Assignment #2
Due at the start of class on Thursday, December 14:
Normally, in the “temptation” scene, our sympathies are directed primarily to the victim who is being tempted. Is this the case here? Are we invited to perceive Othello as the innocent victim of the Satanic Iago?
Remember, your post should be insightful and at least 6 sentences long. Read and feed off the reactions of your peers.
Normally, in the “temptation” scene, our sympathies are directed primarily to the victim who is being tempted. Is this the case here? Are we invited to perceive Othello as the innocent victim of the Satanic Iago?
Remember, your post should be insightful and at least 6 sentences long. Read and feed off the reactions of your peers.
posted by fdileo at Sunday, December 10, 2006
36 Comments:
Mostly Othello is the innocent Victim. He was happy with his new wife and had no question in his mind that she was cheating on him. But all humans have the question of failure and loss in their minds. After Iago brought the problem to the surface, it was very difficult for Othello to ignore it. That flaw of humans, to HAVE to know, maybe othello thought that it was impossible for such a beautiful woman to love him as much as he loved her. But the again, maybe he doesn't trust her because he doesn't love her as much as he says out loud.
Pondering???
-Good
Julie P.!
I definitely see why Iago is called " the Spiderman" because he is definitely spinning serious webbs of deceit. Iago is quite frankly, lying through his teeth, to Othello and everyone else and his personality is coming through in almost all his interactions with others. Though I feel that a certain degree of sympathy should be rightfully applied to Othello because he is so throughly ensnared in Iago's lies; Othello himself is showcasing his flaws. Especially with accusations as serious as the ones Iago is proposing, Othello should wait to decide and act on decisions about Cassio and Desdemona. Othello knows he trusts and loves Desdemona far more than these lies that are being told and should not act so rashly on the tale Iago is telling. I do understand though the vulnerability that comes with being told such lies in away that may seem true. Othello is newly married, and with his position, the whole situation with Desdemona's father, and the underlying factor of the racially adverse society he is in all mix into his insecurities and make it easier for Othello to believe Iago though Iago's lies are not true. It becomes uncertain whether Desdemona would really cheat with one of "her own clime, complexion, and degree...all things nature tends" Even so, Othello holds some responsibility for jumping to conclusions and he has not even confronted his wife in a direct, honest way. So I feel that sympathy is allowed for Othello, the victim of Iago's deceit in this scene, but Othello holds some responsibility for believing too easily. Things are not always what they seem.
~Angel, per. 2
Hello AP Bloggers! Julie began the threaded discussion with the idea that Othello is caught up with the idea of being loved by such a beautiul woman. Then Angel articulated the idea that Othello's flaw is his credulity-- in other words, he believes too easily. My initial convictions with this flaw is it is universal--humans often believe things too quickly and easily-it is part of the human condition. And you are correct...Othello is to be held accountable for his actions; but Iago, who is evil, has injected his poison maliciously into someone who is good, Othello.
I cannot wait to read more of your comments.
In the temptation scene Iago is the villian's villian. Being the most manipulative character ever portrayed in a play or novel in my opinon he is able to create a rift between Othello and his beloved Desdemona. The torture that Othello is put through in this passage makes him appear to be a victim to many, but is he really? Iago only leads Othello to question his wife's faith and almost never openly states that Desdemona has taken Cassio as a lover, but makes pointed comments. Othello believes that Iago is his faithful servant who could not possibly decieve him, but easily believes his wife cheats on him. This is a theme of Othello percieving that he is inadequate for his wife and love because he is so much older and a moor. Othello is not an innocent victim he is the prey of his own misgivings and percieved shortcomings.
Othello is being used as a puppet and is being pulled along by the manipulative Iago, so in that sense you get the feeling that he is an innocent victim. On the other hand when Iago points out the accusations of Desdemona having a relationship with Cassio, Othello allows himself to get upset and believe that the women he loves has betrayed him. Therefore he does not get perceived as the innocent victim because he himself allows the "poison" Iago is feeding him to ultimately effect him. Even though you can sense the passionate love Othello and Desdemona have for each other you have to wonder if Othello completely trusts her. Once he heard one thing about this possible secret relationship she was having, Othello wanted to know more, which just further flustered him even more with every response. Maybe if Othello did not let this human flaw get in the way, then he might have never found out or would have defended Desdemona's loyalty as soon as he heard of this instead of interrogating the matter. Othello should be perceived as a victim not an "innocent" victim because even though Iago is feeding him with lies he still allows it to impair his judgement.
