The reason for Iago's success is his ability to manipulate both the strengths and weaknesses of his enemies.

A fundamental reason for Iago's success is his ability to appear 'honest', which therefore giving him the power to manipulate and influence other characters. Iago manages to appear honest partly because of natural characteristics and partly because he purposely sets out to look honest. Before Iago can even begin to initiate his plan he is referred to as honest by many of the characters. This would suggest that this is a fundamental characteristic of his. Iago is able utilise the strengths and weaknesses of the characters effectively. Because Iago is so articulate he is easily able to manipulate Othello due to his lack of strentgh with conversation. This is also seen when he defends Cassio after the drunken brawl. Iago speaks with hesitation and refers to Cassio being a friend several times. Appearing honest, respectful and reliable allows him to gain favour with all characters, especially those of Cassio and Othello, allowing him to influence them. The success of Iago's deceptive honesty is most clearly seen in the final scene of the play in which the truth of his dishonesty is revealed.

Reputation in Othello

The significance of reputation in relation to the following characters:

Desdemona

Desdemona's reputation is her gateway to the world community; it goes before her to tell others of her honesty, trustworthiness, and ethos. It is the first thing that flatters Desdemona to her peers, and it is the last thing she wants to see harmed. However Desdemona goes against this by disobeying her father and marrying Othello, which Brabantio disowns her. "Ay, to me..Being not deficient, blind, or lame of sense, Sans witchcraft could not." As Brabantio refers to Desdemona has being dead to him.

Cassio

Cassio's changing reputation played a big role in the play as well. Reputation was everything to Cassio, but once demoted he began to act differently and couldn't face Othello. "I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial." (2.3). After Cassio is demoted Othello loses faith in his once good friend because of his tarnished reputation. Had Cassio not gotten drunk, Iago wouldn't have been able to convince Othello that he was cheating with Desdemona. He was too loyal of a friend and had always followed orders.

Iago

Iago's reputation played a key role in the play. Everyone thought of Iago as an honest man. "You advise me well... goodnight honest Iago." (2.3). Iago convinces everyone that he is noble and honest man and he uses this to his advantage. Without this cover he would never have been able to get Othello to believe that Desdemona would cheat on him. Just for suggesting that Desdemona would cheat on him, he probably would have killed Iago were it not for his reputation. Nobody suspects that Iago is a deceitful man and would plot to destroy Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio in such a cunning way. Iago uses his reputation to manipulate Othello and set his plan in motion and complete it. Without Iago's honest reputation would never had allowed him smear Cassio and cause the death of Desdemona and ultimately Othello as well.

Character Profile - Iago

How would you describe this character's personality?

Iago was very selfish and self-centred, he was filled with hate and jealousy. As Othello was a play about revenge, jealousy and abuse of trust, Iago was the puppet master for all the events happening. He used the trust he had from others to his advantage and created a world of suspicion and betrayal among his "friends"

How is this character viewed by other people in the play?

Iago is always viewed by others as "honest Iago, a supposedly honorable, reliable individual. However, in his goal to get revenge on those who he believes have wrongfully taken his position, or the woman he desires, he does not hesitate to abuse this trust to his advantage. In the play, Iago manipulates three minor characters in differing ways for his own purposes, but each one reacts differently to his trickery, and thus each have a different outcome. However through the reader/audiences eye, they are all aware he is a villain.

What relationship does this person have to to others in the play?

Iago is seen as a very trusted person in the play throughout the majority of characters. He is seen as someone who is very reliable and respectful.

What does this character's main role seem to be?

We are first introduced to Iago in the opening scene, and learn that he is a very vengeful character, trying to wreck his superior’s relationship for the following possible reasons:

• The fact that Cassio, an “arithmetician” and who “never set a squadron in the field” was promoted over him
• Racism, Othello was living in a world of prejudice, but still made a worthy general and Iago is disgusted at “a black ram tupping a white ewe”
• The suspicions that Emelia may have been unfaithful to him are revealed in a later soliloquy, though this is never confirmed
• Jealousy of Othello’s and Desdemona’s happy relationship

Character Profile - Othello

How would you describe the character's personality?

Othello in the beginning of the play is viewed as very brave and a strong character, however as the play progresses Othello becomes very emotional, reacting with his ego rather than his head. As Iago begins to manipulate Othello more and more and making him believe that Desdemona has cheated on him, his self esteem and confidence decreases. This makes him to believe he is unworthy of Desdemona. "Haply, for I am black and have not those soft parts of conversation that chambers have, or for I am declined into the value of years - yet that's not much..." (3.3).

