Closely analyse the soliloquies of Iago
Closely analyze these seven soliloquies of Ago. You must show your understanding of Shakespeare use of dramatic structure and imagery as well as commenting on language value. Lagos soliloquies give insight into his duplicitous nature.
It gives sought dramatic irony and our privileged position, we come see that he is engaged in “double-knavery’ (Act 1, scene 3) and not at all the “honest and true” Ago that others believe him to be. The audience would be amazed at the absolute faith that the characters have in Sago’s honesty, to which only the audience knows the truth.
The seven soliloquies gives us a clear picture into Lagos mind and as the soliloquies progress we quickly see his observant understanding of human nature and his attempt to slowly still his passions to reason begin to sharpen. This is evidenced when we look at the first soliloquy Ago quickly reviews the characters of the three people he has to deal with: Ordering, Cassia and Othello. He calls Ordering a “snipe” to emphasis how easy it is to fool him, as snipes are notorious at running into traps.
Ago sees Ordering as nothing more than a “purse” to which he can use to rather his own goals.
As for Cassia, he sees him as a “proper man” (Act 1, Scene 3), Ago plans for Cassia wasn’t formed, yet the answer stared right at his face. Cassia’s physical appearance will be the driving force towards Othello downfall. As for Othello, Ago briefly states his hatred for Othello “l hate the Moor” (Act 1, Scene 3), it is interesting to see that he does not name Othello, other than reference him. His hatred stems from rumors that have circulated around “his office” about his alleged adulterous affair with Emilie.
Because of Othello “free and open nature” (Act 1, Scene 5) Ago will use that to his advantage. Thus he compares Othello to a donkey, being “led by the nose” giving us adequate imagery to prove his point. The imagery in the final couplet gives us two references to childbirth ‘engendered’ and “monstrous birth”, Ago is subverting a revered human role by stating “monstrous birth”. We can also note the use of “hell and night” – dark, supernatural powers will be the ones to take this birth, bringing it into the world’s “light”. Lagos plan will bring concealed inflict and pain to a more public avenue.
This also contributes to the ongoing contrasts between light and dark, or black and white, throughout the play (and of course referring to Othello and Adhesion’s skin colors).
(Act 1, Scene 3). The second soliloquy of Ago (Act 2, Scene 1), is nothing but an elaboration of his first soliloquy, and throws some fresh light upon the inner nature of Ago. The Moor?how be it that I endure him not/ is of a constant, loving, noble nature”. Ago is shows his honesty and control of his emotions. He despises Othello but he does not let that hatred Lind him to the true nature of Othello.
He is still able to acknowledge that Othello is a worthy and noble man in contrast to his own Machiavellian nature.
And thus uses that very nature to bring about his downfall. The third soliloquy (Act 2, Scene 3), though short yet prepares the audience for his conspiracy against Cassia The fourth soliloquy of Ago (Act Ill, Scene iii) gives us a glimpse into the second stage of Lagos conspiracy against Cassia and Othello.