~TrAcY
period 2
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No, I believe that we are directed to percieve Othello as a jeaslous, and maybe even self hating person in this scene. This is primarily because of the way Africans were viewed in Shakespears time period. As many can see, the lie that Iago tells is very far fetched and shouldn’t have the impact it does on Othello. We are being directed to think that the black hero is somewhat stupid, even if it is subtle. I myself had little sympathy for somebody who is moved, that much, by a well executed, yet non-convincing lie such as that. But still, Iago is very cunning, so I have to be sympathetic for someone who croses paths with him. Iago, who reminds me exactly of “Scar” from The Lion King, in their ways of deception sucks any kind feeling towards him from a reader and in this sense, makes the reader feel sorry for Othello. Lumumba Theodus Maxwell Mutua per.2
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believe Othello is somewhat of a victim but not as much as we would expect him to be. He puts too much trust in Iago and not enough trust in his wife. However, Iago appears to be trustworthy. Othello has no reason not to believe Iago because as far as Othello knows, Iago has never betrayed him. Desdemona on the other hand has already decieved her father in the play and has given Othello reason not to fully trust her. Desdemona's father lets Othello know to look out for Desdemona has decieved him once, why wouldn't she do it again. However, to take Iago's word as opposed to first hand proof shows a mistake on Othello's part. Although Iago appears trustworthy it is never wise to jump to conclusions without first hand proof.
sarah hussein p1
Othello is the innocent victim of Iago in a way. Iago is the ultimate deceiver and Othello falls prey to the lies Iago plants in his head. He is lead to believe one of two things; either the woman he loves is cheating on him , or his best friend is lying to him. Iago forces Othello to question himself (his race, his character, and his love) and in therefore robs him of his peace of mind and his happiness. On the other hand, Othello's love for Desdemona should have been enough to rid him of the foolish seeds of doubt Iago planted in his head and that's his flaw. Othello is guilty of trusting the enemy and in a way he sets himself up to become one of Iago's many victims.
During the "temptation" scene, we are able to witness the true brutality of Iago. In this scene, Iago's plans of deceit and betrayal begin to unravel, causing Othello to become a victim of this treachery. At this point in the play, Othello is an honorable and articulate man whose only flaw is his trust in Iago and his natural curiosity. But in my opinion, Othello is not the victim that should receive our sympathies, Desdomonia is. Although Othello is deceived, he did not have to believe Iago over his wife, but Desdemonia had no choice in the matter. Desdemonia is completely innocent and does not deserve to be betrayed by Iago and especially does not deserve to be distrusted by Othello. So in a way, Desdomonia becomes the victim of both Iago and Othello without having a choice in the matter. So is the innocent victim, Othello, the man who believes Iago's lies when he has no true proof or is Desdomonia, the character that falls prey to Iago without having any choice at all?
Im definatly torn on this subject. Othello is innocent victim in the temptation scene because is he in the middle of Iago's web of lies. Othello invevitably gives in to these lies because he lets his human flaws get in the way.Another part of me has Othello to blame because he gives in to Iago's misleading accusations. If he truly loved his wife he would talk to her about it instead of listening to some "honest" heresay. This scene is truly ironic because it represents Iago as an honest man but as we all know he is not, which Othello will unfourtunatly find out at the last moment.
-Roberta Dombrowski,Period 2
Lumumba, I like the analogy to Scar from "Lion King"...I had similar thoughts.
I agree with Angel’s theory as to why she refers to Iago as a “spider man”. He is very dishonest and deceiving and constantly created “webs” to trap others in order to seek revenge against Othello. I think Iago has negative morals and believes Othello is the cost of them. Iago who is upset at Othello for not electing him as lieutenant is out to break Othello down. Eventually , Othello becomes a victim of Iago devilish attacks. Although Othello claims and continuously repeats his love for Desdemona, it is difficult for him not to be jealous or question the possible affair with Cassio which was pointed out by Iago. Iago also pushes Othello to a point where he begins to question if his race and age has anything to do with Desdemona “change of heart” and reaches to the climax where he may kill Desdemona. The cruel acts accomplished by Iago makes it very clear to see that Othello was an innocent victim.
