Vorschlag B2

Shakespeare's villains

Dieser Vorschlag bezieht sich auf Shakespeare: Othello

Der vorliegende Vorschlag enthält in Aufgabe 3 alternative Arbeitsanweisungen.

Outline Don John's motivation and the plan to cause mischief.

(30 BE)

Compare Don John (Material) and Iago from Shakespeare’s “Othello”.

(40 BE)

Choose one of the following tasks:

“A friend asked me last night […] ‘So what I want to know is what does it feel like being the only African-American and also playing the villain?’”
Bob Devin Jones, African-American actor playing Don John in a production in Florida in 2005

Taking the quotation as a starting point and with reference to both Don John and Iago, assess the two plays’ possible receptions if only the actors playing the villains were black.

(30 BE)

As a student of Theatre Studies you are working as an intern at the English Theatre Frankfurt to gain some work experience. An American director coming to Frankfurt in a few weeks’ time wants to do a student production of “Othello”. He has asked you and the other students assigned to assist him to send him some ideas for the production beforehand. Having studied “Othello” at school, you actually see the main focus of the play on Iago and thus want to use your artistic freedom and name the production after him.

Write an email to the director, explaining why this production of the play should be named “Iago”.

(30 BE)

William Shakespeare: Much Ado about Nothing (excerpt from the play, 1598/99)

LEONATO – a respectable nobleman
CLAUDIO – a well-respected young nobleman and soldier
DON PEDRO – the Prince of Aragon
DON JOHN – Don Pedro’s illegitimate brother
CONRADE and BORACHIO – Don John’s companions
HERO – Leonato’s daughter
MARGARET – waiting gentlewoman attendant on Hero

LEONATO welcomes some of his friends coming home from a war. Among them are CLAUDIO, DON PEDRO and his illegitimate brother DON JOHN with his companions CONRADE and BORACHIO. As the illegitimate brother, DON JOHN is the black sheep of the family.

Act I Scene 3: Outside LEONATO's house

DON JOHN is in a very bad mood about the conflict with his brother. He is looking for some remedy to lighten his mood.

CONRADE You have of late stood out against your brother, and he hath ta’en you newly into his

grace, where it is impossible you should take true root, but by the fair weather that you make yourself:

it is needful that you frame the season for your own harvest.

DON JOHN I had rather be a canker in a hedge, than a rose in his grace, and it better fits my blood

to be disdained of all, than to fashion a carriage to rob love from any. In this (though I cannot be said

to be a flattering honest man) it must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain. I am trusted with

a muzzle, and enfranchised with a clog, therefore I have decreed not to sing in my cage. If I had my

mouth, I would bite: if I had my liberty, I would do my liking. In the mean time, let me be that I am,

and seek not to alter me.

CONRADE Can you make no use of your discontent?

DON JOHN I make all use of it, for I use it only. Who comes here?

Enter BORACHIO

What news, Borachio?

BORACHIO I came yonder from a great supper, the prince your brother is royally entertained by

Leonato, and I can give you intelligence of an intended marriage.

DON JOHN Will it serve for any model to build mischief on? What is he for a fool that betroths himself

to unquietness?

BORACHIO Marry, it is your brother’s right hand.

DON JOHN Who, the most exquisite Claudio?

BORACHIO Even he.

DON JOHN A proper squire! And who, and who, which way looks he?

BORACHIO Marry, on Hero, the daughter and heir of Leonato.

DON JOHN A very forward March-chick. […] Come, come, let us thither, this may prove food to

my displeasure, that young start-up [Claudio] hath all the glory of my overthrow: if I can cross him

any way, I bless myself every way. You are both sure, and will assist me?

CONRADE To the death, my lord. […]

Act II Scene 2: LEONATO’s house

DON JOHN It is so, the Count Claudio shall marry the daughter of Leonato.

BORACHIO Yea, my lord, but I can cross it.

DON JOHN Any bar, any cross, any impediment, will be medicinable to me, I am sick in displeasure

to him, and whatsoever comes athwart his affection, ranges evenly with mine. How canst thou cross

this marriage?

BORACHIO Not honestly, my lord, but so covertly, that no dishonesty shall appear in me.

DON JOHN Show me briefly how.

BORACHIO I think I told your lordship a year since, how much I am in the favour of Margaret, the

waiting gentlewoman to Hero.

DON JOHN I remember.

BORACHIO I can at any unseasonable instant of the night, appoint her to look out at her lady’s

chamber window.

DON JOHN What life is in that to be the death of this marriage?

BORACHIO The poison of that lies in you to temper; go you to the prince your brother, spare not to

tell him, that he hath wronged his honour in marrying the renowned Claudio, whose estimation do you

mightily hold up, to a contaminated stale, such a one as Hero.

DON JOHN What proof shall I make of that?

BORACHIO Proof enough, to misuse the prince, to vex Claudio, to undo Hero, and kill Leonato;

look you for any other issue?

