Modern Media vs Literature

Modern Media and Literature: Iago vs. Ingrid Robert South, an English poet once said "All deception in the course of life is indeed nothing else but a lie reduced to practice, and falsehood passing from words into things."(1) The art of being skilled in rhetoric can either be a positive or negative gift. However, when jealousy and vengeance intermix with the skill, its effects can become detrimental. The effects will begin to take a psychological and emotional toll on a person, as it advances. Manipulation and deception can branch from this skill, and potentially lead a person to their greatest downfall. In the movie White Oleander, Ingrid, who is played by Michelle Pfeiffer, exhibits constant manipulation and deception in Astrid's life. This leads Astrid with facing many tribulations before she can come to terms with the person she really wants to become. Likewise, In William Shakespeare's Othello, the protagonist Iago displays mastery in the techniques of manipulation, and deception, which thus enables him to lead Othello toward his tragic downfall Although, Shakespeare does not give physical characteristics concerning Iago, he does provide deep insight concerning his cynical character and lack of integrity. When Othello, general of the Venetian army selects Cassio to become his lieutenant it begins to set the tone for Iago's jealousy, and vengeance against Othello. Iago felt that he deserved

Ortiz 2 the promotion in rank and is outraged that it is given to the much younger and inexperienced Cassio. The second reason, which finishes facilitating the tone of jealousy and vengeance is the fact that Iago believes that Othello has slept with his wife. In Act I, Scene I, Iago tells Brabanzio about Desdemona having relations with Othello. Brarbanzio takes Iago very seriously and runs to find compile a team to search for Desdemona. By Iago seeing his rhetoric skills prevail it sets the tone for more cynical accusations to be thought of. Consequently,