TimmyA-per1
In the "temptation scene", I believe Othello is the character primarily, who is being tempted. Iago as we all know, is the villian. Since it is partially Othello's fault for believing Iago so easily without confronting Desdemonia, Iago can not be 100% accountable for the inevitable demolition of Othello and Desdemonie's relationahip. Othello acts on impulse, and gets too carried away from what he is merely being told. On the other hand, Othello really had no reason NOT to believe Iago, since he has always thought to be an honest man. Iago has not given Othello a reason why he is untrustworthy. Othello has even known Iago longer than Desdemonia.
This however, shows the natural human condition, and our flaw to jump to conclusions. Even after an idea is insight in our minds, we don't stop thinking about it. We, as humans, all seem to question why; just our curiosity in general makes us who we are.
To a certain amount, sympathy should be shown towards Othello for being caught in "Iago's web of lies" however, it is truly Desdemona who suffers. She knows nothing of Iago's lies, and is made the bad guy to her husband, when she actually didn't do anything at all.
Othello is the victim of Iago considering that Iago is directly trying to destroy Othello, but he is not the only victim in this situation. There are indirect victims, such as Desdimona and Cassio, as well as the government in general, who, by the end, will have lost Othello's level-headedness (when dealing with things other then this relationship). Othello, unfortunately, is the most victimized person in this scene. Iago is, as we know, "tempting" Othello with these thoughts of jealousy and one may say that it is Othello's fault for believing these accusations but truly, it is human nature to be suspicious when you hear something along these lines. It would be completely different if Iago had ever done anything to suggest his unreliability or evilness but he hasn't. As we see it, Iago is this villain but that is because we can tap into his mind during his soliloquies and realize this plan but from the outside he seems quite trustworthy, just as any "friend" would be. Frankly, I do believe that Othello is the victim just not the only victim, for Iago's actions play a role in many lives.
Othello can be precieved as the innocent victim in this situation. Iago would of course be percepted as the evil one for putting this horrid idea in his head. Othello gives into the lies easily with just minimal proof, all though it is true. Just the idea of Desdemona cheating on Othello makes the smallest gestures to anyone so much more visible. I guess Othello is in his place to be jealous and picking up on what is happening. I just think that he should have asked for more proof, or confronted Desdemona about it.
Kristina Dillon, Period 1
I don’t sympathize with Othello as much as I would with someone else under these circumstances. I think that is because the real victims of Iago’s actions are Desdemona and Cassio. Both Desdemona and Cassio love Othello and would do anything to help him. And because the reader is aware of this, you sympathize a little more with those two then with Othello himself, even though he is the, “direct”, victim of Iago’s treachery. Also, the reader is almost angry at Othello for falling for Iago’s tricks, because we can see through them. All of this works to make Othello seem less like a victim, and more like a villain, (although he still isn’t as bad as Iago).
Like in Arthur Miller's "Death of A Salesman," the personality flaws and insecurities of the character drive them to that level where only a serious amount of pain can bring them. Othello's insecurities about his Race, Age, and how much he attracts Desdemona are present, and are clearly taken advantage of, bringing them to break the mighty column that held Othello above much of man. Othello was an extremely tragic victim, until that column broke and the thoughts of Desdemona being unfaithful drove him to a crazed state, even thinking of killing Desdemona couldn’t have come from Iago and his lies, but from his deepest innermost insecurities and disbelief that a woman so beautiful could love him. Othello becomes evil because that evil that exists inside every person was drawn out through one of his most trisected friends, he’s a victim, but a lost soul, that seems to have lost his soul. Feel sorry for the Othello that was, not the Othello that is. To bring himself out of the vicious cycle Iago has created, Othello must first believe in himself.
