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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help
The characters in Othello refer to Iago as "honest" because
that is his reputation. They are so naive that they feel that
Iago truly is trying to help them, when in fact he is using
each one for his own purposes. Cf. Iago's speech where he
says he will follow Othello to suit his own ends. Also, Othello
is all the more troubled by Iago's hesitations when telling of
how he suspects Des. and Cassio, because Iago is so honest that
if he is troubled by this, it must be very serious indeed.
Even Emilia, Iago's wife, is hesistant to believe her own husband
has been responsible for what has led to Desdemona's death. Cf.
her speeches where she says that the knave who did this should
be beaten from east to west. She has no idea until the very end that
she has been wishing this treatment for her own husband.
Also, before O. kills D., D. asks Iago for help getting back in
O's good graces because he is such a true and loyal friend.
Posted by cscott on April 22, 1997 at 15:59:40
In Reply to "Iago and the use and meaning of " posted by Kasey on April 19, 1997 at 22:28:32
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help