Iago - The Ultimate Machiavellian Villain

Othello captures one of the most investigated villains in history and it is not the expected protagonist after which the play is named. Iago is Shakespeare’s greatest villain because of his character development (unlike other Shakespearian villain, see Shylock in The Merchant of Venice) but also due to his multiple deeper motivations that exceed the traditional want for money and power. Iago changes Othello from great general to a ‘green eyed monster’ (a term coined by Shakespeare). The question mainly asked about Iago is the reason for his villainous nature. Is it his xenophobic nature, his jealously of Othello’s position or even a secret unrequited love for Othello?

Iago’s power derives from the unpredictability of events; he is quick witted and reacts to events. His first soliloquy at the end of Act 1 demonstrates his intuitive nature,  he suggests that Othello is ‘led by the nose as asses are.’ This simile demonstrates how Othello is easily led, and although the plan is not yet fully formed, Iago will go with circumstance and this is what gives power to his plans. Iago has been called ‘a God, but with a small g’ while Coleridge views him as ‘being next to the devil, only not quite devil’ (‘demi-devil’, Act 5) and throughout the play, he seems to be the omnipresent puppet master controlling events and people.

However, Iago’s deceitful nature throughout adds to the agonising sense of inevitability as the other characters are so oblivious to his true nature. Many characters refer to him as ‘honest Iago’ despite him admitting to Rodrigo that ‘I am not what I am,’ (1.1.66). This misinterpretation of Iago’s character demonstrates his deceptive nature and reveals a reason for his motivation, he does not want to be outshone by Othello and he believes Othello’s position in society should be his and he is willing to deceive those to allow him to achieve his goal. Ultimately this makes Othello ‘Iago’s play ... Othello’s tragedy’ (Bloom).

Not only does Iago manipulate Othello in the play, Cassio’s complicity to Iago’s plans means he acts not in his true nature but is willing to listen and act upon what Iago says, instead of following his instincts. Cassio plays an important role in the play as he, another rival for Iago is subject to his manipulation and further confuses the motivation for Iago’s crimes. Cassio helps Iago to fulfil his plans as he talks to Desdemona instead of confronting Othello, Iago suggests that ‘our general’s wife is now the general.’ This suggests that Desdemona has a lot of influence over Othello and can therefore control him and Iago uses this to manipulate Othello. However, some may argue that falling for Iago plot is not entirely Cassio fault, after all Othello quick believes Iago’s tales, leading him to doubt his wife fidelity. Cassio may seen as a pawn in Iago’s plans, a small piece of the puzzle which results in Othello’s downfall. Iago is aware of Cassio’s reputation and uses this to his advantage. During Iago’s second soliloquy he suggests ‘Cassio loves her, I do well believe it’ and he later goes onto suggest Cassio will be ‘framed to make a woman false’  this implication allows the audience to see that as Iago could easily believe Cassio would sleep with Desdemona, it is not very far fetched to suggest that Othello would believe it.

Iago exasperates Othello’s insecurities and this allows Iago to feed his doubts, poisoning his mind but is only able to do this as Cassio views himself as a gentleman, so wishes to act in the correct manner. One source of Iago’s motives is because Cassio (privileged) gets promotion over him despite lacking fighting experience, so gets position from status and contacts. Iago’s homeland is Venice making him accepted, but both Othello (a Moor) and Cassio (a Florentine) are outsiders, yet they have higher positions in society than him, due to his xenophobic nature and he sees this as unjust. However, in Act 4 everyone is quick to believe that they have been fooled into believing the eloquent Othello, ‘I am sorry that I am deceived in him.’ (4.1.273) demonstrating society’s highly racist attitudes and Iago’s quick nature as he is willing to play on societies beliefs to destroy Othello.

Iago is successful as villain due to his flexible nature and his intelligence to undermine insecurities which already exist in both individuals and society. This learned villain question the nature of the villain as parts of his personality is often reflected in the audience. Although his true motivation can never really be discovered, I like to think that he causes mischief and strife for his own sadistic amusement.

Who is your favourite villain and what do you think Iago’s true motivation is?

Lots of love,

Elouise

xxx

This week I’m reading...

