Iago - Tragic Villain Act 5

Question 1

Act 5, Scene 1

SETTING OF DARKNESS

Answer 1

provides Iago with a cloak of anonymity and highlights his deceptive and covert nature, also causes confusion for all the characters acting

Question 2

Act 5, Scene 1

‘every way makes my gain’

Answer 2

-presents Iago as a MACHIAVELLIAN and shows that he holds no empathy for anybody hurt in the process of his plan

Question 3

Act 5, Scene 1

‘I do suspect this trash’

Answer 3

-Iago categorising Bianca as a prostitute

-weaponising her reputation being lower social class against her

-illustrates Iago’s ability to manipulate the perception of those around him

Question 4

Act 5, Scene 1

RODERIGO: ‘Oh damned Iago, O inhumane dog’

Answer 4

-first time Iago’s identity as a MACHIAVELLIAN has been revealed to other characters

Question 5

Act 5, Scene 2

MONTANO: ‘O monstrous act!’

Answer 5

-exemplifies Iago’s role as a TRAGIC VILLAIN

-ANIMALISTIC LANGUAGE used to describe Othello’s doings → shows how Iago has orchestrated the whole plan to alter the other character’s views to align with his prejudiced views of Othello as some beast

Question 6

Act 5, Scene 2

‘Demand me nothing: What you know, you know: From this time forth I never will speak word’

Answer 6

• Iago lies in and resorts to silence and refusal to explain his actions, despite the chaos he has caused

-this silence maintains his control over the narrative and leaves others to grapple with the unresolved questions about his motives → no sense of accountability for his villainy

-throughout the play, Iago manipulates and destroys lives without revealing his true intentions, and his final words encapsulate his ultimate control and detachment from the devastation he orchestrated