Dissimilation in "Othello"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how dissimilation is a state that occurs when the impetus is taken for the standard and used, often, to further insidious ends. In particular, it looks at how, in "Othello", Shakespeare uses Iago as a character who represents dissimilation and brings it into the
moral and empathetic lives of the other characters to spread chaos and ruin. It shows how Iago is able to use his cleverness and malice to seek out what seems to be the root cause of a number of actions in the play.

From the Paper:

"In Othello, Shakespeare sets up Iago as the culmination of all of the evil, insidious tendencies and inhumane practices known to humanity. One of the first speeches we see from Iago portrays him as egging Rodrigo on to sap the joy from Brabantio: "Though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such chances of vexation on it as it may lose some color"
(Shakespeare I,i,11). It is no wonder, therefore, that Iago is known to be more a fighter (a destructive force) than a statistician comparatively constructive) on the battlefield, and is passed up for promotion by Othello in favor of the more level-headed Cassio. But Iago is
also a character who shows a great deal of dissimilation within himself: this lack of promotion therefore rankles him, and makes him vow revenge against Othello, while at the same time pretending to be his servant."

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• Analytical Essay # 129434 : "Being a Man in "Othello"
• Book Review # 94728 : "Blame in "Othello"

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