How is this character viewed by other people in the play?
Othello is very respected in Venice by everyone, which is shown because of his high status considering he is of different colour. Everyone treats Othello with much respect, even Iago despite the fact that he is hiding his true hatred for Othello.

What relationship does this person have to others in the play?

From the very beginning there is a strong sense of distance and ostracism. Othello's Moorish descent leaves him in an odd situation with the other characters. He is almost a distant, figurative character at first, a kind of shadow in the play. There are hints at his presence and importance, but it's hidden well. The actor must note this and give their own interpretation of the character with mystery and withdrawal from the busyness and interaction of earlier parts of the play. The character must be withdrawn from the rest but in a subtle way that the audience does not dwell on it too much.

Voronezh by Anna Akhmatova

Anna Akhmatova's poem 'Voronezh' focuses heavily on the weather and the surroundings as it evokves the time of year and the feelings that the reader should picture. In the beginning of the poem Akhmatova focuses on the atmoshpere and landscape 'And the town is frozen solind in a vice, trees, walls, snow, beneath the glass.' The poet describes how cold the surroundings are and how noticeably still it is as everything appears to be very dead and quiet. Akhmatova describes the

Minase Sangin by Sogi

1. Why has the poet written this poem?
I think the poets intention in writing thiss poem is to portray the view of Japan's landscapes over the four seasons. The poet describes the seasons changing from spring, to autumn and winter. Because the poem is translated from Japanese there may be some errors in translation and thus gives the poem a different meaning. But thep oet is trying to make the reader grasp an understanding of the atmosphere and whats occuring. "At early dawn every push of the oar is audible from a passing boat." The poet allows the reader to picture the scene and even the sound and show how serene and quite the atmosphere is. Another reason why the poem may be viewed differently from a non-japanese perspective is the meaning as the poets intention may be much different to how we would view the poem.

2. What can you learn about the landscape from the poem?
From the poem, the reader is able to grasp a very detailed and intracate understanding of the landscape. The poet describes different times of the day throughout spring, winter and autumn. In each stanza, the audience is able to picture a different time, season and surrounding. "In a soft river breeze stands a single willow tree fresh in spring colour." This allows the audience to understand the weather, the landscape and what time of day. "The river descends far and distant, plum-fragrance filling the village." The poet allows the audience to utilise all their senses so their are able to get an even more detailed understanding of the landscape.

3. What can you learn about the poet from the poem?
From the poem I am able to understand that the poet is quite spiritual and somewhat fragile. I believe that the poet is a female beacause the way the poem is written allows feels like it is from the perspective of a female. But because it is Japanese and I don't much cultural understanding, it could be either genders. Also you can learn about the poet that they prefer much isolation and quite as it is describe about very calm and quiet places rather than dark places with an eery feel.

Things Fall Apart - Chapter 2 positioning

Chapter 2

The argument with Mbaino P10

Okonkwo’s treatment of his own son and relationship with his father p12

Okonkwo is represented in chapter 2 as a very strong minded, fierce person. Okonkwo is thus able, by means of his own efforts, to attain a position of wealth and prestige, even though his father died, penniless and titleless, of a shameful illness. In his tribe he is always viewed as the leader and is driven by his hatred of his father, and avoids in the end becoming like his father. It is apparent that Okonkwo is the head of the family and a significant leader in the Ibo tribe. "Okonkwo ruled his household with a heavy hand. His wives, especially the youngest, livedi n perpetual fear of his feiry temper..." (Pg 10). Okonkwo is represented as someone with very little patience and would resort to violencce instead of talking. Which again is much unlike his father as he wouldn't resort to violence.

Okonkwo to his eyese believes he is very spiritual and follows all of the Ibo tribe's religious tribes customs. However, he does many things which contradicts their religion and spirit.

The elements which are revealed of the Ibo culture is they are heavily involved in their religion. Immediately there is a strong element of religion heavily involved in the Ibo tribe. Achebe contradicts the European typical stereotype of Africans. Achebe contradicts the typical view of Africans as being very primitive. The Ibo tribe are quite advanced and Achebe positions the audience to regard their culture as being

Things Fall apart - Positioning

• Narrative voice – what judgements does the narrator make about the events
• Implied audience – what role is assigned to the reader (insider/outsider)
• Whose voices/thoughts/opinions/culture are privileged
• Whose voices/thoughts/opinions/culture are silenced
• Binary oppositions or contrasts – do they work to represent some things as good, making the opposite bad? Or do they increase the level of sophistication or complexity of the representation? (see next point)
• Level of complexity of the representation – the more complex and ambiguous, the less the reader is positioned to completely accept or reject a point of view or character
• Consequences of actions – how are the consequences represented (deserved? Tragic? Triumphant?