Eric Miller Period 3
Although Othello is brought into Iago's "web of lies", I beleive Othello is at fault. Desdemona betrayed her father (which was a big deal in that time) to be with Othello, in fact she pretty much betrayed society, which already proved her love for him. Othello should have not even beleived Iago until consulting Desdemona. Desdemona may have seemed guilty but she is Othellos husband, and as it goes "for better or for worse" he should have stuck by her until proven guilty. I also can not see why if Iago is such a "trust worthy man" why he did not get the job of the lieutenant in the first place. Desdemona is his wife, and Cassio is a true trustworthy man, he needs to think for himself and not listen to Iago.
kristin
per. 2
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Well... It is quite easy to automically commiserate with Othello in the "temptation" scene. However, I am not so inclined to sympathize with Othello. I do have empathy for Othello because Iago is purposely manipulating him. Nevertheless, Othello does have some responsibility in the situation. As Iago poisons him with unfound, false ideas, Othello willingly believes Iago, and doesn't question further. Thus, Othello isn't a "victim" completely. Othello trusts Iago a great deal, a tragic flaw which will inevitably lead to Othello's demise.
James, Period 2
Othello is defintely meant to be percived as the innocent victim here. Iago is messing with Othello's mind simply for the fact that he did not get the job he wanted. But we need to think, why does Othello believe Iago so entirely without question, even before he gets visual proof? The answer to this is that Othello trusts Iago. Now wouldn't it seem that Othello trusts his wife more, instead of Iago, after all, a relationship is based completely on trust. If you can't trust your spouse who can you trust? We are then invited to think, how is it possible that Othello can turn on his wife so quickly? He goes from loving her immensely, to allowing himself no trust in her and not caring if she is killed. So now Othello takes the offensive against Desdemona, caring less for her wellbeing. So I believe in all reality the real victim here is Desdemona, she has done nothing to harm Iago or her husband, but now both men are pitted against her for absolutely no reason. This greatly foreshadows the tragic downfall of an otherwise happy marrage. So as much as we are invited to think of Othello as the innocent victim here, I do not believe he actually is.
Bobby Rua
Per. 3
Considering all the circumstances I believe that Othello is innocent to an extent. His judgment being swayed by the false acquisitions of Iago, thusly giving a sense he is only a man acting like any man would in that situation. Othello is put in a position where basic human nature takes over his normally sound judgment. With this being said, though, Othello has no proof of what Iago speaks of, yet Othello's character becomes shaken with temptation presenting itself. To answer the question fully though I believe that Iago’s manipulation is to be blamed for Othello’s woes. This proves also to be a pivotal point in the play where Othello’s character may soon begin it’s inevitable decline.
Othello may be portrayed as tortured, but he is not innocent. Iago manipulates him, but it is Othello who is so quick to turn against his wife over a "friend"s advice. It is this lack of hesitation that makes the reader suspicious that thoughts of betrayal were lying dormant inside Othello, even before Iago intensifies them into enraged actions. Othello's jealousy shows that he is insecure. His worries that Desdemona will leaved him based on his age and race express his own doubts of his qualities. In this way, Othello uses his love for Desdemona to replace his self hatred and depends on her for assurance. When Iago even suggests that he might lose his wife, he breaks the bond that holds Othello's whole life together. This may be Iago's intention, but it is Othello's fault for being so weak to react so drastically.
-anika
Othello is somewhat an innocent victim of Iago's plots against him but based on the fact of how he handled the situation it was Othello who was tempted by the lies that Iago was telling him. I believe that we are supposed to sympathize with Othello. Due to the fact that Othello is being manipulated by Iago we are led to believe that Othello himself is innocent. Othello did not believe that Desdemona was cheating on him until Iago had made it up. Othello quickly turned against her and believes Iago, choosing his "honest" friend over his new wife. I do not believe that the case is that we should have sympathy directed toward the victim because if Othello really trusted Desdemona he would not have turned against her so quickly.
In this particular scene, Othello is not the real victim it is Desdemona. I think this because Othello has a choice to belive what he wants. However, Desdemona has no idea of what is going on and has no choice of what to believe. I also do not belive Othello is innocent in all cases because it is too easy to convince Othello of the adultry, mening he took no real time out to think about it. Othello had to be already thinking of the sin making him a bit guilty of not trusting his wife. Thus, making Desdemona the victim.
