Task 2

According to the article, where does the texts tragedy spring from?
misunderstanding and miscommunication.

How does Iago manipulate Othello?

Posing leading questions and withholding information, Iago manipulates Othello’s insecurities about his new marriage to Desdemona. Even though Iago uses arachnid imagery to describe his own plotting, Iago’s whisperings in fact transform Othello into a spider. Othello spins a ‘web’ from self-loathing and faulty logic.

The handkerchief

What two things does the article believe the handkerchief represents?

They were displayed as fashionable ornaments or ostentatiously dropped to prompt men gallantly to retrieve them. They were also exchanged symbolically as lovers’ gifts during courtship, and could even be used as evidence of a binding commitment to marriage if betrothal was contested.

What does the pattern on the handkerchief represent?

Its web-like pattern of the handkerchief gives it inflated meaning.

The Venetian ‘state of mind’

How does the play Othello characterise Venice?

It characterizes it similarly to how it was viewed by people at the time.

What did the Venetians have an appetite for?

the scandalous

How did John Leo view Africans and why is this a significant difference to Venetian's?

Joannes Leo’s casting of ‘the African’ as ‘most honest’ and ‘high minded’. It is a counterpoint to the Venetian desire for salacious statements.

War

Why does this section believe misunderstanding is inevitable?

Because there is a lot of miscommunication between the characters.

Gender

In the play, what do Venetian men have little grasp of?

the ‘true’ character of their womenfolk; men cannot see women for who they ‘really’ are

What is Emilia's function?

to go against the idea of what women should be like and bring the frustrations of women to attention

Summarise this section from a feminist perspective.

Men and women fail to understand each other and never really make the effort too as their attitudes are so internalised. Othello easily believes that Desdemona has been unfaithful because of social attitudes towards Venetian women ( that they were all promiscuous.) The only person in the play to openly challenge the way womens sexuality is viewed is Emilia who is frustrated that she is not listened to or understood.


'Let husbands know Their wives have sense like them; they see, and smell, And have their palates both for sweet and sour,
As husbands have. '

Critical approaches to Othello

What does Cinthio's collection of short stories explore?

explores the pros and cons of different kinds of love, especially within marriage. 

How does Shakespeare adapt Cinthio's tale in Othello?

Shakespeare’s  Iago is not driven by lust for Desdemona his motives are more ambiguous.Shakespeare introduces new characters,  Roderigo and Desdemona’s father Brabantio. He also refers directly to the Turks and Venetians.

Post colonialism

What is post colonialism?

It addresses the problems and consequences of the decolonization of a country.

What do post colonial readings focus on in the play?

It focuses on the plays representation of the Turks.

What real life event was the inspiration for the plays rising action?

Venice’s struggle during the 1570s with the Ottoman Empire for control of Cyprus.

Venice owned Cyprus from 1470 to 1569, but in 1571 Turkish forces seized the island. Later that year an alliance of Christian powers defeated the Turk in the battle of Lepanto.

How does the play undercut the Christian/Turkish binary?

 By making the play’s most villainous character a Venetian and its hero an outsider.

What are Brabantio and Desdemona fascinated by and why?

 Brabantio and Desdemona are fascinated by his strange stories. The Moor’s stories allow Desdemona to experience the delight found by many early modern readers in travel narratives that described the unexplored territories in Africa, the East and the New World.

New historicist reading: ‘far more fair than black’

What debate are new historicist critics currently having?

New historicist critics often debate whether or not race was a factor in early modern representations of non-English people.

What evidence is there that Othello was held in high esteem by other characters?

 Iago’s and Brabantio’s remarks in Act 1 exude what is today accepted as racism but the Duke’s pronouncement that Othello is ‘far more fair than black’ and Montano’s claim that ‘the man commands / Like a full soldier’ indicate the high esteem others have for him.

What references establish his liminal position in society?

References to Othello as black and a Moor, as well as his lack of understanding of Venetian customs, establish his liminal position in Venetian society.

Feminist reading: ‘a maiden never bold’

What is endogamous marriage?

Arranged marriage

What has changed in the audiences reading of the character of Desdemona since the plays original performances and the 20th century?

From the play’s earliest performances, audiences responded sympathetically to Desdemona’s struggle. After a 1610 production at Oxford, Henry Jackson recalled that Desdemona ‘entreated the pity of the spectators by her very countenance’ That changed in the late 20th century, however, when feminist critics underscored Desdemona’s initial independence and Emilia’s eventual strength, and outlined the ways both women – as well as the courtesan Bianca – were constrained by the male characters’ patriarchal suppositions.