Peter Pan – J. M. Barrie

Scottish playwright J. M. Barrie created the enchanting tale of the boy who refused to grow up and the girl who was old before her time; the timeless story of Peter Pan and Wendy has captured the imaginations of both children and adults alike. Peter Pan never ages and flies  on happy thoughts and fairy-dust with his band of Lost Boys, spending the day frolicking with mermaids, Indians, and fairies whilst exploring Neverland. Every story has to have a villain and Peter Pan created one of the most infamous - Captain Hook. The boys live idyllic lives whilst eluding the evil grasp of Hook, the ticking crocodile and the temptations of adulthood but everything changes when the Darling children arrive. When I started re-reading this novel, I realised how much the novel resonated with adults due to its mature writing style and I loved the imagery of how even the children’s life in Kensington was magical life with a dog as a nanny and a mother who tidies away lost shadows. This novel really emphasises the importance of family but also of childhood at time when the notion of child could only recognised by the rich.

Titus Andronicus - William Shakespeare

Human sacrifice, Mother-son Cannibalism, ritual butchery through mutilation; Shakespeare’s first revenge tragedy was extremely popular with contemporary critics and audiences but has since been criticised for the unfounded violence. The play encounters difficult themes such as xenophobia, revenge and the difficulty of gaining and relinquishing power. The play involves Shakespeare’s original conception of the Machiavellian villain and the questioning of race and interracial marriage, which was radical at the time. The examination of the Roman history is interesting as the melodramatic setting of the play adds to its originality from tradition tragedies. Coined by some as one of Shakespeare’s worst plays, it was certainly one of his longest. This is definitely different to other Shakespeare plays I have read, so I you want to read about violent without compassion and learn about the economy of marriage, then I would definitely give this play a read (or if you have a spare three hours, watch the film -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WwRyRKiGfs).

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

“I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once.” - C.S. Lewis

I Capture the Castle - Dodie Smith 

This is the debut novel from the author that wrote the much acclaimed children’s classic One Hundred and One Dalmatians but in my opinion this is her greatest novel. It was one of the first books I ever got out of the school library when I was only seven and I was devastated when I had to return the book before I finished it. My parents could see how much I wanted to finish the book so they brought me the audio book so I could listen to it when I went to sleep. Usually I do not like romances but this is not a love story, it is a marriage story in a time when marriage was the way out of poverty. It follows two sisters, Cassandra and Rose who live in a rundown castle. Cassandra writes her life in three dairies and creates the famous opening line...

Her observations of those around her are insightful but it is surprising how she often fails to see the truth of her own life. The protagonist Cassandra is a similar age to me so although this book was written over fifty years ago it was so easy to relate to. This novel is jovial at times but is always hindered by the deeper underlying issues. The ending is very unexpected but seems fitting as another ending would have tarnished the story. I would recommend this novel as it has followed me throughout my life and every time I read it a new meaning uncovers itself.

Do you have a book that you have kept re-reading to find new meanings in it? I would love to hear about them!

Lots of Love

Elouise 

xxx 

Classic Series

Animal Farm, George Orwell

This novel is wonderful as it educated children on the flaws of an equal society and is really cynical for a children’s novel. I first read the novel in school when I about twelve and it made me upset but really got me thinking. The relationship between Boxer and Benjamin is truly touching and Boxer’s determination is inspiring, but also shows the flaws in working hard all your life as there seems to be little reward. The dedication to building the windmill mirrors human ingenuity and is a very poignant observation of the working class. By making the characters animals, it distances them from reality and it was not until I reread the novel when studying Communism and the Cold War that it all suddenly made sense. I would definitely recommend the novel if you like western history and political critiques on how a seemingly perfect society can go so terribly wrong. 

Were you made to read this book in school? If so, did you learn anything from it? I'd love to hear!

Lots of Love 

Elouise 

xxx

This week I’m reading...

The Mysterious Key and What It Opened, Louisa May Alcott

I chose to read this book because as a child I love Little Women and had wanted to read more of Alcott’s work for a long time.  The story follows Lillian, a headstrong heir after her father’s untimely demise and the struggles of her horse-ridding teacher, orphan Paul as he tries to become a gentleman and win status which will secure the love of his dreams.  I liked the idea of this novella because it is combines love and mystery with bigger social issues like inheritance and marriage. The novella seamlessly interweaves gothic elements through the setting and the lonely widow who would not seem out of place next Miss Havisham. I chose this novella because of its length and because it is in a different era and sentiment to the other novels that I am indulging in this week.

The Invisible Man, H. G. Wells

This novel looked fun and a bit different from what I usually read. I like the writing style of Wells and I found the adoption of the third person narration in this novel refreshing from his usual first person account. The Invisible Man, whose name is revealed as Griffin is a brilliant scientist who researched optics and the reflection of light. Using complicated formulas he manages to create a potion that can make you invisible and tries it on himself. To his amazement, it works, but he cannot reverse the procedure so is doomed to lie as hides his true self for fear of the repercussions. After reading Wells novels I am sure there will be a twist which involves a great comment of society, so I excited carry on with this novel, especially as the sci-fi aspects develop, as it is a guilty pleasure of mine.  

