Reflection 5

The first definition for protagonist in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary reads, “the principal character in a literary work (as a drama or story)” and the second: “a leading actor, character, or participant in a literary work or real event.” Thus Iago is, in my opinion, the true main character and protagonist in this play. Who says the leading role has to be one of a hero? Alternatively, if it must, who is to say what the true hero is? In many stories, the hero gets away with many things, including murder. His actions are justified by reasons or the hope that his actions will benefit all of humanity. Indeed, many the so-called “hero” would end up in prison if tried in court of law.

Furthermore, the justification of Iago’s actions relates to how much reasoning is needed to absolve him of being a “bad guy”. Yes, he does admit that, “Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” (1.3.394-5) However, is he admitting that his plan is large or that it is evil? In my opinion, he believed that he was working for the greater good of the war as Othello’s choice in a lieutenant showed that he was corrupted. Indeed he states, “Why, there’s no remedy. ‘Tis the curse of service. / Preferment goes by letter and affection, / And not by old gradation, where each second / Stood heir to th’ first. Now sir, be judge yourself, / To love the Moor.” (1.1.37-41)

In my opinion, the modern film was morally debasing and uncouth in comparison to the actual play. For example, the music was horrible (although I may be slightly biased as I find rap music repulsive) and the acts committed were illegal, unlike those in the play. O and Desi were probably both underage as well as unwedded during the sex scene, unlike in the play where they were both of age and wedded. Near the end of the modern movie, O was sniffing cocaine while Othello had done no such thing. Hugo also got Mike, who was underage, drunk. This was also done in the play, but it was neither illegal nor frowned upon until Michael Cassio started fighting under its influence.

I also found the play to be more comedic than the modern movie as I was smiling more by the time we ended it (also hoping that we will see the rest of it in class today). The text, which was dry upon paper, came to life rather well in the film as the actors were more convincing and experienced. Although they were dressed and spoke for a different era, I believe the play related better to the adult world around us. Yes, the modern version had a more relatable context, but it had a much narrower audience.