POV in Othello

"The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, is of a constant, loving, noble nature, and I dare think he’ll prove to Desdemona a most dear husband. Now, I do love her too, not out of absolute lust—though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin—but partly led to diet my revenge, for that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat (II.i.267-275)." -Iago

Plays are a little unique in that there can't really be a 1st person point of view obviously; a play is either 3rd person limited or omniscient. While most plays let the audience in on the plot, not many do it from the point of the antagonist. Through this device used by Shakespeare, the audience knows everything the villain is about to do. Although Iago is definitely not a character to sympathize with, the audience finds itself wondering and to see if this plan will actually work and unfold as told. Also, while Iago is far from sane, he exhibits common human fears and emotions. Unfortunately, it isn't uncommon for a man to suspect infidelity, like Iago. While his fear may be unwarranted, it's plausible. The imperfect, evil, maniacal, and deceitful Iago definitely has trust and self-confidence issues and feels wronged by the world and must concoct an evil plan to get even with everyone.

Response to question #5 on themes

"Make me to see't, or at least so prove it that the probation bear no hinge nor loop to hang a doubt on, or woe upon thy life (III.iii.365-367)!" -Othello

While going through this play, I haven't really thought too much about theme; I've been more focused on trying to figure out what Shakespeare is even saying. But, once I've figured out the plot and stumbled upon this question, I have a general feel of some of the themes. One of the things I have found is how easy it has been for Iago to draw out these bad traits from characteristically good people. He makes Othello jealous, Cassio a belligerent drunk, and makes his wife a thief. With these events, it seems Shakespeare is trying to point out the flaws of all men, even men we consider great, like Othello. Iago is able to mold other flimsy characters like Roderigo to do his will because of his simple mind, but he is even able to make a maniac out of reasonable man in Othello. The theme of the fact that humans are weak and easily manipulated isn't exactly the same as "live life to the fullest". While the theme is gloomy, it may be one of truths of humanity we sometimes fail to recognize.

Response it #4 on suspense

"Hell and nigh must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light (I.iii. 383-384)." - Iago

Throughout Othello, it becomes pretty clear that Iago is the only character fully aware of what's going on. This is due mainly because he is the architect of the master plan. While other characters call him trustworthy and loyal Iago, he plots behind their backs. This is in part what creates suspense in this play. The reader knows of Iago's plan but is in the dark to specifics entirely until the plan comes to fruition. What is also suspenseful throughout is waiting and seeing if one of the characters is going to catch on and spoil the evil plot. While the audience is watching the plot unfold flawlessly, they feel helpless. In the audience knowing of Iago's plan and the characters not knowing, the dramatic irony creates most of the suspense in Othello.