Iago

Iago

1. Character

   • L.DeLuca - the western world’s general psychology has changed rather drastically since the days of Shakespeare’s production of work. Globalization has forced cultures to share ideas with each other which has lead to an overwhelming accumulation of information and exposure to other belief systems. A modern day interpretation of Iago’s motives written by Laura DeLuca (titled: The Manipulation of Masks: The Rhetoric and Deceit of Shakespeare’s Character Iago - 2015) disagrees with older critic’s views justifying Iago’s actions as being the work of the devil. She proposes a point that Iago’s nature is simply a complex part of the human condition. A consistent point made by older critics, (S.T Coleridge & H. Bloom) is that Iago is often portrayed as an inhuman, supernatural being, bent on destroying the purity of Othello’s nature (L.DeLuca 2015).
   • L.DeLuca - She agrees with previous critics before her that Iago certainly possesses a malicious personality, however she acknowledges the fact that his character is flawed in its design, and this flawed nature demonstrates Iago’s humanity” (L.DeLuca 2015) According to DeLuca, comparing Iago’s nature to that of an immortal or supernatural being is an insufficient summarisation for what he completely encompasses.
   • We need to comprehend Iago...in terms of his apocalyptic ambivalence towards Othello (H.Bloom 1992).
     • Iago believes in nothing but his captain Othello, and loves nothing but the captain in Othello, (H.Bloom 1992). This love hate relationship breeds a destructive force inside Iago which consumes him entirely. Where could this ambivalent force be coming from?

2. Social Interactions