What is the current feminist perspective on the play?

 That early modern England’s preoccupation with cuckoldry demonstrates a basic male insecurity about women’s sexuality.

Can you find evidence in the text to support this (include quotations)

Marxist reading: ‘’Tis the curse of service’

What are marxists critics concerned with?

concerned with the economic and psychological impact of early modern England’s hierarchical social system

What is the hierarchy (pecking order) in the play?

 The Duke and aristocratic members of the Venetian Senate give orders to Othello, who in turn commands his Lieutenant Cassio. Ensign Iago is subordinate to both. All three ostensibly serve out of loyalty to the state and for the status their military position brings, but they can be dismissed at the pleasure of their superiors

What have fuedal obligations of service been replaced with?

Capitalism

How many lines do Othello and Iago have?
Othello - 880
Iago- 1088

What is 'unusual' about this fact?
This is unusual as Othello is the protagonist of the play, the hero would usually be the most prominent 


What is the difference between a soliloquy and a monologue?
A monologue is a long speech during a conversation. A soliloquy is a character making a speech, usually when alone and sometimes directed at the audience.

What does the author believe is significant about how Shakespeare allocates these to both Iago and Othello?

Othello has only 2 soliloquy's in the play. Soliloquies create a bond between the character and the audience Iago has more soliloquies and therefore creates a stronger bond even though its not necessarily a positive one.Iago reveals his evil nature too the audience,he draws the audience in and the audience becomes complicit .

What is significant to the author about Iago's lines in Act1 Scene 3?
It adds to the tragedy of Othello because we know Iagos plot as he has told us but we are powerless to anything but watch the tragedy unfold.

What is unusual about the final act?
The scheming is now complete, the focus switched to Othello so that we can see the consequences of Iagos scheming. 

What does the author notice about Iago and Roderigo's interactions?
Iago dominates speech and uses skill full language to mock Roderigo whilst simultaneously using gaining him as an ally. Iago also reminds Roderigo in subtle ways that he is in charge.
At what points in the play does Block believe that Shakespeare uses prose intentionally?
When soldiers talk to each other , Iago speaks in prose when speaking to Cassio to appear a trustworthy fellow soldier.

Why does the author believe that verse reflects our true feelings?
The rhythm of iambic pentameter mimics a heartbeat.

What does the author believe is significant about Iago's use of iambic pentameter?
He uses it to deceive others to make them think he is emotional and sensitive. He uses it on Othello frequently making Iago appear honest and reasonable.

What does the author believe is Iago's final insult
Iago chooses to remain silent , Othello and the audience never find out Iago's motive.

Racism, Misogyny and Motiveless Malignity In Othello

What does Kiernan Ryan believe the play is a 'searing critique' of?
Racial and sexual injustice.

What evidence does Ryan provide to substantiate this view?
Because Desdemona and Othellos relationship falls apart due to ideas about race and sexuality that where ingrained into their society and therefore themselves. 

What does Ryan believe is Brabantio's main fear regarding Othello and Desdemona's relationship?
 Brabantio argues that treating inferiors as  equals means there’s nothing to stop the  underclass or  outcasts of society taking higher places and having power over us.

Which quotations are used to demonstrate that characters 'speech is infected with contempt for "the Moor"?
‘Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe’ 
‘the thick-lips'
'Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom / Of such a thing as thou' 
'Your son-in-law is far more fair than black’

What type of jealousy is shown to be the 'rule' in Venice?
Sexual jealousy 

What item does Ryan believe links the three couples?
The handkerchief 


Why does Ryan believe Iago is so successful in making Othello believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful?
Because Othello's insecurities are not only supported by Iago but by the society hes living in, he also shares a warped view of women and female sexuality with Iago and other men. 

Which two quotations does Ryan use to show this to be true?
 ‘I told him what I thought, and told no more / Than what he found himself was apt and true’
‘Demand me nothing; what you know, you know’

Summarise why Ryan believes that Iago DOES NOT possess 'motiveless malignity'.
He believes that Iago is not the fundamental or sole cause of the tragedy he just initiates it because Othello and Desdemona have made a mockery of the principles of social, sexual and racial hierarchy on which Iago's  identity and sense of self-worth depend , he creates a plot to put them back in the place he thinks they belong. Iago's flaws simply mirror the flaws in society. 

