsulates Iago’s duplicity and fear of vulnerability.
In what way does Iago’s cynicism manifest in his views on human nature?
He sees humans as purely selfish beings, lacking loyalty or altruism.
This cynicism drives Iago’s actions throughout the play.
What does Iago’s statement ‘In following him, I follow but myself’ imply?
It suggests that his actions are self-serving and that he lacks genuine loyalty to others.
This highlights Iago’s manipulative nature and self-interest.
What does Iago’s manipulation of Brabantio reveal about his character?
It shows his deceitful nature and willingness to harm others to achieve his goals.
Informing Brabantio about Othello’s marriage is a pivotal moment in the plot.
Fill in the blank: Iago believes that ‘Preferment goes by _______ and affection’.
letter
This reflects Iago’s disdain for the meritocratic ideals he believes are corrupt.
True or False: Iago believes that love is a strong and virtuous emotion.
False
Iago views love as a weakness and merely a lust of the blood.
What does Iago’s fear of truthfulness indicate about him?
It suggests he is insecure and prefers manipulation over vulnerability.
This fear contributes to his complex character as a manipulator.
How does Iago’s view of power affect his relationships?
His resentment of Othello’s authority leads to jealousy and manipulation.
This dynamic is central to Iago’s motivations and actions throughout the play.
List the four tendencies that characterize irony in Iago and Othello.
- Sense of authority from superior knowledge
- Frustration when denied knowledge
- Compulsion to manipulate situations for ironic mastery
- Projection of one’s nature onto others
These tendencies highlight the irony in both characters’ approaches to their conflicts.
What is lago’s attitude towards hierarchy?
He craves power over others and shows no empathy for Roderigo.
Lago’s rejection of hierarchy reveals his hypocrisy as he manipulates those beneath him.
How does lago deceive Desdemona?
He pretends to be her friend and comforts her while plotting her death.
This false bond emphasizes Desdemona’s isolation and vulnerability.
What does Desdemona’s faith in lago signify?
It signifies her trust in him to protect her against Othello’s violence, which he ultimately betrays.
This betrayal deepens the tragedy of her character.
How does lago objectify Desdemona?
He views her as a trophy and a symbol of his virility and authority over Othello.
His actions demonstrate a lack of genuine affection, reducing Desdemona to a mere object.
What role does Brabantio play in the narrative?
He is manipulated by lago, who exploits Brabantio’s insecurities and prejudices.
This manipulation highlights the chaos lago creates and Brabantio’s racist ideals.
What is lago’s relationship with Cassio?
Lago hates Cassio due to intimidation from his authority and cultural background.
Lago’s paranoia and resentment drive his actions against Cassio.
What key theme does Shakespeare explore through lago?
The conflict between appearance and reality, particularly in love and social beliefs.
Lago’s mastery of facade makes him dangerous within a superficial society.
What does lago symbolize in the context of Venetian society?
He symbolizes the failings of society, including bigotry and the denial of savagery.
This suggests that the greatest threats come from within rather than external forces.
How does jealousy function in ‘Othello’?
It is portrayed as a destructive force, manipulated by lago and originating from his own jealousies.
Lago’s jealousy breeds further jealousy in others, creating a cycle of hate.
What does John C. McCloskey argue about lago’s role in justice?
Lago becomes so involved in intrigue that he cannot extricate himself from it.
This involvement blurs the lines between moral values and personal vendetta.
What is emphasized by the structure of lago’s soliloquies?
They consistently highlight his jealousy and motivations, reflecting societal themes.
The repetition underscores the pervasive nature of jealousy in all areas of life.
Fill in the blank: lago’s jealousy is tied to his _______ and _______ ideologies.
[racist] and [misogynist]
True or False: Lago views Desdemona as an equal partner in his schemes.
False
He objectifies her instead of recognizing her as a person with agency.
What is jealousy described as in the text?
A relentless force that can’t be reasoned with
Jealousy is portrayed as a powerful emotion driven by male ego and possessiveness.
How does Iago view his wife Emilia in relation to his jealousy?
As an object of possession linked to his authority and respectability
The use of ‘my’ conveys a sense of ownership over Emilia.
What does Iago admit about his jealousy in Act 1 Scene 3?
‘I know not if’t be true, / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety’
This portrays jealousy as a cause for extreme actions based on suspicion.
What does the phrase ‘the lusty Moor’ signify?
It appeals to racial stereotypes portraying black people as carnal and lecherous
This reflects Iago’s prejudice manifesting in his jealousy.
How does Shakespeare depict the relationship between jealousy and male ego?
Jealousy is a symptom of male anxiety, driven by ego and posturing rather than love
Iago’s jealousy reduces women to mere trophies in a competition between men.
What metaphor does Iago use to describe jealousy in Act 2 Scene 1?
A ‘poisonous mineral’
This conveys the destructive power of jealousy over Iago’s emotions.
What does Iago mean by ‘Till I am evened with him, wife for wife’?
Jealousy as a competition between men, treating women as bartering chips
This economic portrayal of women emphasizes their lack of inherent worth.
What does Iago say about trifles in Act 3 Scene 3?
‘Trifles light as air / Are to the jealous confirmations strong / As proofs of holy writ’
This illustrates how jealousy distorts reality and leads to irrational beliefs.
How does jealousy affect perception according to the text?
It alters one’s perception of reality and lacks reason or logic
Jealous individuals draw fatal conclusions from insignificant details.
What does Shakespeare suggest about female purity in Act 4 Scene 1?
It is subjective and can be twisted by male jealousy
The juxtaposition between ‘guiltless’ and ‘reproach’ highlights this distortion.
