Despite, or even because, of the strength of his feelings Othello fears its ruin. The poetry here acknowledges a very real vulnerability that exists when people allow themselves to love another, and that love is returned. Desdemona, still somewhat innocent and to a certain extent naïve, answers; “The heavens forbid/But that our loves and comforts should increase/Even as our days do grow.” (1413, 2.1.192-194) and Othello seems comforted, “Amen to that, sweet powers!” (1413, 2.1.194). Maybe if Desdemona’s “days” had actually been allowed to grow, if Othello had not murdered her, the marriage may have been long-lasting and happy. Instead, the “almost” sonnet is followed by Iago’s ominous predictions, “O you are well tuned now!/But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music,/As honest as I am.” (1413, 2.1.198-200). The beauty of this “sonnet”, clashed with the lack of rhyme seems to mirror the
…show more content…
Iago notices Roderigo’s love for Desdemona and access to useful wealth; Cassio’s prior friendship with Desdemona and tendency to lose control when drinking; Desdemona’s flirtatious nature which could be a sign of sexual promiscuity; Othello’s jealous nature. Iago seizes upon these flaws and develops plans to bring everyone else to ruin. Iago states that he waits patiently for his machinations to mature, “How poor are they that have not patience!/What wound did ever heal but by degrees?/Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft/and wit depends on dilatory time.” (1419. 3.3.357-360). Like Iago, Shakespeare had to be a close observer to create the plays which still remain today. Paul Cefalu quoting James Calderwood’s “The Properties of Othello” elucidates Iago is, “is a portrait of Shakespeare himself ‘in staging scenes and manipulating people, in creating illusion, (and) in improvising meet occasions,’ Iago is indeed a playwright,” (266)
Iago notices Roderigo’s love for Desdemona and access to useful wealth; Cassio’s prior friendship with Desdemona and tendency to lose control when drinking; Desdemona’s flirtatious nature which could be a sign of sexual promiscuity; Othello’s jealous nature. Iago seizes upon these flaws and develops plans to bring everyone else to ruin. Iago states that he waits patiently for his machinations to mature, “How poor are they that have not patience!/What wound did ever heal but by degrees?/Thou know’st we work by wit and not by witchcraft/and wit depends on dilatory time.” (1419. 3.3.357-360). Like Iago, Shakespeare had to be a close observer to create the plays which still remain today. Paul Cefalu quoting James Calderwood’s “The Properties of Othello” elucidates Iago is, “is a portrait of Shakespeare himself ‘in staging scenes and manipulating people, in creating illusion, (and) in improvising meet occasions,’ Iago is indeed a playwright,” (266)