	AllExperts > Shakespeare
	Search

About Randy Sus
Expertise
I`m a retired high school English teacher from central Wisconsin. I taught Shakespeare for years and am very familiar with his writing style, his themes, his sonnets, and most of his plays. I taught Julius Caesar, King Lear, Richard the Third, and A Midsummer Night`s Dream for years. I`ve memorized many of the lines from these plays and I know many sonnets by heart. I`d be glad to respond to questions regarding Shakespeare`s life, works, and times if anyone desired such information.

Experience
I have a master's degree in education and I take most pride in having ENJOYED teaching for over 30 years. Not everyone can honestly say that. I coached undefeated high school soccer teams for fun too. I like public relations work and have served on P.R. committees for most of my professional life. I continue to do so in retirement.

You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Books by Genre > Shakespeare > Othello - Iago

Shakespeare - Othello - Iago

Expert: Randy Sus - 10/29/2009

Question
I've been set an essay over half term and am a bit confused and cant contact my teacher.
my question is:
how far would you agree with the view that iagos skills of manipulation in act 3 scene 3 make him an attractive tragic villain?

now i dont want the question answered i just dont understand how someone can be an attractive tragic villain and ive read the play and he doesn't seem very attractive to me just really evil.

Answer
Hi, Laura,

Thanks for calling upon "Allexperts" for an opinion regarding Iago's abilities as an "attractive" (villain) manipulator.

I believe that the term "attractive" suggests that the manipulator is so clever that he/she so COMPLETELY wins the confidence of his/her "victim" that the victim completely trusts the villain despite being used by him/her.

I will admit that I did NOT re-read Act 3 to see just what manipulation Iago was using there, but, throughout the play, he is a master at getting his way with people and holding their trust.

To answer your question, I would agree completely that Iago's skills as manipulator make him a great villain. I believe that NO other character in any other of Shakespeare's plays equal Iago's skills as a manipulative villain.

You have a good essay topic and, in the play, several proofs to defend your argument, so, give it a go and you'll earn top marks.

HAPPY TRAILS,

Randy

Add to this Answer Ask a Question