English A1 HL IB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

English A1 HL IB - Essay Example This contrast is a direct placement of Iago as the villain of the story since biblical tradition accepts the representation of Satan as something he is not. The audience of the time would have clearly understood the idea that by presenting himself as something different Iago has plans in place to act as the villain of the story and will bring harm to other characters. Another contrast which is made evident in the first scene is the contrast between Iago and Cassio. Iago compares himself with the present lieutenant and shows that he is more battle ready while Cassio is nothing more than a womanizing mathematician who can not be expected to hold his own in any battle. Additionally, Iago says that he has proven himself to the chiefs of the city several times over while Cassio has done nothing which is worthy of praise. A particularly strange comparison is made by Iago concerning the features of Desdemona and Othello when he calls them a white ewe and an old black ram respectively. This comparison works on several levels since Iago is accusing both the lovers of bestiality, he is comparing Othello’s old age with Desdemona’s young age and finally, he is comparing their colors to show the difference races these individuals belong to. All three are negative comparisons and serve to only heighten the indignation Brabantio feels at the disappearance of his daughter. In scene 2, there is an interesting comparison between Othello and Iago. When Brabantio and his men are approaching Iago and Othello, Iago asks Othello to go into the shadow yet he refuses. This shows the character of Othello that he believes he has done nothing wrong in marrying the person he loves. On the other hand, the character of Iago prefers to remain in the shadows and casts doubts as well as creates schemes while being in the shadows. When Brabantio confronts Othello, he makes several comparisons between Othello and Desdemona