There are certain stories, books, movies, etc. that have that one character whose actions really piss you off. In Othello, Iago was that character. Just reading the book angered me beyond belief, and at times I had to place the book down in order to gather my thoughts. This isn’t the first time this has happened to me. Another notable story is a childhood classic, The Lion King. I have The Lion King fresh in my memory because I re-watched the play a few months ago. Scar tricked Simba on multiple occasions leading him into terrible situations. Most notably when Simba goes into the hyena nest and when Simba gets trapped in the stampede. The second scene leads to Mufasa’s death. It’s very aggravating to watch a movie or read a book/play and to see an innocent character get tricked by someone whom they trust. We have this feeling rooted deep within our minds because we likely know what it’s feels like to be betrayed. At eighteen or older it’s common to have been betrayed at least once before, and the betrayal is such a mix of emotions when it was someone you once trusted. You feel sadness because you thought you could rely on that friend, and that sadness is mixed with anger because you’re screaming in your mind how could (s)he do that to you. This is exactly how I felt when watching Iago and Scar. Scar is very similar to Iago because of how deceitful they both are. They make it seem as if they’re helping their prey but ultimately leading them into their trap. Othello, Emilia, Cassio all trust him, but are unaware that each and every of his actions have been carefully plotted to give him what he wants. It is sickening to watch someone trouble so many other just for his own personal gain. Iago ends his master plan with Othello, Desdemona, and Emilia all dying. Luckily, in The Lion King (probably because it is a children’s Disney movie) there is a happy ending. Even though Scar ruins much of the waterhole Simba is able to come back and reclaim his throne giving life back to the land. Even though the ending was happy, it still leaves a hole in your heart to see and feel for the character that was betrayed.
