28 November 2018

347-52 What is Roderigo threatening to do, and why?

He is threatening to drown himself because life is pointless without Desdemona, who is Othello’s.
351-352 What unusual metaphor does Roderigo use here?
“Death is our physician…”
353-354 How old is Iago?
28 years old
357 Start listing on Handout 6: “Iago’s Bestiary” the animals and birds Iago mentions in
this scene, and watch out for other animals he mentions throughout.
361-75 Try to paraphrase the essence of this long, difficult passage. What evidence is there
that Iago sees himself as in control of his life? How does he regard love?
“Virtue? Ridiculous! What we can do and how we are as people is up to ourselves. Our wills control our
bodies. The actions we take depend on what we want to do. The balance we have in our lives is a weight
of reason, and thus keeps our naturally bad actions from sending us down. However, we do have reasons
to cool our emotions, an emotion of which you call love.” He sees himself as in control of his life in
stating what people can do and become as something that is up to themselves. He disregards love, which
he shows in saying “that you call love”.
379-80 Comment on Iago’s “I have professed me thy friend…”
He tells Roderigo to make money in order to win Desdemona, when in reality Iago simply wants his
money.
382 “Put money in thy purse” is a figurative expression meaning “You can count on it”.
What literal meaning has it in this context?
Iago literally wants Roderigo to sell all his possessions to make money in hopes of winning Desdemona.
377-400 List the reasons Iago gives Roderigo for believing that the love of Othello and
Desdemona cannot last.
Desdemona made a “violent commencement” (of her love), there will be considerable separation between
them, Moors are untrustworthy and change their minds often, once she is intimate with him she will
realize her mistake, etc.
411 Iago uses the word “cuckold” for the first time. If you’re not familiar with this
word, look it up. It’s crucial. Watch for it, and for references to cuckolds like “a horned man”.
Traditionally, the cuckold is represented as having horns. In Italian, the word cornuto (horned one)
means cuckold, and the term is still one of contempt.
411-12 Paraphrase “If thou canst cuckold him, thou dost thyself a pleasure, me a sport.”
What are the connotations of the word “sport” - what does this use of it here reveal about Iago’s
personality?
“If you can make her cheat on Othello with you, you are doing yourself a pleasure, and me a great
favor/laugh.” For Iago, the word “sport” has a positive connotation. It reveals that Iago is deceiving and
manipulative.
426 Paraphrase “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.”
“I never actually guarantee he can count on it.”
427-29 What are the two motives Iago gives here for hanging out with Roderigo?
His own sport and profit.
429-31 Iago gives a new reason here for hating Othello. What is it? Do you remember what
the first reason was and when Iago stated it?
There’s a widespread rumor Othello’s sleeping with his wife. The first reason was when Othello
promoted someone else (Cassio?) instead of Iago.
431-33 How does he qualify this new reason in these lines?
He’s not sure if it’s true, but suspicion is enough for him.
435 How long would you pause, as an actor, before and after saying “Cassio’s a proper
man.” Be sure to look at the textual note explaining this use of the word “proper”.
I would pause for a considerable amount of time, because Iago is thinking both before and after this quote
of a new plan.
436-37 What are Iago’s stated objectives?
To take his place and profit from it.
438-39 What plan does Iago arrive at here?
To convince Othello that Cassio, who is attractive enough to seduce her, is too close with Desdemona.
440-41 Why will Othello believe that his wife is betraying him with Cassio?
According to Iago, Othello believes any person who seems honest is truly honest (Iago himself).
442-45 Why will Othello believe what Iago tells him? See also lines 433-34.
As also stated above, Othello already trusts Iago. Therefore, he will believe him.
446 Iago uses the words “hell,” “night,” and “light” here. Watch for the repetition of
these words and the words associated with them throughout the play.