Othello Mock review

Othello is an honourable man and because of this he is admired and given a significant amount of status. The senate sent 'three several quests' to find Othello and its said that he has been 'hotly called for' by the Duke this emphasises Othello's importance to the Venetians. This adds to the tragedy of the play as he ultimately kills Desdemona because he believes its honourable to save other men from getting hurt by her, he almost sees it as if he is fulfilling his duty and taking back his military status by killing her both to protect honour  and the honour of future men. He sees killing Desdemona as another service to the state. But killing Desdemona marks his downfall and the loss of his honour.

“Desdemona is presented in the play as a sexual subject who hears and desires, and that desire is punished because the non-specular or non-phallic sexuality it displays is frightening and dangerous.”

Karen Newman: Femininity and the monstrous in Othello.

To what extent do you agree with this view? 

The only time Desdemona is spoken about by other characters is as a sexual object, Iago is crude about her and  Roderigo and Othello are obsessed with the idea of her. When Cassio innocently kisses her hand Iago sexualises it. Even though Desdemona is completely pure and cant even say the word 'whore' the male characters ignore this and create and over sexualised version of her to fit to their own ideas of what women are like. Because Desdemona cant understand thats shes being seen in this way she doesn't understand what  impression she creates by acting in certain way eg letting Cassio kiss her had or by asking Emilia to put the wedding sheets on the bed . The men in the play see her in a sexual way but when she actually acts like that she is punished for it, she is killed for having an affair that Othello has made up she has given up her life for him and adhered to everything he has told her to do but he still thinks that she is disloyal because he would rather listen to Iagos view of her than to Emilia - the person closest to her , because he already holds the view that women are deceitful . I don't think she's punished for being a promiscuous woman , I think she is killed for being an attractive woman that has been oversexualised by every man in the play to the point that its easier to kill her than to confront their own views about how they see women.

Desdemona and Emilia

What differences are there between Desdemona and Emilia?

Desdemona is a higher class and Emilia works for her this puts a social barrier in their relationship. Although they are close Emilia still has to fulfill her duties and obey Desdemona. Emilia is also a lot older than Desdemona, she is more wise and less niave and less passive towards her husband. They both have different attitudes towards men and love,Desdemona is more romantic whereas Emilia sees that it is flawed and unequal. 

Why do you think Emilia does not mention the handkerchief to Desdemona? Use what you hear in the video, as well as your own ideas. Consider the relationship between Iago and Emilia, as well as the relationship between Desdemona and Emilia.

Emilia doesn't mention the handkerchief to Desdemona because she sees it as a chance to make  her and Iagos relationship better. Emilia doesn't think the handkerchief is that important but she can see It is too Iago so sees it as an opportunity to gain his affection she doesn't think that it will have any large impact on Desdemona. Emilia and Desedemona also aren't very close its still a professional and unbalanced relationship it may seem an insignificant thing to tell Desdemona or it may make Emilia look unprofessional . 

Othello Act 4 Scene 2 Questions

1) What does Othello ask Emilia at the beginning of the scene, and how does Emilia respond? 
He asks Emilia if she has seen anything suspicious between Cassio and Desdemona. Emilia is very defensive of Desdemona and is certain of her innocence although Othello still refuses to believe shes telling the truth.

2) What does Othello say to Desdemona and how does Desdemona respond? Is Othello treating Desdemona fairly? 
Othello calls her a whore and compares her to a weed and tells he that he wishes she had never been born. Desdemona is confused and says to Othello that to him she is 'your true and loyal wife'.She also admits to a sin even though she is unaware she has done anything 'what ignorant sin have I committed?' she does because she cant understand his anger. He isn't treating her fairly as he has no proof that she has been disloyal, the audience know this and can see how much she loves him but she doesn't try to defend herself to him making her look guilty in his eyes. This doesn't excuse how he's treating her but it could have been easily resolved if she could have diminished his doubt earlier.

3) When Desdemona and Emilia tell Iago about Othello’s behavior, how does Iago respond? What does Iago say he thinks is the cause of Othello’s anger? What does Emilia think is the cause? 
Iago acts shocked and sympathetic towards Desdemona and dismisses Othellos anger as work stress. Emilia however can see that for Othello to act so irrationally someone else must be reaffirming his doubts. Iago obviously wants to avoid any discussion of the truth as it risks his exposure so tries desperately to keep his wife quiet.