DON JOHN Only to despite them I will endeavour anything.

BORACHIO Go then, find me a meet hour to draw Don Pedro and the Count Claudio alone, tell

them that you know that Hero loves me, intend a kind of zeal both to the prince and Claudio (as in

love of your brother’s honour who hath made this match, and his friend’s reputation, who is thus like

to be cozened with the semblance of a maid) that you have discovered thus: they will scarcely

believe this without trial: offer them instances which shall bear no less 50 likelihood, than to see me at

her chamber window, hear me call Margaret Hero, hear Margaret term me Claudio, and bring them

to see this the very night before the intended wedding, for in the mean time, I will so fashion the

matter, that Hero shall be absent, and there shall appear such seeming truth of Hero’s disloyalty, that

jealousy shall be called assurance, and all the preparation overthrown.

DON JOHN Grow this to what adverse issue it can, I will put it in practise: be cunning in the

working this, and thy fee is a thousand ducats.

William Shakespeare: Much Ado about Nothing, Cambridge 1998 [1598/99], S. 21‒47.

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Note:
Our solutions are listed in bullet points. In the examination, full marks can only be achieved by writing a continuous text. It must be noted that our conclusions contain only some of the possible aspects. Students can also find a different approach to argumentation.

Don John is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro, the Prince of Aragon
Throughout his life, he has likely experienced feelings of resentment and envy towards his legitimate brother, who enjoys a higher social standing and holds a position of power and respect
Don John feels marginalized and believes that he is not given the recognition and opportunities he deserves, leading to a deep-rooted bitterness
his resentment towards Don Pedro and Claudio intensifies when he learns about Claudio's intention to marry Hero, the daughter and heir of Leonato
he perceives this marriage as an opportunity to wreak havoc on the lives of those who have seemingly overshadowed him
his desire for revenge fuels his motivation to devise a plan that would bring misery and disgrace to his brother and Claudio

Don's motivation

he exploits the favor he enjoys with Margaret, Hero's lady in waiting
Don John manipulates her to get her to cooperate with his plan by using her as a pawn
With Margaret's help, Don John creates a situation that raises doubts about Hero's loyalty and virtue
he plans to make Claudio believe that Hero is unfaithful, thus damaging her reputation and putting Claudio and his family in distress
Don John decides to approach Don Pedro and Claudio discreetly, pretending to be a concerned benefactor
tries to make it known that Hero is unfaithful and secretly involved with another man
sy sowing these doubts, Don John seeks to destroy trust
Presents false evidence of Hero's alleged infidelity Don John plans to stir up jealousy in Claudio and anger in Don Pedro
the resulting chaos would disrupt the upcoming wedding and possibly lead to a public scandal that would damage the reputations of Hero, Claudio, and their families
Don John offers Borachio a financial incentive for his cooperation in carrying out the plan
promise of a thousand ducats serves as additional motivation for Borachio to play his role effectively

The Plan to Cause Mischief

In conclusion, Don John's deep-rooted resentment, envy, and desire for vengeance against his brother Don Pedro and Claudio drive him to devise a cunning and malicious plan
By manipulating Margaret and exploiting the situation, he aims to cast doubt on Hero's virtue and cause chaos that would disrupt the impending wedding
Don John's plan embodies the treacherous nature of his character and his willingness to go to great lengths to cause mischief and misery to those he resents

Conclusion

Don John from "Much Ado about Nothing" and Iago from "Othello" are two of Shakespeare's most infamous villains, known for their deviousness and malevolence. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart.

Introduction

Both Don John and Iago are masters of manipulation
they exploit the weaknesses and insecurities of others
craft intricate plans to achieve their malicious goals by sowing seeds of doubt, spreading rumors, and playing on the emotions of their victims
both are driven by envy and resentment towards those they perceive as more fortunate or respected
Don John is envious of his legitimate brother Don Pedro's social standing and feels marginalized, while Iago is envious of Cassio's promotion and harbors deep resentment towards Othello for promoting Cassio over him
Neither Don John nor Iago demonstrates any empathy or remorse for their actions
they are cold and calculating, willing to manipulate and destroy the lives of innocent people for their personal gain or satisfaction
they carefully plan and execute their deceptions, anticipating the reactions of others and adjusting their strategies accordingly

