Michael Cassio is the only character in the entire play that has both a first and a last name. The name Michael is a powerful biblical name because of the Hebrew archangel leader. His first name is a polar opposite to his last name. The powerful first name is offset by Cassio’s Italian meaning of hollow. The two names represent his empty leadership with Othello, and his flirtatious behavior. The two names are contradictory and so is his character in the play as well. He seems innocent because there are all these people out to get him, and the sweet Desdemona wants to help him, but he also has a darker side with his girlfriend/ prostitute.
That brings us to Bianca. Her name is definitely the most ironic out of the bunch. Her name is believed to be either French or Italian and means white or fair. These are both words used frequently to characterize Desdemona, so it is very humorous to use them on a psycho prostitute. Another name that is completely and utterly ironic is Roderigo. His name is of Spanish descent and means notable leader. This is so ironic it’s funny. Iago is one of the biggest followers in any of Shakespeare’s works. Throughout the play he only took a stand against Iago once, and then shortly caved in afterwards to complete his final act as a henchman. He is as much of a leader as Bianca is a pure saint. |
The last name we have to analyze is the one and only Iago’s. The name Iago is a welsh form of Jacob. Jacob is known to be a very biblical which is hugely ironic. In no way is Iago a biblical figure unless you compare him to Satan (which would be very fitting). Shakespeare's method for naming characters is pure genius and is almost as ironic as the plays that he writes. The other ironic part of about the names Iago takes on is that every one calls him "honest Iago"(II, iii, 325). Shakespeare uses this to tease the audience. He is the least bit honest. |