4) Why is Roderigo angry and how does he threaten Iago? In response, what does Iago say Roderigo must do and why? According to Iago, what will be Roderigo’s reward if he follows Iago’s advice
Roderigo is angry because he has given Iago the majority of his wealth and his saw little reward. Desdemona seems no more interested in Roderigo. He  threatens to demand for the jewels to be given back from Desdemona but she cant give them back because she never received them, this would reveal that Iago has been stealing his money. Iago says that he must kill Cassio so that Desdemona cant leave Venice with Othello. Iago tells him that it will help him win the affections of women and the respect of his peers.

Having read Act 3 how far do you agree with A.C Bradley's view of Othello?

Bradley says that Othello's trust is 'absolute' Othello at the start of the play trusted Desdemona completely and he begins to not trust her at all and places all of his trust in Iago instead. He never asks her for the truth directly and as a woman in a patriarchal society she doesn't have the power to confront him about the way he is acting. Once he has lost his trust for her there is nothing she can do to win it back. Iago is the only person Othello trusts completely due to the fact Othello relies on him to be his eyes, Bradley's view that Othello is self reliant is not true due to how reliant Othello is on Iago. Othello doesn't take advice from anyone else and his interactions with Iago are always longer than his interactions with anybody else making Iago's influence on 1ago more significant. Othello could have chosen anyone to trust but he chooses Iago as its the only person he can relate to, Iago is of lower status than any of the other charterers close to Othello and although Othello has a higher social position than Iago, he is still black in a racist society making him like Iago lower in the social hierarchy this strengthens their relationship as they can empathise with the others position (although Iago chooses to take advantage of it instead.)  Othello is vulnerable due to his race and has to rely on Iago to explain society to him this allows Iago to manipulate Othello easily , his reliance and trust in Iago is ultimately Othello's downfall.


Bradley says that to Othello 'hesitation is almost impossible' and that he 'acts instantaneously'. Othello never doubts Iago for very long he never hesitates and if he does its very short lived.He never acts on any real thought of his own and because Iago has set him on edge everything someone says that could be taken out of context makes Othello insecure, angry and jealous. He acts instantaneously and loves completely or not at all he goes from calling Desdemona his 'fair warrior' to wanting to tear her all to pieces' in a very short space of time .

Do you think Iago is an opportunist or a strategist?

Opportunist
- People don't always act the way he expects eg:nearly getting killed by Othello


Strategist
- Adapts to situations quickly and makes them work in his favour eg his bathotic story about toothache probably wouldn't have worked on anybody else but he knows how to manipulate Othello.
- He uses other people to get thinks he needs for his plans before carrying them out. eg getting money from Roderigo
- His analysis of peoples behaviour is what leads to opportunities arsing that he can take advantage of, why would he ask Emilia to steal the handkerchief if he didn't think she would become desperate enough to do it? She may be an opportunist but he knew that she would eventually make any attempt to gain his affection.

How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene?

Desdemona promises to help Cassio win back Othello's trust and respect. Desdemona attempts to do this by reminding Othello that Cassio helped him to woo her,Othello is already doubting Desdemona and this action just pushes him further towards the belief that something between Cassio and Desdemona is happening behind his back. It also makes Othello feel insecure , we already know that he doesn't think that he's a good speaker 'rude am I in my speech' he thinks of Desdemona as better than himself and treats her with a lot of respect when compared with how Iago treats Emilia. Othello feels as if he is loosing Desdemona which makes him more vulnerable. Cassio is well spoken and attractive and Othello has a negative view of himself as he is black, and 'declined in the vale of years'. This makes Desdemona's innocent attempt to help a friend seem suspicious to Othello.

Iago reminds Othello that he's inferior.  He tells Othello that in 'Clime', 'Complexion' and 'Degree' he's inferior to her. Due to Desdemona's race and status and social attitudes to gender it was scandalous that she had married a black man as interracial relationships were rejected and without it being consented to by her father. Iago also tactfully reminds Othello of this too, because she deceived her father to marry him surely she could deceive her husband.

If Othello hadn't been as insecure and filled with self hatred and doubt he may have not viewed Desdemona's attempt to help a friend as a criticism of himself. Iago's claims probably wouldn't have been taken seriously either if the general rejection of otherness wasn't reinforced by society.