The Scarlet Plague, Jack London

This Post-apocalyptic tale was originally published in chapters in a magazine and because of its popularity, it was published soon after. Written in 1912, it imagines a world in which most of the population are dead from a virus, which broke out in 2013, and there is no cure, the only hope is immunity. The story is told sixty years later by one of the last survivors who actually remembers the event. In his past life he was an English Literature professor and in a society of illiterate savages he questions the meaning of his previous life. He tries to pass his knowledge onto his grandson before he too fades, living on only in memory. A surprisingly easy read considering it was written nearly one hundred years ago and a good book to read if you want to start getting back into reading because it is so short.

What books have you been reading this week? Comment below, I would love to hear about them!

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

“It's strange because sometimes, I read a book, and I think I am the people in the book.” ― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower

This is the most important book I own; it is a photo album made by my sister, Sophie (you can check out her blog here -http://sophiehobbs09.blogspot.co.uk) for my eightieth birthday. It is full of memories and stories – my story. I love the birds on the front because not only does it satisfy my passion for travel but the red and gold creates a lovely exotic, vintage style. What is your favourite book and why? Comment below, I’d love to hear your stories.

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

Classic Series

Kane and Abel – Jeffery Archer

This novel is really special to me because my dad brought me it for my nineteenth birthday and I read it within a few days. This novel is coined by many as a ‘classic’, but Mark Twain defines a 'Classic' as 'a book which people praise and don't read' meaning this novel is so much more than a classic. In the 34 years since the original publication, the writing style has not become outdated and the plot is so relevant today, it would not surprise me if it were to be released today it would top the charts again. The novel recounts the tale of two men, Kane and Abel, who lead seemingly unconnected lives but through meetings of chance, they come to change each other in unimaginable ways.

One is born into a prestigious family, the other an orphan with only a silver bracelet and his wits to get him through life. The boys are changed by both personal and national loss, which shapes their driving natures. The novel is a contradiction, championing the American dream whilst also criticising the savage commercialism of ‘the greatest country on earth.’

The novel breaches big themes such as war and economic crisis, yet the narration allows the novel to remain personal allowing the reader to see both the bigger picture and how it affects individuals.

This novel will make you both laugh and cry as in the face of personal tragedy and loss they are both able to rise from the ashes to become greater than either could have hoped for but as jealously and hate consume them both, both them and their empires begin to burn to the ground.

The novel also has a great sequel The Prodigal Daughter which I cannot wait to read next. I was surprised to like Jeffery Archer’s writing as I also thought he only wrote books for men but I love his perspective on events. Have you read any Jeffery Archer and if so, do you have a favourite novel of his?

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

“Eating and reading are two pleasures that combine admirably.” - C.S. Lewis

When I sit down with a good book on a rainy day I like to enjoy it with a bit of cake and hot chocolate. My favourite hot chocolate is Whittard’s White, Caramel, Banoffee and Chilli but it is really expensive so I only have it at Birthdays and Christmas. Luckily, Options do similar versions, which taste pretty much the same, are cheaper, and healthier for you too. This is my version of a snowy white-hot chocolate, with cream and sprinkles.

I also like to bake and make homemade cakes. This is an example of a chocolate cake I made which went a bit wrong so I sprinkled icing sugar on the top to cover the mistake. It still tasted delicious, so I didn’t really mind.

These are some lovely lemon cupcakes that my friend Maisie made me for my birthday last year. They were topped with butter cream and they tasted delicious.

I made some cupcakes myself and was a bit ‘experimental’ with the decorating, but baking is so much fun, even if it does not turn out exactly as planned! When you have finished baking, you know that you can sit down with a book and relax whilst enjoying the fruits of your labour.

Do you like baking to accompany your reading? If so, you can leave a comment below.

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

Shakespeare Series

Romeo and Juliet, ‘The Most Lamentable Comedy, and Most Cruel Death’  

One of Shakespeare’s most quoted well-known plays; it follows the story of two star-crossed lovers, from the two warring houses of Capulet and Montague. Written in 1597 at the height of Shakespeare’s popularity, Romeo and Juliet explores the nature of love, violence and fate and signals Shakespeare’s moving from comedies to tragedies. However, this tragic love story has many comic elements leading to the suggestion that this play is actually a black comedy.