Comparison Exercise - Things Fall Apart

Chapter twenty.

1. How does the author position you to view the Ibo tribe? (Consider social structure, culture, values, attitudes, beliefs, etc).

The reader is positioned to view the Ibo tribe as being demolished by the white people. Whilst Okonkwo was exiled his people have been taken over by white people and learnt that their spiritual way and thoughts are bad. There is a strict colonial discourse in this chapter as the Ibo tribe are being colonised by the white people by learning their way of life, government and religion. “It is already too late, said Obierika sadly. Our own men and our sons have joined the ranks of the stranger. They have joined his religion and they help to uphold his government.” This is an example of colonial discourse which is embedded in the chapter as majority of the Ibo tribe are to believe that their society, religion and way of thinking is morally wrong and are being taught by the white people how to behave.

2. How does the author position you to view the individual characters? (Focus only on those characters who are essential to the plot).

Okonkwo

Okonkwo is still determined to regain the respect of the Ibo tribe and win back the land. Although when he returned the tribe wasn’t the same as they had been colonised by the white people. Okonkwo is trying to find any way to regain his title of the Ibo tribe, to which he thinks will help if he demolishes the white people and rescue the ones who have followed the strangers.

Obierika

Still believes that there is someway to resolve this crisis, however he is not as determined as Okonkwo. Obierika’s motive is significantly different to Okonkwo’s as he is doing it, mostly to regain his title in the tribe however Obierika wants to stop this because he knows it is wrong for his culture and he believes that people shouldn’t be punished for such a thing.

Enzinma

Enzinma is seen as favoured mostly by Okonkwo not only in this chapter but throughout the book, as Okonkwo believes she should be a man. “I wish she were a boy, Okonkwo thought within himself. She understood things so perfectly. Who else among his children could have read his thought so well.”

3. How does the author position you to view men?

There is a split with how the author positions the reader to view men. As the men like Okonkwo and Obierika are trying to stop the invasion of the European, however there are the men like Ogbuefi who has joined the Europeans.

4. How does the author position you to view women?

Women are not mentioned in the chapter, they are viewed as to follow the orders of the men and are of lower status.

5. How does the author position you to view the Europeans? (If relevant to the chapter).

The Europeans in this chapter are viewed as being the ones that invaded the Ibo tribe and disrupted the peace that was within the society. This is which makes Okonkwo to want to fight back so he is able to regain his title in the land. Also because of the deep spiritual connection he felt the Europeans have demolished.

6. What are the similarities and differences between the two chapters and what impact has this had on your understanding of the story and the overall invited reading?

At the end of Chapter 20, Obierika points out that there is no way that the white man will be able to understand Umuofia’s customs without understanding its language. This idea mirrors one of Achebe’s purposes in writing Things Fall Apart: the book serves not only to remind the West that Africa has language and culture but also to provide an understanding of Igbo culture through language. Achebe shows us the extent to which cultural and linguistic structures and practices are intertwined, and he is able to re-create in English the cadences, images, and rhythms of the speech of the Igbo people. By the time things begin to “fall apart,” it becomes clear that what the colonialists have unravelled is the complex Igbo culture.

Comparison Exercise - Things Fall Apart

Chapter eight.

1. How does the author position you to view the Ibo tribe? (Consider social structure, culture, values, attitudes, beliefs, etc).

In this chapter there is a distinct binary opposition which is embedded for the reader to view the Ibo tribe. The binary opposition is between men and women as the Ibo believe that if you are male you should convey masculinity as if you are female you should display femininity.

2. How does the author position you to view the individual characters? (Focus only on those characters who are essential to the plot).

Okonkwo

In the beginning of the chapter, Okonkwo is depressed due to the death of Ikemefuna. During this period, he is isolated alone for a few days. “How can a man who has killed five men in battle fall to pieces because he has added a boy to their number? Okonkwo, you have become a woman indeed.” (pg 47). The author positions the reader to view Okonkwo as one who always believes that men are the dominant gender rather than women. Also identifies that women have weak abilities and characteristics.

