Othello Critical Reading Journal. English Iv Honors. Swanson.

Othello Critical Reading Journal English IV Honors Swanson Act I Othello’s position in society is that of a military commander. He is also and insider yet outsider due to his race. In scene II, he is manifested as a respectable character. Brabantio believes Othello isn’t good enough for his daughter because he’s black. He also may be upset because she eloped. Iago’s view of human nature is doesn t respect people that serves others blindly but he respects those who follows and does it to their benefit. Iago says in Act I, Scene 1 that he hates Othello because Othello has passed him over as a lieutenant. Instead, Othello has chosen Michael Cassio, who, Iago says, has no knowledge of how to be a soldier. He explains Desdemona’s defense†¦show more content†¦Act III Steps by which Iago rouses Othello’s jealousy/ suspicion: Step 1: Iago slyly comments on how quickly Cassio leaves Desdemon’s presence as soon as they enter. He states â€Å"I cannot think it/ That he would steal away so guilty-like/ Seeing you coming. Step 2: Iago questions Cassio’s ‘assistance’ during the ordeal when Othello was trying to court Desdemona by questioning â€Å"oh really?† when Othello said Cassio was involved. Step 3: Iago casts doubt on Cassio’s integrity by suggesting that he’s jealous. Step 4: Iago cautions Othello to watch Cassio when he’s around Desdemona subliminally suggesting that there’s inappropriate behavior taking place between the two. Step 5: Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona deceived her father which insinuates that she may or may not deceive him. Step 6: Iago casts doubt on Desdemona’s integrity and loyalty by responding â€Å"I hope she never does† when Othello states he’s sure Desdemona would never cheat. 2. Othello is so easily manipulated because he is very trusting of Iago. He believes him to be â€Å"honest Iago.†His insecurities are being pitted against him. Those insecurities being his race, his social status, and his age. He believes in the ‘prophecy’ from Desdemona’s father. Lastly, he is emotionally unstable during this entire scene which may have also caused him to fall vulnerable. 3. Iago knows he has successfully manipulated Othello after he tells him of the time Cassio spoke fondly of Desdemona in his