In this scene, aside from how much we have already learned of Iago, we also get a sense of how little he thinks of women. “You are pictures out the door, bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchen, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and huswives in your beds” (Act II.1 122-125) ) He sort of insinuates that women sort of always have something to hide, that they act like saints but theres a second face to them, deceptive almost. He’s also done this sort of commentary in Act I when he compared Cassio to being as knowledgeable as women who sow for a living. He continues by also saying that women “rise to play, and go to bed to work,” basically stating that sleeping in bed with men is all women are good for (Act II.1 128). If you compare Iago to all the other men in this play, it’s easy to notice and infer that not all men in this era were like this. Othello and Cassio respect women and although they might not see them as their equals, they care and respect them and not degrade them. Aside from noticing Iago’s perspective on women, in this Act we start to get an insight on what Iago plans to do to gain revenge. This is where the plotting takes place where Iago insinuates that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. It’s easy for him to elaborate this scheme when Cassio plays the part so well (because he is an uttermost gentleman). “With as little a web as this i will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio,” basically he’s saying how he’s going to trap Cassio in his plan. Iago is the Spider spinning his web getting ready to catch his fly (Cassio) in his great big scheme. I truly think this is a great use of a simile that Shakespeare captured because we’re able to truly imagine what’s going on in the play.
9 thoughts on “Othello Act II- III”
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Very nicely said Gloria. Iago really shows what he truly thinks about women especially about his wife whom he doesn’t seem fond of. He also shows what he plans to do to Othello using Cassio and Desdemona. He’s a very deceiving person.
I agree with you when you mention how Iago believes women have several personalities. He repeatedly makes references to how women change based on the situation they are put in. I found it interesting when you compared Iago to the other men in the play because I did not realize how different they treat women while reading this section of the play.
Iago clearly has some issues with women. He also doesn’t have a problem pointing out the little regard he has for them. What I found interesting is that perhaps Iago feels the need to insult and disregard others because he, himself, feels inferior and unwanted; not getting the lieutenant position really hit home.
That is a very nice observation Kat. In psychology class we were talking about how often people feel the need to put down others when they themselves are put down. It is sort of a defense mechanism to shield themselves from the truth.
I like the way you put it. I believe Lago will do much more then just to bother othello. I personally don’t think its a problem toward women he just doesn’t want othello to have everything. First the position as a lieutenant then a young beautiful wife. Lago is very jealous of him and will do anything to basically destroy othello.
To further comment on the scheme of Iago, I see that the pattern of using “little webs to catch great flies” apply also to Othello. Iago uses “as little web” as a napkin that Desdemona received as a gift from Othello and some one-sided lie that Iago makes up himself to cause Othello to misunderstand the courtship between Desdemona and Cassio. Iago has a great way of creating misinterpretation of every little interaction between Cassio and Desdemona. Another example would be when Cassio and Desdesmona simply shake hands as a gesture of greetings, Iago is able to convince Roderigo to think otherwise.
In this play the role of women is very clear and their role is to be as obedient to their husbands as possible. While reading the play it was really surprising to me how quickly Othello went from a loving husband to a suspicious psychopath. While analyzing the text we determine that the change of heart for Othello happens within weeks. During this whole process Othello doesn’t deny Iago’s accusations and immediately assumes the worst. His vision is blurred with anger and poisonous words of Iago. This demonstrates how the word of a male is much more superior to that of a women, no matter how absurd it is. This also demonstrates how low women were in the social pyramid. Desdemona’s last words did not blame Othello for her actions but instead she took the blame upon herself, which is shocking because it shows how she was obedient to her husband until her last breath.
I believe the only reason Iago thinks that Is because hes confused and he is convinced Othello is or has already slept with his wife. He is just so convinced that othello slept with his wife or already did so that all women are two faced. They would treat you one way then whenever done with you they’ll go behind your back to harm to you such as how Iago thinks of whats going on between Othello. Also he doesn’t just hate women he hates men also such as othello thats where the jealously comes in. Iago has to plan a revenge not only because he has desdemona as a wife but thinking he’s sleeping with his wife.
I believe the only reason Iago thinks that Is because hes confused and he is convinced Othello is or has already slept with his wife. He is just so convinced that othello slept with his wife or already did so that all women are two faced. They would treat you one way then whenever done with you they’ll go behind your back to harm to you such as how Iago thinks of whats going on between Othello. Also he doesn’t just hate women he hates men also such as othello thats where the jealously comes in. Iago has to plan a revenge not only because he has desdemona as a wife but thinking he’s sleeping with his wife.