1. Iago – The Machiavellian villain To copy down: A Machiavellian is a term used to describe someone whose sole purpose is to manipulate and corrupt others for their own gain. They are often seen as a “puppet master” – they use others as tools to get what they want. Wednesday 17 th July “The end justifies the means” – This was the belief of Machiavelli, a Medieval political thinker, where the term comes from

2. The Machiavellian checklist: Is Iago a Machiavellian villain? We will need to look throughout Othello to find these characteristics of a typical Machiavellian villain within Iago. 1. Is Iago secretive? 2. Is Iago manipulative and cunning? 3. Does Iago show a lack of morals? 4. Is Iago obsessed with goals, convinved the ends are justified? We are going to explore Question 1 together – then the other questions we will split them up Between us: In what ways is Iago secretive?

3. Grade boundaries for this task: Grade D – Stating your opinion of Iago Grade C – Giving opinion with a reference to the text (with at least one quote – Shakespearean language only when writing about the play!) Grade B – As for above, but you will then explain how your quote supports your point. Eg. “This means that…” Grade A / A* - Doing all above and then repeating it to make a new point about Iago From the mark scheme “showing insight and perception”

4. 1. Is Iago secretive? Iago is considered ‘two-faced’ – swears by Janus – significance? Act 1 Scene 1 – “I am not what I am” Perceived as “honest Iago” all the way through the play – who calls him this? Iago hides behind a mask of the loyal soldier Reveals carefully limited information to Roderigo (when it suits him) but larger parts of his “plot” only get revealed in his soliloquies to the audience.

5. 2. Is Iago manipulative and cunning? Iago manipulates using other’s weaknesses and strengths: Brabantio’s racism Roderigo’s lust for Desdemona Othello’s jealousy Cassio’s sense of honour (and ability to get drunk quickly!) Questions Cassio’s honesty to create doubt for Othello

6. 3. Does Iago show a lack of morals? Immoral – corrupt, liar, vulgar language and regularly makes sexual references to wind up the other characters – in particular those images involving animals! (ie. Primal and inhuman) Shows no remorse – at the end, refuses to speak or apologise for his actions Takes advantage of others – leads Roderigo on thinking he has a chance with Desdemona Lets others think he is honest and true Murders both his wife and his ‘friend’

7. 4. Is Iago obsessed with goals, convinced the means justify the end? Iago is obsessed with destruction and revenge Believed all his means were justified. Reveals himself in soliloquies “And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets he’s done my office” – Act 1 Scene 3 “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat” – Act 2 Scene 1

8. Come up with 5 questions that have one of the following as the answer Othello Desdemona Venice Iago Cassio Roderigo Reputation Honest Jealousy Bianca Emilia The Moor Cyprus

9. Splat! – so what do you know? Othello Desdemona Venice Iago Cassio Roderigo Reputation Honest Jealousy Bianca Emilia The Moor Cyprus

10. SPLAT