- ashley-
In in the "temptation scene", with a simple over look, the reader is given the basic thought that Othello is the victim and Iago the villain. However, are we all fully able to blame Iago for the inevitable failure of relationship between Othello and Desdemona? Even though Iago seems to be a person of great power of influence to Othello, he is still a person of his own and no one can fully control his actions or thoughts. Othello's thoughts are simply being tempted to think of Desdemona in the most horrible way, that she supposedly is betraying his true love for her. On the other hand if Othello's love really had been as great for her, as he had described it to be, then he would never so quickly assume such false idea. So in fact is part of the scheme too, contributing to Iago's unmoral actions.
I do not think that Iago should be the only villian here. Iago is evil, true, however if Othello truly loves Desdemona, he would never question her love for him. Earlier in the drama, Othello's love for Desdemona seemed unquestionable. However, Othello's behavior after just a small amount of provoking from Iago (however well placed!) contradicts his so- called unquestionable love. Perhaps it is the overwhelming anti-femine attitude of the time that causes Othello to immediatly take the word of a man over a woman, even though he knows and loves the woman much more than the man. Plus, I believe that it is simply human nature to be jealous, and even if "the sun drew all such humors from him", it would take an extraordinary person to be able to at least not investigate the situation if it was placed in front of him. Therefore, both Iago and Othello are responsible for the events that will unfold, even though Iago had much eviler motives than Othello. Not that the audience is not led to immediatly sympathize with Othello - yet this is probably primarily because Iago is a much easier character to hate.
During the "temptation" scene, Othello is not shown as an innocent victim. Othello's attitude changes much too easily. In the first fifty lines of the scene, Othello is already beginning to believe Iago. Iago: "Cassio, my lord? No sure, I cannot think it that he would steal away so guiltylike, seeing your coming." Othello: "I do believe 'twas he." Othello's persona changes dramatically. In the beginning when Othello is confronted in front of the Duke, he stays calm. But in this scene, he starts off nervously bugging Iago for information to screaming and threatening peoples death. At the end of the scene, Othello vows to kill Desdemona. Iago, the most villanous villian, even tells Othello "But let her live." This caused me to believe that Shakespeare wanted to portray Othello as villanous in this scene rather than a victim.
~Rachel Period 1. Sorry it's late!
I think that most people would see Othello as the innocent victim in this scene. He is, yet he is not totally innocent. This is because of how easily Othello is manipulated by Iago. O thello seems to be very gullible in this scene by easily believing all of Iago's acccusations toward Cassio. Iago is basically able to change Othello into a completely different man by causing him that is hidden until this part of the play. It also seems that someone will suffer more than Othello anyway because now he will have a much more watchful eye on Desdemona which she doesn't deserve.
-Nick C. Per. 1
hey mr. dileo, sorry about the blog being late.
Othello is and is not an innocent victim of Iago's plot. Othello is, at heart, a true and honest man who loves Desdemona as any man should love his (newlywed) wife. Othello is mislead by Iago into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. This is merely a result of his insecurities as a husband. On the other hand, Othello is easily mislead by Iago and is not very resistant in believing the web of lies which Iago spins. Othello becomes quickly caught up in his quest for vengeance against Desdemona and Cassio; and for that he is truly responsible.
Joe m.g. per2
In determining who the real victim is in this playwrite is a tough decision. Iago, being the manipulative antagonist in this story creates hightened anxiety in Othello, while Desdemona suffers the consequences of Othello's actions. But is Othello really the victim? Sure, Iago creates this doubt in Desdemona's faithfullness, but in my opinion, it was Othello who chose to believe this information without any proof whatsoever. This 'green eyed monster', or jealousy, causes Othello to doubt his marriage on his own. Iago is guilty in provoking this jealousy from Othello, but it was Othello's choice to believe it, and therefore he is not the victim.
ps- sorry that my comment took so long to be posted. my internet has been down and i have been unable to access your blog until just now. sorry for the inconvinience.
Sorry this is late, my internet wasn't working for a little and then it wouldn't let me log in, everytime i want to leave a comment i have to make a new account.
I think Othello is both innocent and not. Innocent because he has so much trust in Iago and doesn't know about his manipulative ways. Othello will obviously take the fact that his wife might be cheating into consideration because Iago, one of his closer friends, told him. He also isn't innocent because he trusts Iago's word without proof. If Othello is so wise why can't he see through Iago's fake personality?
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