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Heart on his sleeve: Iago wears his heart on his sleeve to illustrate how he wants to let the crows peck at it. He is appearing to be benevolent but on the inside he is actually becoming evil.
"But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am." (I,i, 71-72).
Alcohol: Alcohol serves as a symbol of Iago's control over Cassio. Because of alcohol, Cassio loses his position as lieutenant.
" To suckle fools and chronicle small beer."(II,I,175).
Sword: The sword serves as a symbol of Iago's power as it is the tool he uses to get rid of the threats to his own plans.
"Be wise, and get you home.
[He draws his sword.]"(V,ii,264)
Animals: Iago uses the ewe and the ram to represent how he views the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. This symbolism expresses how Iago sees Othello; not as an intelligent leader but as a mere brute.
"IAGO Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe." (I.i.97-101)
Handkerchief: This symbol initially signifies the love between Desdemona and Othello as it was his first gift to her. Iago changes the meaning of this symbol to signify the rage Othello feels towards Desdemona when he thinks she cheated on him.
"And it [the handkerchief] was dy'd in mummy which the skillful
Conserv'd of maidens' hearts." (III.iv.73-74)
Money serves as the connection between Roderigo and Iago. Iago convinces Roderigo that the jewels and valuables that Roderigo gives will help him get Desdemona. This is ultimately untrue but serves as a motif of
desire.
"Put money in thy purse."(I,iii,382)
"IAGO : What, are you mad? I charge you get you home." (V, ii, 231)
"IAGO: Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have
told thee often, and I retell thee again and again, I
hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no
less reason." (I,iii,406-410)
"IAGO: For that I do suspect the lusty Moor
Hath leaped into my seat—the thought whereof
Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards,
And nothing can or shall content my soul
Till I am evened with him, wife for wife," (II,i, 317-321)
"IAGO. [to Roderigo] O murd'rous slave! O villain!
[He stabs Roderigo]" (V, i, 73)
Iago feels the urge for revenge throughout the play.
Single Most Important Action
Iago develops this theme throughout the entire play. The whole plot is driven by Iago's feeling of wanting to punish Othello for promoting Cassio instead of him. Every action performed by Iago is done to advance his plan for revenge on Othello.
The single most action performed to
Iago is the confrontation of Emilia, revealing the evil deeds he has committed to Othello. His character that was previously seen to be a reliable confidant is shown to be really a cunning and evil schemer as a result of Emilia's realization.
The central theme of reputation works for and against Iago.
Act II Scene III
-Iago causes Cassio to get into a drunken brawl, resulting in him losing his position
Act III Scene III
-Emilia finds Othello's handkerchief and gives it to his husband Iago
Act IV Scene I
-In the beginning of this scene, Iago rouses Othello to believe that Desdemona is cheating on him with Cassio to the point where he faints
Act V Scene I
-In this scene Iago stabs both Cassio initially and finishes off Roderigo
Act V Scene II
-Iago runs away from Othello and the other officers after he is revealed to be the real perpetrator behind the events. He also stabs his wife before leaving.
- Can manipulate others with ease.
- Very persuasive, eloquent with his speech
- Can mislead others to benefit himself.
- Cunning
Cassio is promoted by Othello because of his reputation with him. Because Iago feels that he is more experienced than Cassio, he swears to exact his revenge on Othello. He does this by using his reputation with Othello to his advantage by making Othello trust his every word. Iago develops this theme by making every step in hurting Othello require his reputation as a trusted friend.
"Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; ... If I would time expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit." (I,iii,383-385)
"A pox of drowning thyself, it is clean out of the way. Seek thou rather to be hang'd in compassing they joy than to be dron'd and go without her." (I,iii,360-361)
"Besides, the knave [Cassio] is handsome, young, and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after; ...and the woman hath found him already. (II,i,245-248)
"If I can fasten but one cup upon him, with that which he hath drunk to-night already, he'll be as full of quarrel and offense as my young mistress' dog." (II,iii, 48-51)
Iago feels and exploits jealousy in other characters to get what he wants.
Iago uses Roderigo's jealousy to his advantage by making him do whatever Iago desires with the promise that he will be able to steal Desdemona's heart from Othello. Meanwhile, Iago's quest for revenge on Othello is totally driven by his jealousy for Cassio's promotion from Othello. This is developed throughout the play as most meaningful actions in Othello stem from jealousy.
"Put money in thy purse." (I.iii.343)
"To suckle fools and chronicle small beer." (II.i.160)
"I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness." (II.iii.327-238)
"My lord, you know I love you." (III.i.117)
"But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve
For daws to peck at. I am not what I am." (I.i.64-65)
Othello: Although he was a valiant man, he was easily manipulated and swayed by my words. He was a virtuous man but he was crippled by his own insecurities. Instead of confronting the people who he had trusted the most, he chose to follow the poison that I feeded him. Ultimately, he was a poor character who deserved the fate he got.
Emilia: My wife was a character who obtained more power than she needed to. As a woman, it was her duty to stay in the house. Instead, she decided to interfere with my plans and reveal my secrets. Her poor behavior should not be tolerated, and women belong working in the home.
If you strive for power, use your own means to obtain it. Take advantage of others, step over others, but do not let others into your plans. You are the only one that can ensure the success of your plans. The more people who are aware of your plans, the more ways there are in which your plans can go awry. Be sure to tie up loose ends when manipulating others.
LEGEND
Blood on shirt: Urge for revenge
Venus symbol in hand: Condescending
attitude towards women
Stick figures hanging off fingers: Controlling,
manipulative nature
Two faced: Showing one personality, but does something else behind other characters' backs
Moor: Inferiority complex