Othello and Iago

1.     According to Adrian Lester, how long has Othello been fighting for? Othello has been fighting since the age of 7.

2.     According to Adrian Lester, Othello is not born into a 'sense of nobility', like those around him. How does Adrian Lester say this impacts the character? This makes him very aware of how he presents himself to a wider audience as he may be more judged than someone who is born that way. 

3.     What increases Othello's status in Venice? He marries the only daughter of a senator with superiority and high status.

4.     Why does Rory Kinnear say Iago is disgruntled with Othello? Iago had his sights set on a promotion, however he had been passed over for a younger and stronger Cassio. They have both seen the horrors of war together and almost grown up together may be showing that they initially had quite a strong and close bond. They have both come from he same place in society and Othello is seen to have not had to work as hard as Iago has to gain place and status.

5.     What do Othello and Iago have in common, according to Rory Kinnear?  Both of the characters have started from the bottom and worked hard to make their way up in the ranks. However, Othello is seen In Iago's eyes to have not worked as hard as himself.

6.     Around 4.20, Rory Kinnear lists some of the ways Iago aims to bring down Othello and Cassio. What are they?

 

 

 

 

Iago uses Othello's weaknesses and sensitive areas 

Subterfuge, meaning deceive Othello and other characters in order to achieve his own goals.

 Insinuation, meaning he will place horrible hints about things that Othello will find unpleasant for example, Cassio and Desdemona having sex and going behind his back .

                   Getting people on his side, Iago persuades people the he is the 'honest Iago' and he is not                     the deceitful and manipulative Iago he really is.