Othello Act 3 Scene 3

For what two reasons does Desdemona agree to plead Cassio's case?

She is friends with Cassio and has known him a long time. Cassio helped Desdemona and Othello to become a couple. She also recognises that Cassio is loyal to Othello.

What is Iago referring to when he says, "Ha! I like not that."

He is referring to Desdemona and Cassio having a conversation he does it to make Othello question the nature of Cassio and Desdemona's relationship and to make him feel curious and insecure.

After Othello repeatedly urges Iago to tell him what's on his mind, Iago says "O, beware, my lord, of jealousy;/It is the green eyed monster, which doth mock / The meat it feeds on." What is Othello's response? What does he want from Iago?

He is upset and angry and refuses to admit that he is jealous. He wants proof from Iago. 'Ill see before I doubt'

What does Iago say about the women of Venice?

He says that venetian women keep things from their husbands and only show their husbands what they want to see and that 'they do let God see the pranks' that they conceal from their husbands.

What contextual evidence do we have to support Iago's views of Venetian women?

 Belief that women tended to misbehave in hotter climates.

Why might this cause Othello to believe this or, at least, not dismiss it immediately?

Othello relies on Iago to explain society to him so trusts him to be honest and reliable, Iago is also his only source of advice. If women are also perceived this way by the rest of society it would be hard for Othello to dismiss these ideas.

Who echoes Brabantio's earlier warning to Othello?

Iago also reminds him that Desdemona deceived her father before him so she would be able to deceive Othello.

In his duplicitous fashion, what bold statement does Iago make about Desdemona and Othello?

That Desdemona feared to look at Othello at that's why she loved him because she knew she shouldn't.

Desdemona's handkerchief becomes an imposrtant piece of stage business. Why did Desdemona produce it? What happens to it? What might this symbolise? What happens to it? What does Emilia plan to do with it?

Desdemona gets out her handkerchief because Othello isn't feeling well. Desdemona drops it and Othello tells her to let it alone. Othello isn't feeling well after his conversation with Iago. The handkerchief is the first gift Othello gives to Desdemona and symbolizes the love they once had for each other. Othello says the handkerchief is 'too little' implying that Desdemona's love isn't enough anymore. When she drops it he also tells her to 'let it alone' after his conversation with Iago, Othello no longer has faith in his and Desdemona's love. Emilia picks up the handkerchief and plans to give it to Iago as she know how much he wants it but she doesn't know what he needs it for.

What do you think motivates Emilia to take the handkerchief to Iago?

She thinks that he may be grateful and affectionate towards her if she gets it for him as she knows he wants it . She also may think he wants to get one made for her just like it. She is desperate for Iago's attention and doesn't know his true intentions for the handkerchief.

What does Iago plan to do with the handkerchief?

Use it as proof that Desdemona is cheating.

When Othello returns to the scene upset, what warning does he give Iago?

He strangles Iago and wishes Iago had never told him.  Othello says Iago must get proof. 

What 'proof' of Desdemona's disloyalty does Iago give Othello?

He tells Othello that he was in bed with Cassio awake with tooth ache and Cassio was calling Desdemona's name and kissing him.

What is Iago's final 'proof'?

Cassio having the handkerchief.

What is noticeable about Othello's language in this scene?  

It's very short and Iago dominates the conversation.

Othello Context

Sixteenth century England was the first time Muslims began openly living in England occupying jobs such as diplomats,merchants,translators,musicians,servants and prostitutes. Muslims began arriving in London due to Queen Elizabeth's isolation from Catholic Europe this meant she could create political and commercial alliances with Islamic states. English people had limited understanding in regards to the culture of Muslims and couldn't accept Islam as a religious belief. Some Muslims chose to convert to Christianity. The Queens alliances with different empires brought more elite Muslims to London.

Othello Act 1 scene 3

How does the Duke and senators speak of Othello?
'valiant moor'
'valiant Othello'
'I think this tale would win my daughter too'

How does Brabantio speak of his daughter?
'for your sake jewel'
'dead?'  Ay to me''

What do we learn about views towards foreigners/moors?
Racist society even Desdemona refers to him as a moor.

What is Ironic about Othello's Claim 'rude am I in my speech'.?
He says he can't speak well but then speaks eloquently.

