"But here's my husband,
And so much duty as my mother showed
To you, preferring you before her father,
So much I challenge that I may profess
Due to the Moor my lord."
Othello, I.iii.184-187
Okay. At this point, there is nothing to prove that Desdemona has cheated on her husband. Or, in all honesty, that she ever would cheat on her husband. The above passage is just one example of Desdemona speaking her love and loyalty to her husband. However, I think Desdemona has a bit of an evil side to her. Her exchange about women with Iago is what makes me think this; the way they bantered back and forth, easily joking with one another makes me think that they are similiar. And, since Iago is obviously the antagonist of the story, Desdemona may not be all pure herself. As the Brabantio warns Othello, "Look to her, Morr, if though hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee." I.iii.189-190.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Dumb it down for me a bit
"Her father loved me, oft invited me,
Still questioned me the story of my life
From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes"
Othello, I.iii.127-129
In Othello, two different forms of language are exhibited; iambic pentameter and prose. Both types are used in different situations, but by the same character- Iago. When Iago is speaking to Othello, the Duke, Cassio, or any other high-class citizen, he uses iambic pentameter. However, when speaking to Roderigo, he speaks in prose. I believe he talks down to Roderigo, trying to appear closer to him and more on his level. However, when talking to high-class citizens, he wants to appear educated. It is a natural thing to do- when talking to friends, the average human would use different language then when talking to their boss. Suprisingly for me, I was able to understand the iambic pentameter better. It seemed to have a flowing rhythm, while the prose seemed to all mesh together in a jumble of words. Who knew I would ever understand Shakespearean poetry?!
Still questioned me the story of my life
From year to year, the battles, sieges, fortunes"
Othello, I.iii.127-129
In Othello, two different forms of language are exhibited; iambic pentameter and prose. Both types are used in different situations, but by the same character- Iago. When Iago is speaking to Othello, the Duke, Cassio, or any other high-class citizen, he uses iambic pentameter. However, when speaking to Roderigo, he speaks in prose. I believe he talks down to Roderigo, trying to appear closer to him and more on his level. However, when talking to high-class citizens, he wants to appear educated. It is a natural thing to do- when talking to friends, the average human would use different language then when talking to their boss. Suprisingly for me, I was able to understand the iambic pentameter better. It seemed to have a flowing rhythm, while the prose seemed to all mesh together in a jumble of words. Who knew I would ever understand Shakespearean poetry?!
The Big Green Monster
IAGO: "Why, then I think Cassio's an honest man."
OTHELLO: "Nay, yet ther's more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings."
Othello II.iii.130-131
Is Othello a person jealous "by nature"? Does he show any dispostition to jealousy in the first two acts?
In general, Othello doesn't seem to be a jealous person by nature. In fact, at first he seems delighted at the idea of Cassio's friendship, and not at all bothered by Cassio being friendly with Desdemona. However, he does seem to be a cautious person "by nature". He is easily manipulated by Iago, but still at least seems inclined to search for the truth- he understands that as a person in power, he must be on the watch for betrayers. This is shown when he says "No, to be once in doubt is once to be resolved" II.iii.180-181
He is determined to know the truth, but doesn't seem to be immediately jealous. He especially proves this when he demands Cassion gives him proof of an affair in Act III, because he doesn't immediately believe that Cassio and Desdemona would betray him in such a terrible way. It seems that Iago is simply good at bringing out the worst qualities in people.
OTHELLO: "Nay, yet ther's more in this.
I prithee speak to me as to thy thinkings."
Othello II.iii.130-131
Is Othello a person jealous "by nature"? Does he show any dispostition to jealousy in the first two acts?
In general, Othello doesn't seem to be a jealous person by nature. In fact, at first he seems delighted at the idea of Cassio's friendship, and not at all bothered by Cassio being friendly with Desdemona. However, he does seem to be a cautious person "by nature". He is easily manipulated by Iago, but still at least seems inclined to search for the truth- he understands that as a person in power, he must be on the watch for betrayers. This is shown when he says "No, to be once in doubt is once to be resolved" II.iii.180-181
He is determined to know the truth, but doesn't seem to be immediately jealous. He especially proves this when he demands Cassion gives him proof of an affair in Act III, because he doesn't immediately believe that Cassio and Desdemona would betray him in such a terrible way. It seems that Iago is simply good at bringing out the worst qualities in people.
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