• Blog – Aristotle teaches us that all tragedy should lead to catharsis. Now that you have finished the play, how do you feel toward the characters? Are you sorry for Othello? Enraged at Iago? Do you pity Desdemona or Cassio? What emotions of your own – if any – has the text helped you process? Can you imagine anything in your life that is similar to what has transpired here?
Aristotle’s theory is true; all tragedy should lead to catharsis. After reading Othello I have mixed emotions. Starting with Othello, he is the character I am most sympathetic for. This is because he was completely oblivious to Iago’s plan and the fact that it worked on him. However, I also have sympathy for Othello, but I do feel that if Othello would have trusted Desdemona then he wouldn’t have killed her. Another one of the characters I have sympathy for is Desdemona. Desdemona was the only honest character in Othello, she was accused of cheating on Othello, and she tried her best to live through it. Othello does not listen to Desdemona when she tries to tell him that she has not committed the crime. The last of the characters I have sympathy for it Cassio. While he is an appealing man to women, he never slept with Desdemona. Cassio’s character was a nice, peaceful man and that is what him the perfect target for Iago’s devious plan. While Iago’s plan ended up working, Rodriego had a note explaining Iago’s plan. Once I figured out Iago’s plan his character made me angry. He ruined people’s lives and caused unneeded chaos. So, after reading this book, sympathy and anger were the two most common emotions while reading this book. The story shows how some people are ruthless, and how those ruthless people can easily manipulate other peoples lives. Judging from that, there is nothing really that has happened in my life that I can relate to this.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Othello Blog 1
• Blog – Explain Iago’s plan as it stands at the end of Act I. After reading the beginning of Act II, do you believe he will be successful? What is leading you to your conclusion?
Iago’s plan is an interesting one. Iago despises Othello. While he and Roderigo are talking, Iago tells Roderigo to go to Cyprus and wait for Desdemona to come to him, because he believes that she will become bored with Othello. Since Iago hates Othello he said that he would help Roderigo have Desdemona and reminds Roderigo to bring lots of money. Iago is also trying to get Cassio’s position of lieutenant, which he thinks should have come to him. The beginning of act II takes place in Cyprus. At the end of act II scene II it is clear to me that Iago plans to drive Othello mad. After reading the short II scene I have somewhat of an idea if Iago’s plan will be successful or not. At the end of act II scene II I think that Iago’s plan will be successful. Iago is shaping his plan out of the confusion of his emotionally changed thoughts. He realizes that he controls the tool that he can use against Othello. His own jealousy that torments him is that weapon. This is because the Moor has proclaimed a holiday to be held at night during which the people can dance, make bonfires, along with other things. This chaos gives Iago sufficient time and opportunity to set his traps for the unsuspecting Othello. This feasting and dancing is also taking place at night, an even better chance for Iago to be successful. Also because Iago’s jealousy is so great is another reason I would bet that his plan works.
Iago’s plan is an interesting one. Iago despises Othello. While he and Roderigo are talking, Iago tells Roderigo to go to Cyprus and wait for Desdemona to come to him, because he believes that she will become bored with Othello. Since Iago hates Othello he said that he would help Roderigo have Desdemona and reminds Roderigo to bring lots of money. Iago is also trying to get Cassio’s position of lieutenant, which he thinks should have come to him. The beginning of act II takes place in Cyprus. At the end of act II scene II it is clear to me that Iago plans to drive Othello mad. After reading the short II scene I have somewhat of an idea if Iago’s plan will be successful or not. At the end of act II scene II I think that Iago’s plan will be successful. Iago is shaping his plan out of the confusion of his emotionally changed thoughts. He realizes that he controls the tool that he can use against Othello. His own jealousy that torments him is that weapon. This is because the Moor has proclaimed a holiday to be held at night during which the people can dance, make bonfires, along with other things. This chaos gives Iago sufficient time and opportunity to set his traps for the unsuspecting Othello. This feasting and dancing is also taking place at night, an even better chance for Iago to be successful. Also because Iago’s jealousy is so great is another reason I would bet that his plan works.
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