Brief Summary of Plan:
Iago's plan was initially just to get revenge on Othello, due to him choosing Micheal Cassio for Lieutenant over him. With help from a young Venetian, Roderigo, he is able to unfold his plan in a violent way.
OTHELLO: A Literary Timeline: IAGO'S PLAN UNFOLDS
In this presentation, collaborators have put together a digital timeline showing the development of Iago's Plan in Othello.
There are quotes (15), explanations (15) and graphics (3+) provided. When appropriate, explanations include information regarding irony, foreshadowing, symbolism, characterization & theme.
There is at least one relevant and helpful quiz document, video or audio clip found or created by and incorporated into the content of this timeline.
IAGO'S PLAN UNFOLDS
ACT I
"Though I do hate him as I do hell (pains,) Yet, for necessity of presents life, I must show out a flag and sign of love..." (I.i.171-173)
This is when Iago is speaking to Roderigo about his true feelings for Othello and explaining how he will execute his plan for revenge. This also demonstrates the literary element of foreshadowing, since this might occur in the future.
"O, thou foul thief, where hast thou stowed my daughter?" (I.ii.80-81)
This is after Iago tells Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello, explaining that she had eloped with Othello. Brabantio is furious with Othello, though he didn't do anything, showing dramatic irony created by the manipulation of Iago.
"After some time, to abuse Othello's (ear) That he is too familiar with his wife. He hath a person and a smooth dispose To be suspected, framed to make women false." (I.iii.438-441)
This is after the whole ordeal with Brabantio and after Iago speaks to Roderigo about chasing after Desdemona. Iago is by himself, and he is speaking in a monologue, foreshadowing what his next course of action for his plan will be, and how he will manipulate Othello so his plan can commence.
ACT II
"He takes her by the palm...Ay, smile upon her, do. I will (gyve) thee in thine on courtship...Very good; well kissed (an) excellent courtesy!" (II.i.182-190)
This quote is spoken as an aside by Iago, demonstrating how his plan is working. Previously, he noticed how Desdemona was getting furious at his statements about women, and due to nature, he was aware the Cassio would comfort her. Knowing that information, Iago is able to unfold his plan, and demonstrates through foreshadowing how Cassios flirtatious nature will help him cause a misunderstanding that will allow Othello to distrust Cassio, and in turn this misunderstanding will be used against Roderigo a well.
"O, they are our friends! But one cup; I'll drink for you." (II.iii.38-39)
This quote shows how Iago is executing his plan, since he is getting Cassio drunk so he can fight and Othello will be able to strip him from his position, and take it from him. Besides initiating his plan to manipulate Othello in order to use Roderigo to permanently get rid of Cassio, he is following his main goal of getting the lieutenant position he originally desired. This is dramatic irony for Cassio, since the reader knows Iago's true intentions, but Cassio is oblivious to the whole ordeal.
"...draw the Moor apart and bring him jump when he may Cassio find Soliciting his wife..." (II.iii.407-409)
This quote shows Iago's next course of action, foreshadowing what he will do next since he has accomplished getting Cassio fired. He will find a way for Othello to see Cassio and Desdemona together in order to create a misunderstanding and for Othello to hate and distrust Cassio and Desdemona. This also shows Iago's characterization, and how even after getting what he wanted, his manipulative "game" doesn't stop.
This graphic shows Iago in a two-faced maner. The left side is Iago as he shows himself to others, a kind and honest person. The right, on the other hand, shows Iago for who he truly is - a manipulative, evil person. THis two-faced personality of his can be shown in Act 2 between when he talks to Cassio, Othello, Roderigo, and when he is having monologues.
ACT III
"O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on"(III.iii.165-167)
A common theme and motif in this story is jealousy. In act 3, Iago tries to make Othello jealous so that he would be mad at Desdemona and Cassio, this is the next step to his plan which also shows foreshadowing. Iago is saying that jealousy is extremely harmful, and this is foreshadowing because he will use it against Othello.
"Arise, black vengeance, from thy hollow hell!"(III.iii.125)
By manipulating Othello, Iago is making sure that he will be able to take Cassio's place and he'll gain power over everyone, moving his plan forward, but also integrating his manipulative nature.
"Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio;"(III.iii.185)
Because he's so manipulative gaining power is a source of pleasure for him. He is able to subtly give hints to other characters about different situations, which helps him gain power and control of the situation (characterization of Iago). Also this quote shows that he's more powerful than Othello, because he's basically ordering him to do something.
This graphic depicts what Iago does to Othello in Act 3 - manipulates him and floods his heads with lies and things Othello would have never thought about without Iago's interference.