When they first meet, Romeo kisses Juliet to absolve his sin, but Juliet concludes that his sin has now spread to her so they must kiss again so order can be restored. This moment of teenage rebellion, adding excitement to a boring evening becomes the epitome of love at first sight. However, their stolen kisses and playful religious language implies flirting and lust rather than courting and romance. The following balcony scene uses the language of love and commitment but even Juliet is not convinced. Juliet implores Romeo not to promise on the inconstant moon because as the night fades, she fears the longevity of their relationship. Despite her doubts, Juliet invites Romeo onto her balcony. It is only the appearance of the nurse that halt their antics.

In Arthur Brooke’s original French translation The Tragicall Historye of Romeus and Juliet (1562) the relationship spans months whilst Shakespeare shortens their romance to only a few short days, which makes their adolescent love seem rash and impulsive. At only fourteen, Juliet is barely out of puberty and she, like many young people, feels like she would die for her first love. The difference with Juliet is that she actually does. It is hard not to look at Romeo and Juliet as a critique on a society, which forces the young into an adult world, which they are too emotionally immature to comprehend.

The original Italian versions written in the 1530s by Luigi da Porta and in the 1550s by Matteo Bandello, told the story of Romeo and Giuletta and the feuding families of Montecchi and Capelletti. The stories share many of the qualities of Shakespeare’s play such as; the meddling nurse, the missing letters and the complaint friar. However, in the Italian tragedies the lovers share a scene in the tomb together, which cements the tragedy in their story. Shakespeare omits this scene, instead Romeo kills himself moments before the friar enter, and Juliet awakes. This comic timing makes the final scene frustrating and this distracts from the tragic focus of the lovers deaths.

Maybe I am just a cynic and cannot bring myself to believe in love at first sight that they are willing to die for. Check out these really funny video's from the Reduced Shakespeare Company's version of Romeo and Juliet and tell me what you think...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzVyqiskpMk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKUyq-uCZr0

Lots of Love

Elouise

xxx

A Book You Missed From Twenty Thirteen

Life after Life by Kate Atkinson

It is impossible not to loose yourself in the story of Ursula Todd. She originally dies at birth but when events are altered and the doctor cuts the cord in time, she lives to lead a fulfilling life, until a fatal accident. Yet, at the moment of death she is reborn leaving her to start her life again. The story continues in this manner with her life repeating itself with small changes that make big differences. It is set in wartime Britain that forms a poignant backdrop to this tale of fate; it is not only Ursula whose life is changed by inescapable decisions, split second choices made by those fighting on the front-line can either be heroic or fatal. The novel ultimately captures the fragile realities of life and death and the consequences of being able to correct those mistakes. The novel feels surreal yet realistic, as it seems plausible to think of the endless possibilities and consequences of the many choices we make every day. It is interesting to see how even seemingly insignificant decisions can change your life in untold ways and it makes you think a little more about choices you would have never given a second thought to. 

What do you think about this novel or have already read it? 

I think that this is one of the best novels of twenty thirteen but what is your favourite?

Lots of Love 

Elouise

xxx

Fourteen books for Twenty Fourteen

The Invention of Wings, Sue Monk Kidd (Out 1st January) 

I am excited about this novel as I read The Secret Life of Bees and fell in love with Kidd's easy and insightful writing style. The Invention of Wings follows Sarah, who on her eleventh birthday receives 'Hetty' Handful as her housemaid. The story follows the pair for thirty five years; Handful endures heartbreak but discovers her courage, whilst Sarah, tired of her sheltered upbringing, becomes a pioneer for liberation and empowerment.  

Raw, Belle Aurora (Out 1st January)

I’m not usually into romances but I thought this story looked a bit different. The woman, who has a difficult upbringing, is now in a successful, stable job surrounded by friends. Then, she falls in love with her stalker. An interesting internal examination of a love story gone wrong. 

Uninvited, Sophie Jordan (Out 28th January)

With the world of DNA mapping rapidly developing, this is a compelling examination of a possible moral dilemma from discovering the real meaning of our DNA. Davy Hamilton tests positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome, which means she is going to kill someone in the future. Everyone is scared of her until she meets Sean a fellow carrier, but she does not know if she can trust him, as they will both be killers one day. 

Alienated, Melissa Landers (Out 4th February)

A typical love story which develops into more than it initially seems. Two years ago, aliens made contact with Earth. The L'eihs has nearly identical DNA to humans but lack emotional connections. Cara hosts the first ever L'eihr exchange with handsome Aelyx. The university becomes engaged in anti-L'eihr paranoia, leaving Cara alienated with Aelyx as her only friend. However, Aelyx is hiding the true purpose of his exchange and soon Cara will have to fight for her life and the future of the planet. 

