1. Sample ANALYTIC PARAGRAPH answer for:Question 2 – How is the value of loyaltyexplored by the characters of Desdemona and Iago? By Miss Krieger In Act 1 of Othello, the complex value of loyalty is explored by the characters of Iago and Desdemona. Desdemona has found love with Othello and betrayed her father. After being overlooked for promotion, Iago replaces loyalty to Othello with vengeful treachery. In the opening scene of Act 1, outside Brabantio’s villa in Venice, Iago speaks with Roderigo, “I will follow him to serve my turn upon him… I am not what I am”. The use of the contrasting clauses creates a sense of confusion and shows Iago’s untrustworthiness. The contrast of personal pronouns, “I, me” vs. “him” shows that Iago is now competing against Othello. The paradox in “I am not what I am” further develops the sense of Iago’s distrust and dishonesty. Later, after Othello’s secret marriage has been discovered, Desdemona appeals to her father, Brabantio, , “much duty as my mother show'd to you,…/ So much I challenge / that I may profess due to the Moor my lord.” Desdemona attempts to excuse her deceit by comparing the “duty” and loyalty shown by her mother to her father. Desdemona’s secret marriage challenges the strict Elizabethan religious and cultural values which prevent any independent choices to be made by unmarried daughters. Repetition of 1st-person pronouns clearly emphasises that Desdemona has willingly abandoned her loyalty to her father and her religion. In an act of betrayal, she asserts her own individual desires and wishes. The formal title and the possessive pronoun in “my Lord” makes it clear that Desdemona’s loyalty now lies with Othello. Shakespeare’s characterisation of Iago and Desdemona suggest that loyalty is a complex and inconstant value, which is heavily influenced by individual emotional responses to changing relationships.