DJR #4

Blake Ellis

DRJ #4

Initial reaction: I wonder why Othello consulted only one man once he heard what Iago had to say about Desdamona and Cassio. He would have been better off if he had the council of many rather than of just one. Surely someone would have knocked some sense into him. It’s hard to believe that someone of such high rank and many skills could be such a poor judge of character. It’s a very sad ending and it makes you feel as if Iago accomplished everything he set out to do.

Character Analysis: Iago is very talented at deceiving and keeping the truth from everyone. He seems like the most trustworthy of friends when face to face, but behind the scene he is restlessly plotting to do the worst. He reminds me of an angel of death. On the outside he is beautiful, convincing, more sincere than anyone else around, he is trustworthy and gracious. The truth however is that he is none of these things. He is the complete opposite. He is out to kill, still, and destroy! He finds the weaknesses of his victims and exploits them relentlessly.

Theme Analysis: Iago proves in the end to be untrustworthy. Emilia sheds light on the situation when they are all present in his bed room. Among discovering the death and murder of Desdamona everyone instantly realizes what has happened. They had all confided in Iago, they all (except Emilia) trusted Iago. He proved to be a monster who was out for some revenge of his own. Weather it was for prejudice or jealously of Cassio or Othello, or weather it was because of ambition, or even if it was out of pure revenge, we will never clearly know his reasons. Based on the text I believe the answer is all of the above.

DRJ #3

Blake Ellis

DRJ # 3

Initial Reaction: Act 3 is where it begins to heat up. Iago easily convinces Othello that his wife is having unfaithful relations with Cassio. This is where the story lost me and why I don’t like dramas. I guess you hear about these things in the news, but its just plain silly to me. How could Othello go from one extreme to another so quickly? And all his information coming from the same source (Iago).

Character Analysis: I think Othello is the interesting character in act three. Obviously he had an unhealthy relationship with Desdamona. He had trust issues with her from the beginning of the story. I think the fact that he brings her off to war with him is a major red flag, he should have left her home where she would be safe. It is tough for Othello to let his prize possession go, he seems to be a control freak who was more obsessed with Desdamona than in love with her. What was he to do with his obsession when rumors of unfaithfulness came up? It immediately bothered him, to the point that he could not sleep and was even feeling sick. Instead of confronting her or Cassio he decides to contemplate the situation over and over again until it drives him mad.

Theme Analysis: Othello wants revenge and he wastes no time preparing for it. As a military leader I imagine Othello being a fierce, vengeful fighter, and merciless. He had to of been to be in such an important position. I believe his past played a big role in his unstable present. After winning a major victory without a fight you think all would be well with Othello, but that is not the case. The news of his wife possibly cheating on him instantly brings to the surface feelings of Hate and instant revenge. He begins planning her death instead of handling the situation in a peaceful was displaying wisdom in action and thought.