As Iago ends Act 1 with his soliloquy, we become sure that dishonesty is one of his most revered qualities. People may be good or bad or right or wrong, but we’re all just individuals made up of different parts. Some parts unique, but some are evidence of our inherent idiosyncrasy, proof that we’re all citizens of the world. Being maniacally brilliant, Iago lies to and manipulates the characters in Othello with hardly a second thought. He’s remarkably cunning at how he gets where he wants to go.
The Lord is inhumane because he is enjoying the pleasure of the beggar forgetting himself and altering his reality. One is set to believe that a “gentleman” is one who is privileged, and Shakespeare defines privilege as “access to sensual pleasure (wanton pictures, warm distilled waters …); servants who treat you relatively and submissively; possessions (clothes, hounds, a horse)… (7; 44). The Lord lacks compassion for misery or suffering; cruel to the beggar. An example to this when the Lord talks to the huntsman and says, “O monstrous beast, how like a swine he lies (43; line
While Falstaff’s ideals are pernicious, Henry’s condition is “to cold and temperate” and it is this very unsuitability to the throne that leads England to decay under his rule. He speaks contemptuously of “vulgar company,” “gibing boys” and “vile participation” in everyday life, illustrating his disdain for the common man. Simultaneously, he also idolizes Hotspur as “gallant,” “the theme of honours toungue,” and the “straightest plant…amongst a grove”. Yet in reality, Henry and Falstaff are both flawed role models, while Hotspur is also proven to be an inadequate leader. His ideas are deemed “dangerous,” “hare-brained,” and “uncertain” confirming that honour is not confined to valorous fighting.
Edmund exploits Edgar’s trust when he lies to manipulate him, saying that “If you do stir abroad, go armed... Brother, I advise you to the best.” (Act 1 Scene 2 lines 177-180). Edmund, recognizing that he is in a position of trust, takes advantage of the existing family ties between him and Edgar. He fabricates a tension or dilemma between Edgar and Gloucester. He takes advantage of “a credulous father and a brother noble… That [Gloucester] suspects none; on whose foolish honesty [Edmund’s] practices ride easy.” (Act 1 scene 2 186-188) He fools Gloucester into believing that Edgar is wicked, thus
However, Shakespeare makes it clear that in fact others’ narrow-mindedness is key to Richard’s success. In addition, the women in King Richard III are able to see through Richard’s duplicity but have no influence with which to expose him. Shakespeare explores the inherent sexism of Yorkist society and how it leaves the women with no control. Richard’s eventual downfall comes as a result of insatiable greed and paranoia, and his fear of losing power clouds his sight, preventing him from comprehending those around him and ultimately leading to his death. However, even once Richard realises he can do nothing to prevent his defeat, he asserts that he would rather fulfil his hellish role with pride than retreat in cowardice.
Reasonable Eccentric Behavior of Dorian Gray . In the book, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian Gray is a handsome and proper man, but on the inside he is full of madness, guilt and misery. Initially he’s a melodramatic and petulant young man , but after realizing his true morals –his life skews toward the futile side. Instead of fixing his life, he lives for the pursuit of pleasure which makes him indifferent. Although his actions are very insane, they can be seen as rational to reader considering hedonism.
In William Shakespeare’s play, King Lear, Lear’s initial division of his empire between his two selfish daughters, and the banishment of his loyal daughter, cause a rupture in the Chain of Being. Even after abdicating his power, Lear still pretentiously commands others in an authoritarian and kingly way. As the plot progresses, the deterioration of his mind parallels the degeneration of his kingdom. However, Lear still finds wisdom in his madness because he is humbled and reduced to his natural state, unmodified by his superficial regality. After he abdicates his power, Lear still acts authoritarian and kingly, despite having no real power.
In (IV.2.195) we discover that Emilia responds to Iago's commands repulsively. By betraying her husband's will, she mentally chooses sides between good and evil, justice and tragedy. 'Othello' presents this struggle, secretively interweaving the deceiving plot that makes 'Othello' stand out from the rest of the 'Shakespearean tragedies'. Leading up to
More than these, I think Lear is motivated by his idea that he is a good man. One thing that supports is when Kent says “I’ll tell thee thou dost evil,” (Act I, Scene I, Line 175) and Shakespeare writes the king as reacting in a frenzy, going so far as to say “This moment is thy death,” (Act I, Scene I, Line 190). By portraying the king in this way, Shakespeare causes us to judge him as unstable and mental. While his actions thus far have been rash, him reacting in this way, and him banishing his daughter saying, “Here I disclaim all my paternal care, Propinquity and property of blood,” (Act I, Scene I, Lines 117-118). From these thing, it is made clear that Lear is not only rash and insecure but also thoughtless and stupid.
Lear's pride keeps him from listening to the advice of Kent, the king's most loyal follower, after he banishes Cordelia and admitting he may have been wrong. Because of this pride, he willingly submits himself to the corrupt will of his other two daughters. “What wouldst thous do, old man? Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak when power to flattery bows? To plainness honor's bound when majesty falls to folly.” (1.1.146-151).