Main Body
similarities

Don John's motivations are primarily driven by personal resentment and a desire for vengeance against his brother and Claudio
wants to solely cause chaos and misery to those who have seemingly overshadowed him
on the other hand, Iago's motivations stem from a combination of personal grievances and a twisted desire for power and control
His reasons for plotting against Othello and Cassio are more complex, involving issues of race, pride, and ambition
Don John remains an outsider and does not have any loyal followers; His companions, Conrade and Borachio, serve more as accomplices in his mischief rather than true confidants
in contrast, Iago has loyal followers, such as Roderigo, whom he manipulates and uses to further his plans
Don John's methods involve orchestrating a deceptive scene to make Hero appear unfaithful to Claudio $\rightarrow$ relies on false appearances and misunderstandings to achieve his goals
Iago, on the other hand, employs a more direct approach using manipulation, deception, and even murder to drive Othello to madness and destroy the lives of those he targets
the consequences of their actions also differ. Don John's mischief is eventually exposed, and he is apprehended and punished for his deceit
In contrast, Iago's actions lead to tragic consequences resulting in the deaths of several characters, before he is finally unmasked and faces his own retribution

differences

In conclusion, while both Don John and Iago share certain characteristics, such as being manipulative and envious, their motivations, methods, and ultimate fates make them distinct villains in Shakespeare's plays. Their presence adds complexity and depth to the stories in which they appear, and their villainous actions serve as cautionary tales about the destructive power of envy, deception, and malice.

Conclusion

3.1

Assessing the possible receptions of the plays "Much Ado About Nothing" (where Don John is the villain) and "Othello" (where Iago is the villain) if only the actors playing the villains were black requires a nuanced understanding of the historical and social context surrounding these plays, as well as the representation of African-Americans in theater.

Introduction

In "Much Ado About Nothing," Don John is the illegitimate brother of Don Pedro and the antagonist of the play $\rightarrow$ If the actor playing Don John were black, the reception of the production would largely depend on the director's interpretation and the audience's attitudes towards race.

Potential Positive Reception

some audience members and critics may appreciate a fresh interpretation that highlights the complexity of the character regardless of the actor's race
it could provide an opportunity for discussions about universal human motivations, irrespective of race

Potential Negative Reception

given the historical context of African-Americans being portrayed negatively or stereotypically in theater, there might be concerns about perpetuating harmful racial stereotypes
certain audience members may struggle to separate the character's actions from the actor's race, leading to misconceptions and prejudice

Main Body
"Much Ado About Nothing" - Don John

In "Othello," the character Iago is one of Shakespeare's most infamous villains, known for his manipulation and deception $\rightarrow$ If the actor playing Iago were black, the reception of the play would again be influenced by societal attitudes and the production's approach.

Potential Positive Reception

A black actor playing Iago could add depth to the exploration of race, power, and jealousy in the play, potentially shedding light on the complexities of racial identity.
It might provide an opportunity to challenge preconceptions and encourage discussions about racial dynamics.

Potential Negative Reception

Some audience members might resist or misinterpret the portrayal, seeing it as reinforcing negative stereotypes or perpetuating the "evil black villain" trope.
There could be concerns about the potential for misreading the play as suggesting that Iago's actions are linked to his race, rather than his individual character flaws.

"Othello" - Iago

In both cases, the success of the productions would depend heavily on skillful direction and performances by the actors. In addition, a thoughtful and sensitive approach to casting and interpretation would be important to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes and instead promote meaningful discussions about race, representation, and the complexity of human nature.

Awareness and approach to dialogue

It's important to recognize that diversity in casting can enhance the theatrical experience and provide opportunities for different perspectives to be explored. However, the potential challenges should not be dismissed, and sensitivity towards historical representations of race in theater should be a guiding principle for directors and actors alike.

Conclusion

3.2

Subject: Proposal for "Iago" - A Student Production of Othello

Dear Mr Whitfield,

I hope this email finds you well. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you on the upcoming student production of "Othello" at the English Theatre Frankfurt. As a student of Theatre Studies, I am excited to contribute to this project and bring fresh ideas to the table.

Greeting and introduction

while the title of the play is traditionally about Othello, I see an intriguing opportunity to shift the focus and call the production "Iago."
the character of Iago, as you know, is one of the most enigmatic and compelling villains in all of Shakespeare's works
his manipulative and malevolent nature is central to the conflict and tragedy that unfolds throughout the play
by naming the production after him, we can delve deep into Iago's psyche and explore the complexity of his motives, actions, and underlying themes of jealousy, deception, and power dynamics
in addition, the choice of the title "Iago" allows us to tell the story from an unconventional perspective and invite the audience to challenge their preconceptions and assumptions about the traditional narrative
we can question the distribution of roles of hero and villain and instead portray the characters as multi-layered individuals shaped by their desires, insecurities, and societal influences
the decision also allows us to examine the effects of Iago's manipulation on the other characters, particularly Othello
by examining the destructive consequences of Iago's actions, we can illuminate the themes of trust, betrayal, and the fragility of relationships

Main Body
Argumentation

in summary, I believe that the name of our production, "Iago," offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on Shakespeare's timeless tragedy
it allows us to delve into the mind of one of literature's most compelling villains, and invites our audience to consider the complexities of human nature
I look forward to working with you and my fellow students to bring this vision to life and create a production that resonates with both our cast and our audience

Conclusion

Thank you very much for considering this proposal. I look forward to discussing it further in our upcoming meetings. If you need any further information or have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Stefanie Müller
Theatre Studies Student
English Theatre Frankfurt Intern

Closing

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