Landry Park, Bethany Hagen (Out 4th February)

If you liked The Hunger Games, I think this one will tickle your fancy. At seventeen, Madeline must marry and run the family estate. Yet, everything she knows is shattered when she realised the consequences of her lavish lifestyle on those less fortunate. Madeline begins to question the life she has always known. She becomes drawn to enigmatic David Dana and soon they are at the centre of a rebellion. Madeline is forced to make the ultimate choice between duty and destiny. 

White Hot Kiss, Jennifer L. Armentrout (Out 25th February)

A more complex and intriguing version of The Twilight concept. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has a kiss that kills anything with a soul. Wardens, gargoyles who hunt demons, raise Leyla and she has a crush on warden Zayne. Everything is going perfectly until she meets attractive demon Roth, who as a demon has no soul. Yet, her life seems to fall apart in an instant when there is a demon uprising and Leyla is forced to pick her side.

The Fifty-Seven Lives of Alex Wayfare, M. G. Buehrlen (Out 4^th March)

I love the concept of this novel as it is both dark yet, vividly imaginative. Alex has visions of the past and sometimes she returns from the visions with lasting effects and unexplainable wounds. One day she meets Porter and he knows all her dark secrets and tells her that she is a descender - capable of time travel through accessing limbo. Alex starts to revisit her past lives and the same blue-eyed boy keeps reappearing. However, the more she descends, the more it becomes apparent someone wants to stop her, at any cost.

Boy, Snow, Bird, Helen Oyeyemi (Out 6th March) 

The cover of the novel is reminiscent of the Genesis story and this recreation of the fairy-tale in pre-Civil Rights America is fascinating. In 1953, Boy Novak arrives in Massachusetts, marries a local widower, and becomes a cruel stepmother to Snow after her own daughter Bird is born dark-skinned which exposes the Whitman’s African-American decent. A reimagining of the snow-white tale which examines race, beauty, and vanity. 

Dorothy Must Die, Danielle Paige (Out 1st April) 

This is probably the novel I am most excited about, it sounds wonderful. Dorothy has found her way back to Oz (see the prequel to this novel, No Place Like Oz, published last year) and has seized power as a tyrannical dictator. Amy Gumm, the other girl from Kansas, has a mission; remove the tin woodman's heart, steal the scarecrows brain, eliminate the lion’s courage - then finally kill Dorothy. 

The Geography of You and Me, Jennifer E Smith (Out 15th April) 

The story of true love when continents get in the way. Lucy and Owen meet when they are stuck in a lift together during a blackout, and after they are rescued, they watch the stars above the streets of Manhattan. After that one night, reality is restored and Lucy moves to Edinburgh and Owen, West with his father. They continue a long distance relationship through postcards and finally reunite in the city they met, but can it ever be the same? 

To all the boys I've loved before, Jenny Han (Out 22nd April)

This is the realisation of every girls worst nightmare. Lara Jean writes each one of her crushes a letter about how she felt and keeps them stored under her bed. One day she discovers they have all been mailed meaning that she has to face up to all her old loves. However, she soon discovers that something good may come out of it. 

After the End, Amy Plum (Out 6th May) 

World War III left the world destroyed by radiation and everyone dead apart from a small few who escaped to Alaska. Thirty years pass and teenage Juneau returns from hunting one day to find everyone gone. She leaves to search for them only to discover that everything she knew was a lie - there was never a war. In a modern day society, Juneau is searching for her family, unaware that someone who knows the truth is searching for her. A truly insightful novel into the intricacy of deception and our fascination with a post-apocalyptic society.

Lost for Words - A Novel, Edward St Aubyn (Out 20th May) 

The Elysion Prize for Literature receives hundreds of submissions every year, yet every writer has an agenda. The novel is both comic, when one writer submits a cookbook instead of her novel and dark when one of the judges realises he is not on the shortlist and seeks revenge. This satire examines the nature of the literary prize and the nature of true talent from a writer who has received much acclaim for his previous novels. 

 

Califonia, Edan Lepucki (Out 8th July)

In a post-apocalyptic world Cal and Frida live alone in the wilderness until one day Frida discovers that she is pregnant. They set out to find a settlement, scared to raise the baby alone. The settlement they find offers security but in a paranoid world full of secrets, the couple must correctly decide who to trust as their lives depend on it. Human nature is investigated in this tale of trust, love and lies.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the new released of twenty fourteen and have been inspired to read one or two of them. 

Lots of Love 

Elouise 

xxx