After reading Iago's second soliloquoy, I saw something similar in him to another character we discussed frequently in core: Lily Bart. What I find in common with these two characters is ther manipulative natures. They try to control the social situations around them for their own benefit.
I remember one scene in particular in The House of Mirth when Lily was at her best. She was with Percy Gryce taking the train. She wanted his attention badly because she thought he would be a good suitor because he was rich. She pretended to fall when the train rocked to start a conversation with Gryce. She made sure to talk about things like Americana books to get his attention and keep him interested. She desperately wanted him to find her interesting. She had a skill for manipulating people to get what she wanted.
Iago, like Lily is manipulative. Through Act 1 and Act 2, there are several instances where Iago displays this characteristic. One example is when he gets Cassio drunk so he can cause a disturtbance and be relieved of his duties. This would make Iago second in command. He says, "If I can fasten but one cup upon [Cassio] with that with which he hath drunk tonight already, he'll be full of quarrel and offense..." (47). Later after wishing to do harm to Cassio, he lies to Othello to sound kind. He says, "I'd rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than to do offense to Michael Cassio..." (54). Iago lies about wanting to do harm to Cassio because he himself wants to gain favor from Othello. By sounding kind, he wishes to win over Othello. In the same act, he acts completely differently towards Cassio so he can manipulate others and reach his ends just like Lily would.
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3 comments:
I nominate this post. This is a great connection, Chris! Both characters manipulate behind the scenes, while appearing to be everyone's closest companion. In the House Of Mirth, however, Lily's plans ultimately unravel and she goes broke, which for her is the chief signal of ruin. I wonder if Iago's plans will eventually unravel, or if they will actually be carried through to his pleasure and success. We will have to read on and see...
I nominate this post as well. The comparison Chris draws is not only a good one but one I at first didn't see. Lily Bart and Iago couldn't be more different, except for the fact that they are both manipulative. However, this factor is actually crucial in each character's life. Chris was definitely thinking outside the box.
i nominate this post because it made me think about how two different characters, one being good and one a villain, can both be manipulative and still be perceived differently by the audience.. i think it is really interesting
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