Notes

Othello Seminar
Brief Overview:
An angry Roderigo meets with Iago because he hasn’t seen any progress of being closer with Desdemona. Iago calms Roderigo down and then tells him that Othello is going to leave Cyprus with Desdemona forever. Therefore, Iago tells Roderigo that he needs to kill Cassio in order to prevent Othello from taking Desdemona away.

Analysis (Page 109):
- We see Roderigo has rushed in and he’s complaining to Iago that he noticed he isn’t being treated fairly by him. (Line 172) “I do not find that thou deal’st justly with me”
- Roderigo is finally seeing that Iago had been by allying with him just for his money.
- Iago’s goes, “You charge me most unjustly” (Line 183) or “You’re accusing me of such!” which is obviously a lie.
- Roderigo argues that with all the jewels he “gave” to Desdemona, half would “have corrupted a votarist.” (Line 186). A votarist is a nun and nuns aren’t allowed to have intimate relationships. Therefore, Roderigo is expressing that Desdemona should have fallen for him at this point from his point of view. But since there was nothing happening, Roderigo gives up. (In the past, he didn’t have to try to win a girl over before because he was so rich.)
- Roderigo then says, (Line 195) “I will make myself known to Desdemona. / If she will return me my jewels, I will give over my suit and repent my unlawful solicitation…” In other words, Roderigo expresses that he’s going to confront Desdemona and expose everything Iago had planned.
- Iago acts immediately and says to him, (Line 202) “Why, now I see there’s mettle in thee, and even from this instant to build on thee a better opinion than ever before.” Iago is complimenting Roderigo by saying he now sees this redeeming quality which is Bravery/Independence in his character.
- And then Iago reveals that Othello and Desdemona are leaving Cyprus to go to “Mauritania” (which is also lie because they’re just going back to Venice). Line 221 “O no, he goes into Mauritania and takes away with him the fair Desdemona, unless his abode be lingered here by some accident; where in none can be so determinate as the removing of Cassio”. Iago suggests to Roderigo that if he will have a better chance with Desdemona if he forces Othello and Desdemona to stay, which would be by killing Cassio. And this ends up persuading Roderigo because this is his last chance with Desdemona. In his eyes, if he doesn’t do anything then Desdemona is gone forever to Mauritania. Take notice that there’s this chance involved because if Roderigo didn’t care, then Iago’s whole plan is ruined. And Iago is very lucky that nothing goes wrong in this obstacle and that Roderigo agrees to ‘remove’ Cassio.
- And so they plan this plot to kill Cassio. Iago says “I will fashion to fall out between twelve and one—you may take him at your pleasure…” (Line 233)




Connection #1:
(Similar to Todd Anderson in Dead Poets Society. His love for Desdemona -> Determination… Todd’s liking towards Poetry -> Extrovert)
Roderigo:
- Roderigo was introduced as a character that appeared very dependent on Iago.
- His love for Desdemona had given him determination and strength as he carried out these schemes with Iago.
- Roderigo was able to stand up for himself towards Iago by telling him “I will seek satisfaction of you.” (Line 198)
Todd Anderson:
- Todd Anderson was introduced as a shy, dependant boy at the beginning of the movie.
- Poetry had enabled him to express his inner emotions… It had given him an outlet to say what’s on his mind.
- In the end, Todd Anderson stands up for Mr. Keating by saying “O Captain, My Captain!”
In conclusion, these characters are seen very similar when comparing their character development throughout their stories.

Tragic Hero:
There are many factors to a tragic hero and a lot of them are shown in this scene.
- One-sidedness. In this scene, Othello does not change his opinion of Desdemona after speaking to Emilia and Desdemona, herself. He only looks at one side of the situation and never takes into consideration what Desdemona had to say nor does he believe in what Emilia had told him.
- Othello tells himself on (Line 16) “She be not honest, chaste, and true,” after hearing Emilia tell him Desdemona’s innocent.
- Greatness is fatal, Othello’s kindness allows him to trust people to the fullest. However, since Iago had manipulated this weakness, Othello has brought himself to a path which brings tragedy.
- Exceptional Qualities (Rise and Fall)
Othello is introduced to us as a calm, noble warrior.. However in this scene, we notice his uproar towards Desdemona.

Dramatic Purpose:
- Show character development (Othello), we notice he’s becoming more aggravated and agitated.
- It develops Pathos / sympathy. (The audience feels pity for Desdemona since they know she is telling the truth.) (Line 81) “By heaven, you do me wrong!”
- It establishes a development in the relationship between Othello and Desdemona. (They are slowly drifting apart.)