I've always been of the opinion that it requires perverse stubbornness *not* to interpret Iago as a gay character. I certainly agree with you about Cassio.
I do like the idea that Iago was in love with Othello, for several reasons, the primary one being 3.3. Othello is kneeling and swearing a "sacred vow". He's about to get up, but Iago says, "Do not rise yet", and kneels with him:
Witness, you ever-burning lights above, You elements that clip us round about, Witness that here Iago doth give up The execution of his wit, hands, heart, To wronged Othello's service. Let him command And to obey shall be in me remorse What bloody business ever. [...] I am your own for ever.
Here's the thing: These are wedding vows.
When I realized that, it became by far the most frightening scene in the play.
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Re: More Unashamed Cassius Fangirl Squee
Date: 2003-08-22 01:20 am (UTC)I do like the idea that Iago was in love with Othello, for several reasons, the primary one being 3.3. Othello is kneeling and swearing a "sacred vow". He's about to get up, but Iago says, "Do not rise yet", and kneels with him:
Witness, you ever-burning lights above,
You elements that clip us round about,
Witness that here Iago doth give up
The execution of his wit, hands, heart,
To wronged Othello's service. Let him command
And to obey shall be in me remorse
What bloody business ever.
[...]
I am your own for ever.
Here's the thing: These are wedding vows.
When I realized that, it became by far the most frightening scene in the play.