Iagos Mind in William Shakespeares Othello Essays

Iagos Mind in William Shakespeares Othello In Shakespeare’s play Othello, the character of Iago takes on the role of a person warped within his own thoughts and feelings. Although people today have the benefit of psychology, back in the 1600s people with severe psychological disorders were left un-medicated and free to roam as citizens of society. Although Iago would have benefited from medication of today, in his mind he was the best, even though his own imagination got the better of him and fed his own misguided mentality. One of the best examples of this warped mentality is a conversation which Iago has with Othello mid-way through the play (3.3.160-66). As one analyzes Iago’s words, the depth and complexity of his mental†¦show more content†¦As he opens his speech with the introduction of one’s reputation, he completes the thought with reference to said reputation as â€Å"†¦the immediate jewel of their souls† (3.3.161). Seemingly, this statement refers to one’s reputa tion as being of greatest interpersonal value. Upon deciphering both the passage and play, there are two prominent features that stand out from this portion of the speech. The first of these features is that reputation is obviously of importance in Iago’s mind to men only, even though he speaks of both men and women. This is evident earlier in the play as Iago belittles his own wife, describing his wife’s position in the home as, â€Å"You rise to play and go to bed to work† implying that women have no need to consider their reputation since their work is so obviously meant for the bedroom (2.1.118). And yet, the second feature which is reflected within the these line takes on a different and more personal feeling for Iago, that of his own reputation as a tarnished jewel which he feels is ruined by the Moor passing him over for a higher military position. Iago throws out to Roderigo, â€Å"†¦And I – God bless the mark! – his Moorshipâ₠¬â„¢s ensign† as if the position is of a disgraceful nature (1.1.32). Further into the speech Iago makes an attempted stab at portrayingShow MoreRelated Othello, The Moor of Venice Essay examples1319 Words   |  6 PagesOthello, the Moor of Venice is one of the major tragedies written by William Shakespeare that follows the main character, Othello through his trials and tribulations. Othello, the Moor of Venice is similar to William Shakespeare’s other tragedies and follows a set of specific rules of drama. The requirements include, following the definition of a tragedy, definition of tragic hero, containing a reversal of fortune, and a descent from happiness. 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