What is startling about Othello's decision to let Desdemona speak on his behalf?
In a patriarchal society this would have been viewed as quite shocking. Women could speak in  court but for a man in such a high position to get a woman to speak on his behalf it makes him appear vulnerable.

 What stories does Othello tell in his speech to the senate? 
He tells stories of a world unfamiliar to Venetians. He also mentioned 'men whose head do grow beneath their shoulders.' Which we know not to be true.

Why do the senators listen to Desdemona and what does she persuade them to do?
They listen to Desdemona because Othello has requested them too and both her father and husband are of high status. She persuades them to let her go with Othello to Cyprus.

What praise (though simultaneously racist comment)does the duke offer Othello?
That he is more white than black. 'your son in law is far more fair than black'

What is significant about the rhyming couplet used by Brabantio ? 
It stands out to the audience as the last line doesn't rhyme showing he wants them to get back on track with the court trial.

What is Ironic about Othello's retort and his subsequent description of Iago?
He says 'my life upon her faith' this is foreshadowing because when he looses faith in her it ends in death. He also calls Iago 'honest' which is ironic since he is betraying Iago.

Why is Roderigo so Distruaght and how and why does Iago convince him to keep going?
Roderigo is distraught after seeing everything work out between Othello and Desdemona and Iago convinces him too keep going by telling him he is being to emotional and that he could fix everything if Roderigo pays him. Men weren't expected to be emotional in that society and Iago uses this to manipulate him.

Focus on Iago's Soliloquy what reasons does he give for wanting revenge against Othello?
He views him as gullible and Is still angry that Cassio was promoted as opposed to him.

Othello Act 1 scene 2

Our thoughts on Othello after act 1 scene 2.
Calm - he avoids conflict and violence when possible. 'tis better as it is'
Respected
Authoritative
Noble position 'my services which I have done the Seigniory shall out tongue his complaints'
Honourable

How does Othello respond to Iago's baiting?
Responds obediently and willingly because he trusts Iago and values his opinion.

How does Brabantio react upon meeting Othello?
He acts extremely angry 'thou foul theif''. This contrasts with Othellos laid back reaction.

How does Othello react to Brabantios Charges?
Passively
Confidently
Calmly
Pleads his case well but asks Desdemona to speak on his behalf.

Act 1 scene 1 questions

Thoughts on Othello
- 'epithets of war' = Egotistical
- Not loyal to Iago as he promotes Cassio instead even though Iago is more experienced. Cassio has 'Never set a squadron in the field.
-Shallow = we are told he has married Desdemona for sex and wealth.


Why do we believe Iago?
Because Roderigo believes him so easily.


Why does Brabantio react the way he does?
Because of the racist views held by society concerning interracial marriage. Also because Desdemona has disobeyed him and in a patriarchal society this would have been frowned upon. He also cant understand her motives behind being with Othello because of his race so much so he thinks she's been drugged or been a victim to magic.


Whats wrong with Cassio?
Only problem is that he's too attractive 'damned in a fair wife'
Lack of war experience 'Never set a squadron in the field'.


Why/how is Iago the perfect venetian man?
He's had experience in war unlike Cassio.
He's white in a racist society.


How does Brabantio believe Othello won Desdemona?
Magic.
Charms.
Drugs.


Is there anything in his words and actions to make us doubt Iago's honesty?
Topic shifts.

Othello Act 1 Scene 1

1. Venice is presented in the first act as a society orientated around conflict whether its the Venice Vs Cyprus conflict or the conflict between the characters themselves. The interactions change dependent on the person because Othello is a black man living in a racist society he is treated differently but he is also treated differently because of his status as a general. Although Iagos status is lower than Othellos he is often treated better by his counterparts because he is white.The society is also patriarchal so therefore Desdemona is treated differently when compared to male characters.

2. In Act 1 scene 1 Iago appears quite trustworthy and honest and he seems to be rightfully angry at Othello as far as the audience know Iago has always been loyal to Othello and he has had more experience than Cassio but yet Cassio is chosen to fulfil a more important role. However the audience starts to see how disloyal Iago really is when he goes behind Othellos back and the audience begins to question Iagos opinions when they see how honourable Othello is. Iago and Roderigo are friends but Iago manipulates him and its implied there could be something more between them.

3. Othellos speaks gently whereas Iagos speaks more aggressively as he is more manipulative. Iago often speaks vaguely so he doesn't look as manipulative as he really is