What is the focus of postcolonial theory?
The impact of imperialism and colonisation on identity and society
It seeks to give voice to decolonised societies and rectify imbalances.
How can ‘Othello’ be read through a postcolonial lens?
By examining the impact of colonial practices on identities
This perspective contrasts contemporary and Elizabethan audiences.
What does the concept of the Other refer to in literature?
The exploration of how the strange and unfamiliar are received and perceived as a threat to ‘what’s normal’.
Who is Othello in Shakespeare’s play?
A Moor in Venice, set apart from his peers due to his race and culture.
What position does Othello occupy in Venetian society?
A respectable and secure position.
Who is responsible for uprooting the workings of Venetian society in ‘Othello’?
Iago.
What values does Iago espouse in the play?
Bigoted, conservative values of Venetian society.
How does Iago’s scheming succeed?
By reflecting his victims’ ideologies back at them and exploiting their biases.
What does Shakespeare argue about Iago’s plot?
It is contingent on his fellow Venetians sharing prejudiced views.
What does Iago emphasize to provoke Brabantio?
“Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.”
What societal anxieties does Iago’s language evoke?
- Illegitimate children * Legacy * Endogamy * Miscegenation.
How does Iago refer to Othello that reveals his prejudices?
As the ‘lascivious Moor’, ‘lusty Moor’, and likens him to an ‘ass’.
What does Iago suggest about Othello and Desdemona’s marriage?
That it is between ‘an erring barbarian and a super-subtle Venetian’.
Fill in the blank: Iago describes Desdemona’s love for Othello as _____ .
lust.
What does Iago imply about Desdemona’s choice of partner?
It is ‘unnatural’ and goes against societal norms.
What does Iago mean by ‘nature’ in his dialogue?
The principle hierarchies of race and social standing.
What does Iago say about the responsibility for Othello’s actions?
He claims he told Othello only what he found himself apt and true.
True or False: Iago’s malice is a deviation from the Venetian norm.
False.
What is Kiernan Ryan’s view on Iago’s character?
Iago is pathologically normal and mirrors the Venetian norm.
How does Iago manipulate the characters in Othello?
Iago rewrites fellow characters to fit his bigoted stereotypes and ensnares Othello’s soul and body.
Iago’s manipulation leads to Othello’s transformation into a wrathful figure.
What does Iago imply when he says he will ‘turn [Desdemona’s] virtue into pitch’?
He implies he can bend reality to match his prejudices.
This showcases Iago’s ability to corrupt and manipulate perceptions.
What does Shakespeare suggest about identity in Othello?
Identity is defined within the greater social structures that perceive it.
This challenges the notion of fixed identities.
What is the significance of Othello’s transformation into a murderer?
It exposes the narrative as one of a white man’s making, influenced by Iago’s manipulation.
This reveals the destructive power of jealousy and racism.
What parallels exist between Othello and Iago?
Both are driven by jealousy and ego, culminating in violence against their wives.
This highlights the shared flaws between the characters.
What role does female sexuality play in Venetian society according to the text?
Female sexuality is portrayed as a threat to societal order, often leading to downfall.
This reflects the archetype of the femme fatale.
Who is considered the archetypal femme fatale in the text?
Eve, who convinced Adam to eat the forbidden fruit.
Eve’s actions symbolize the dangers of female seduction.
How does Iago view women?
Iago sees all women as femme fatales and untrustworthy.
His perspective reflects deep-seated misogyny.
What does Iago mean by saying women are ‘pictures out of doors, bells in your parlours’?
He portrays women as superficial and deceptive.
This suggests a societal focus on appearances over reality.
What Biblical allusions does Iago use to describe women?
He refers to women as ‘saints’ and ‘devils’.
This reinforces the idea of women as morally ambiguous.
What does the phrase ‘the fruits of whoring’ imply in the context of the play?
It suggests that all chaos results from women’s sexual desires.
This reflects Iago’s view of women as corrupt.
What warning does Iago give about women’s behavior in Venice?
He states that women hide their immoral actions from their husbands while being content with God knowing.
This highlights the hypocrisy he attributes to women.
Fill in the blank: Iago’s character serves as the _______ of Venetian society’s most wicked views.
spokesperson.
Iago embodies societal misogyny and racism.
True or False: Shakespeare suggests that jealousy and violence are unique to ‘Moors’ or outsiders.
False.
The text argues that these vices exist within everyone.
“I am not what I am”
Openness with audience makes him equally honest as he is false
“I hate the moor”
“I do suspect the lust moor”
Iago identifying Othello as “moor” confirms his need to undermine and remind others of Othello race thus making him feel more superior
“He has done my office”
Euphemism convinced Othello is had an affair with Emilia
Degrading and dehumanising to Emilia
“Her eyes must be fed”
Animalistic image and body parts show his misogyny.
This extended metaphor reduces Othello marriage to simply lust
“Are all but stomachs
And we are all but food”
Little love in her marriage
Women only serve to please their husbands sexual appetite
“It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on”
Meat=Iago and Othello being consumed by jealousy demonstrating a reversal of power
“I follow him to serve my turn upon him”
If he sticks close to Othello, he will eventually destroy him
Saying of keep your friends close and your enemies closer
“With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio”
Repeated use of animal imagery captures his disdain for Othello and his own inflated ego
“Even now, now, very now, an old Black ram is tipping your white ewe”
Racist and animalistic imagery
Inhuman and how little he thinks of women
The repetition highlights how he is emphasising how they may be having sex at this very moment
“From this time fourth, I never will speak word”
Leaves the play on a mystery note, never revealing his actions to anyone other than the audience
