Othello 1995 Act II

ACT II


scene i

Once again, this scene entirely skips the beginning exchanges between various characters and plunges straight into Iago's plot and Othello's arrival. Because this is a feature-length film, I can see why they focused on the big players. To the plot, Iago's scenes and words are the most important, and removes all doubt of Desdemona and Cassio having any blame on them. They are all innocent, and only work in certain ways because Iago prods them or cast certain lights on them.

I can see how persuasive Iago is when put into a movie context. While reading the book, I was struck by how dumb everybody who talks to him is. I though, surely they wouldn't trust him that much, surely they would see through him, surely they would have more trust in each other! But, their distrust does not only come from Iago's words, but from the actions or appearance of actions that were Iago's insistence. Even in Shakespeare, action speak louder than words. Seeing this played out is a great reminder to avoid the appearance of questionable acts just as much as the actual ones. This doesn't even have to be in a religious context, it could be something as simple as seen in this play.

scene iii


Well, scene two was entirely skipped.

Iago, villainous and snakey as he is, he is my favorite villain in not only Shakespeare, but literature. He doesn't suggest large actions, but instead small ones. He gives an idea, and the people he talks to runs with them.

After Othello break up Cassio and Montano's fight, Iago's words are priceless.

"Touch me not so near:
I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth
Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;
Yet, I persuade myself, to speak the truth
Shall nothing wrong him."

Othello's responds clearly shows how much faith that he holds in Iago, despite it being misplaced.

"I know, Iago,
Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,
Making it light to Cassio."

And finally, the awesome Iago symbolism scene of this act: 


As he's churning over the events in his mind, he further plots his next move against Desdemona for revenge upon Othello's supposed crime.

"So will I turn her virtue into pitch,
And out of her own goodness make the net
That shall enmesh them all."

As he's saying this, he picks up a stick from the fire, and rubs ash over his hands, which show how far gone he is in his plot, and that he has nothing inside of him except revenge and hatred. How's that for symbolism?