Ezinma

Is viewed as a source of comfort to Okonkwo. Because she understands him, she does not address his sorrow directly; rather, she urges him to eat. Enzinma is his favourite child. Okonkwo’s frequently voiced desire that Enzinma were a boy seems to suggest that he secretly desires attachment with his actual sons, although he avoids admitting as much because he fears affection as a weakness. Enzinma which also exhibits desirable masculine traits.

3. How does the author position you to view men?

In this chapter the audience is positioned is positioned to view men as trying to act very masculine. The Ibo men believe that is feminine to show emotion and not to show they are weak.

4. How does the author position you to view women? Women are seen as quite inferior and are the ones with very vulnerable qualities and are weak. As Okonkwo associates weakness with femininity.

5. What are the similarities and differences between the two chapters and what impact has this had on your understanding of the story and the overall invited reading?

There aren’t any similarities between the two chapters, except for fact that men are of a higher status compared to women. However this chapter only refers to the Ibo tribe and not the Europeans. Whilst this chapter is only about the Ibo tribe, and their respect for men and women. Men and women are seen as completely different people with different traits, which is the only similarity to the 25th chapter.

Things Fall Apart - Character List

Okonkwo
An influential clan leader in Umuofia. Since early childhood, Okonkwo’s embarrassment about his lazy, squandering, and effeminate father, Unoka, has driven him to succeed. Okonkwo’s hard work and prowess in war have earned him a position of high status in his clan, and he attains wealth sufficient to support three wives and their children. Okonkwo’s tragic flaw is that he is terrified of looking weak like his father. As a result, he behaves rashly, bringing a great deal of trouble and sorrow upon himself and his family.

Nwoye
Okonkwo’s oldest son, whom Okonkwo believes is weak and lazy. Okonkwo continually beats Nwoye, hoping to correct the faults that he perceives in him. Influenced by Ikemefuna, Nwoye begins to exhibit more masculine behavior, which pleases Okonkwo. However, he maintains doubts about some of the laws and rules of his tribe and eventually converts to Christianity, an act that Okonkwo criticizes as “effeminate.” Okonkwo believes that Nwoye is afflicted with the same weaknesses that his father, Unoka, possessed in abundance.

Ezinma
The only child of Okonkwo’s second wife, Ekwefi. As the only one of Ekwefi’s ten children to survive past infancy, Ezinma is the center of her mother’s world. Their relationship is atypical—Ezinma calls Ekwefi by her name and is treated by her as an equal. Ezinma is also Okonkwo’s favorite child, for she understands him better than any of his other children and reminds him of Ekwefi when Ekwefi was the village beauty. Okonkwo rarely demonstrates his affection, however, because he fears that doing so would make him look weak. Furthermore, he wishes that Ezinma were a boy because she would have been the perfect son.

Ikemefuna
A boy given to Okonkwo by a neighboring village. Ikemefuna lives in the hut of Okonkwo’s first wife and quickly becomes popular with Okonkwo’s children. He develops an especially close relationship with Nwoye, Okonkwo’s oldest son, who looks up to him. Okonkwo too becomes very fond of Ikemefuna, who calls him “father” and is a perfect clansman, but Okonkwo does not demonstrate his affection because he fears that doing so would make him look weak.

Mr. Brown
The first white missionary to travel to Umuofia. Mr. Brown institutes a policy of compromise, understanding, and non-aggression between his flock and the clan. He even becomes friends with prominent clansmen and builds a school and a hospital in Umuofia. Unlike Reverend Smith, he attempts to appeal respectfully to the tribe’s value system rather than harshly impose his religion on it.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Brief Summary

The story of Chinua Achebe's novel Things Fall Apart takes place in the Nigerian village of Umuofia in the late 1880s, before missionaries and other outsiders have arrived. The Ibo clan practices common tribal traditions—worship of gods, sacrifice, communal living, war, and magic. Leadership is based on a man's personal worth and his contribution to the good of the tribe. Okonkwo stands out as a great leader of the Ibo tribe. Tribesmen respect Okonkwo for his many achievements.

Even though the tribe reveres Okonkwo, he must be punished for his accidental shooting of a young tribesman. The Ibo ban Okonkwo from the clan for seven years. Upon his return to the village, Okonkwo finds a tribe divided by the influence of missionaries and English bureaucrats who have interrupted the routine of tradition. Only when Okonkwo commits the ultimate sin against the tribe does the tribe come back together to honor custom.