Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Essay question 1: Explain Iago's expert use of persuasion in his plot against Othello. How does Iago convince Roderigo and Brabantio to betray Othello and help him undo the Moor?
Iago, the main antagonist of Shakespeare's Othello, is a master of persuasion, and he uses his skills to manipulate Roderigo and Brabantio to turn against Othello. Throughout the play, Iago proves himself to be cunning, intelligent, and skilled at playing on the emotions of others.
One way Iago convinces Roderigo to betray Othello is by appealing to his love for Desdemona. Iago convinces Roderigo that he has a chance with Desdemona, and he encourages Roderigo to keep giving him money to help with his plan to win her over. By appealing to Roderigo's desire for Desdemona, Iago is able to manipulate him into going along with his plan.
Another way Iago convinces Roderigo to betray Othello is by playing on his insecurities. Roderigo is a wealthy man, but he feels that he is not as respected as he should be. Iago uses this to his advantage by convincing Roderigo that Othello does not respect him and that he is only using him for his own purposes. Iago tells Roderigo, "Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine hath no less reason" (I.3.365-368). By playing on Roderigo's insecurities, Iago is able to convince him to help with his plan.
Similarly, Iago convinces Brabantio to turn against Othello by using racist language and appealing to his sense of protectiveness over his daughter. Iago uses crude and vulgar language to describe Othello's relationship with Desdemona, saying that "an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (I.1.88-89). By using racist language, Iago is able to make Brabantio feel angry and protective of his daughter. He then tells Brabantio that Othello has stolen his daughter and that he must act quickly to save her. By playing on Brabantio's emotions and prejudices, Iago is able to manipulate him into going along with his plan.
In conclusion, Iago is an expert at persuasion, and he uses his skills to manipulate Roderigo and Brabantio to turn against Othello. He appeals to Roderigo's love for Desdemona and his insecurities, and he uses racist language and appeals to Brabantio's protectiveness to turn him against Othello. Through these tactics, Iago is able to sow the seeds of doubt and mistrust in Othello's relationships, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.
Here's question 2:
Iago's soliloquies in "Othello" showcase his expert use of language to manipulate his audience's emotions. In the first act, Iago gains the audience's sympathy by revealing his bitterness over being passed over for promotion, but he ultimately loses this sympathy as he continues to engage in evil schemes. Throughout the play, Iago uses a variety of arguments to convince characters to betray Othello, including lies about Desdemona's fidelity and Othello's own insecurities. When Iago is at his most sympathetic, the audience's relationship with Othello becomes strained, as Iago is able to make them doubt the Moor's intentions and ultimately turn against him. Overall, Iago's soliloquies are an essential part of his character and allow the audience to understand the depth of his deception and manipulation.