How does Shakespeare present the relationship between Othello and Iago?

In his play 'Othello', Shakespeare portrays the relationship between the eponymous Othello and the Machiavellian Iago in a dramatic and compelling way. His subtle, yet powerful use of language, as well as his structural and narrative decisions, ensure that audiences - whether Jacobean or modern - are emotionally invested throughout. The relationship is characterised by a profound role reversal that sees the eponymous tragic hero fall victim to his fatal flaw: poor judgement. Literary critics have taken starkly different approaches to this relationship. Critics such as A.C Bradley have taken a more charitable approach to Othello's fall from grace at Iago's hands, arguing that it any man would have succumbed to Iago's skillful scheming. Others, such as T.S Elliot contend that Othello is 'a terrible display of human weakness' whose descent into madness is inevitable.

CG
Answered by Chetan G. English Literature tutor

10325 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

In what ways does ‘Dr Faustus’ raise the problems of writing a play about knowledge? How does Marlowe attempt to come to terms with these problems?


“Defiantly comic.” Consider this view of Chaucer’s presentation of his Wife of Bath.


How is the pastoral presented in Blake's 'Songs of Innocence and Experience'?


Analyse pages 38-39 of Regeneration making connections between landscape and mindscape, and relate to page 184


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences