1979 - Evil -
Choose a complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary merit who might on the basis of the character’s actions alone be considered evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.
Why haven't you losers published any responses?!
ReplyDeleteI agree
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ReplyDeleteI'm just going to talk about Bianca to try and shake things up and because I can't sympathize with Iago at all. Bianca is considered immoral because she is a prostitute. Almost all of the other characters look down on her because of her chosen profession. I think even Shakespeare meant for her to just help move the plot along, but she is still pretty important and complex. Everyone associates prostitutes with being stupid and mean, but Bianca was being used and manipulated just as much as Emilia who I would not consider stupid. Without her coming in with the handkerchief, Iago's plan would not have fallen into place as well as it had. She was also strong enough to stand up against the other men as soon as trouble occurred. Unfortunately, that caused a chain reaction sending her to jail, but that just intensifies her complexity. A prostitute, who is used as a pawn to bring down a military leader, fights back and is never heard of again- I don't know about you, but I would definitely read a book written from Bianca's perspective.
ReplyDeleteIt's not that I necessarily sympathize with Iago so much as i have a great appreciation for the way his mind works.I'm sorry but anyone who can manipulate a man into killing his perfectly innocent wife is a man who deserves to be called an evil genius. Also I believe that every human can understand the desire for power. Granted not everyone takes their hunger for power to the extend that Iago does everyone can relate to that desire at some point in their lives.
ReplyDeleteIago is portrayed as the only character in Othello who has any sense of intelligence. This intelligence is seen in a twisted way, however, for he uses his genius for evil. Through manipulation, Iago is able to have harm done to Cassio, and he is able to convince Othello to kill his innocent wife. Since Iago is obviously the only character in the play who has common sense, an audience may sympathize with him, for he simply wants to excel in life and doesn’t believe these mindless fools should have the power. I think that Iago is an aggravating character, yet at the same time I was hoping he would succeed with his devious plan, just to show that intelligence goes a long way…even though he definitely didn’t need to go on his little killing spree towards the end.
ReplyDeleteI really like the direction that Caitlin went with this--for this prompt, I wouldn't have thought of anyone besides Iago initially, but I think that it's even more interesting to dissect how Bianca is both perceived as immoral in the context of the story (since she's a prostitute) as well as generally unimportant in the context of the reader (in that she is so easy to overlook with her limited presence in the narrative). I'd also add that her relationship with Cassio makes her character even more deserving of some sympathy and attention, since although she is a prostitute, she is not incapable of love beyond the physical. It is clear that Cassio's affection for her is pure in the first place due to his intent behind giving her the handkerchief; it's a symbol of love throughout the story, whether lost, found, or given. So, if innocent Cassio can see the good in Bianca, then why can't we? Also, the fact that she was able to stand up for herself--even to Cassio--proves even further how awesome she is. I agree with Caitlin--there should be a Bianca spinoff.
ReplyDeleteIago, the epitome of evil and immorality in Shakespeare's Othello certainly is deserving of mild sympathy, if not for his intelligence and manipulation skills, then at least for his strife towards power and wealth. At multiple points during the play, Iago is referred to as being honest and loyal when this is not exactly the case. Although on the surface all one sees are his immoral behaviors and actions, his full presentation of character reveals a manipulative, scheming, and spidery drive to ascend in status, with which I can sympathize. It takes true talent to deceive others and make your way to the top. While his goals are dishonest and eventually fail, his masterplan and the route he took to see it through is something for which I can show sympathy because of the talent, intelligence, and drive it took.
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