Othello 7

Through his malevolent actions, Iago portrays himself as the representation of evil. He is an allegorical devil as his actions parallel the actions of the devil: "I am not what I am" (I.i.71). The devil does not need to have a motive in order to manipulate and be evil. Similarly, Iago does not ever have a definite motive of why he wants to get revenge on Othello. He tries to appear as if he had a motive but it is constantly changing which leads one to think that he does not actually have a reason for him wrong doings.

Othello 6

Desdemona and Iago are constantly juxtaposed  to accentuate Iago's innate evil and Desdemona's virtue. 
Their contrasting personas correlate with the contrasting characteristics of God and the Devil. As Iago is the living image of evil, Desdemona is a representation of goodness and mercy. As Desdemona learns that there is someone planning the unfortunate events that are taking place she says, "If any such there be, heaven pardon him!" (IV.ii.140). She is acting like God as she says that she hopes heaven forgives the man who is causing the tragedy. Her God-like traits contrast Iago's demonic traits. Desdemona expresses her beliefs just as Iago does: "How am I then a villain to counsel Cassio to this parallel course Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When the devils will the blackest sins put on, they do suggest at first with heavenly shows as I do now" (II.iii.326). Iago openly aligns himself with the works of demons, He explains that when the Devil does his deeds, he disguises them with goodness to appear loyal and trustworthy.

Othello 4

The reason for Iago's manipulation of Othello is always changing. The question is, why? Although he easily gets what he wants, Iago dramatizes the situation in order to get rid of those he does not like. By making Othello believe that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair, Iago is able to potentially get rid of both of them solely for his own personal gain: "Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing your coming" (41-43). Iago uses Cassio's remorse and worry against him in order to make Othello believe that it is guilt for sleeping with Desdemona. Iago also uses Desdemonas's kindness towards Cassio to portray her as unfaithful and deceitful; the news infuriates Othello to such a degree that he vows to "tear her all to pieces" (490). Iago is manipulating Othello to the point where his reactions and temper is changing. Othello's diction and speech has been calm and collected in each encounter he has had. Desdemona is the only thing that has power over Othello; Iago knows of this and uses it to his advantage.

Iago's Soliloquy

By definition, a soliloquy is an act of speaking one's thoughts aloud when by oneself or regardless of any hearers. It is usually a way for the audience to gain insight into a character's true thoughts and motives. The key word is true. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is the antagonist who represents falsehood and evil. His constant manipulation of all of the characters around him obscures his motives because it is never clear as to whether he is being honest or not. Accordingly, Iago allows the audience to have a deeper perspective during his second soliloquy in the third scene of the first act. During his monologue, he reveals his intent in regards to Rodrigo as he says, "If I would time expend with such (a) snipe but for my sport and profit" (I.ii.428-429). Iago only spends time with Roderigo because he finds amusement in his naive nature and because Roderigo sustains him financially. Iago also elaborates further about his hatred toward Othello. Although he explains various times, Iago's reasoning for hating Othello always changes and never has a common thread. There have been rumors that Othello slept with Iago's wife: "And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets 'Has done my office. I know not if't be true, But I [...] Will do as if for surety" (I.iii.430-433). His lack of logic and reason lead him to use this questionable piece of information as an excuse to justify his actions and  malevolent intentions. Throughout his soliloquy, Iago addresses events which the audience has already seen, and explains things that the audience already knows. While doing so, he uses many nonsequetors and pauses to act like he is conflicted: "Let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will In double knavery - How? how? - Let's see" (435-437). Iago is deliberately acting like he is formulating his conclusions on the spot when in reality his motives have been set for a long time. His plan was concocted before the play commenced. In essence, Iago is manipulating the soliloquy itself which ultimately manipulates the audience. This allows him to tell the audience only what he wants them to know allowing him to extract any reaction he wants. Iago's use of manipulation during his soliloquy complements his actions during his interactions with the other characters while also obscuring his true character. 

Sound and Sense #3 - 35/10

In the poem 35/10 by Sharon Olds, a mother and a daughter are juxtaposed to emphasize the differences between their generations. The mother is the speaker, and demonstrates a plethora of diverse feelings towards her daughter's youth. In some instances, her inferences can be interpreted as jealousy when she says, "Why is it just as we begin to go they begin to arrive, the fold in my neck clarifying as the fine bones of her hips sharpen?" (4-8). The mother is watching her daughter grow and become physically strong and beautiful. The daughter's youthfulness accentuates the fact that the mother is getting older which is upsetting to the mother. The mother also demonstrates a sense of acceptance as she narrates. The imagery that she uses to describe the daughter has a positive connotation which shows that it is not necessarily a bad thing that she is growing up. The acceptance comes in when the mother realizes that an essential part of life is illustrated in "an old story- the oldest we have on our planet- the story of replacement" (16-18). The daughter is the continuation of the mother and will always be even when the mother passes away. The syntax also plays an important role in conveying the mother's feelings and mood. It also lends to the fact that the natural process of life is inevitable, which is what the mother realizes. The phrases make it seem like she is telling the story but also imagining the world into the future and imagining her daughter as a woman.

Othello Act 1

Iago and Othello are very distinct characters in William Shakespeare's Othello. Upon being presented, various characteristics can be determined about both of them. Although Othello is the protagonist, Iago is introduced first and is seen as the antagonist. He is a manipulative and duplicitous character with a childish mindset: "For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In complete extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at" (I.i.67-71). Iago is planning on being so duplicitous that his intentions will only be revealed when he is dead. This oath of determination shows the degree of hatred he has towards Othello.  He expresses his hatred for Othello simply because he was not picked as lieutenant. Which is an immature reason to be upset. The  jealousy and anger that Iago feels leads him to plot against Othello. Is he mentally stable? Iago's reaction to a simple event depicts him as an unstable person.  Conversely, Othello is firstly presented as a well rounded character. He is honest, calm and virtuous. He is not aware of Iago's plotting. When the duke and Brabantio appear to arrest Othello because of Desdemona, Othello calmly reciprocates: "What if I do obey? How may the Duke be there with satisfied" (I.ii.109-110). Instead of wanting violence and conflict Othello tries to be understanding and gain the respect of Brabantio and the others who are trying to imprison him.

Poem #1- Distance

Will I recognize you?
That is what lingers in my mind every day.
You are no longer the person I knew
When I was too young to understand
That people do not live forever.
Nothing is the same

Sometimes I forget about you
I forget that you are my family.
I forget that there is a connection
Despite the distance.

"Happy Birthday"
"Happy New Year"
"Merry Christmas"
and an occasional "How are you?"

Will I recognize your voice?
Your friendly loving voice that
used to greet me everyday.

My real question is
Will I make it in time to see you.
I wish I had more memories with you
To hold onto\

Please wait for me
Hold on a little longer
So that I can have one more memory of your presence

You will always be my family.