han a basic struggle for survival. As he approaches death, he never seeks to repent sins he might have committed during life or ponder people he will miss or who may miss him. He appears to be a completely solitary and self-centered character, willing even to sacrifice the dog for his own survival. In this way, he is similar to Abner Snopes, who also does not appear to think of how his actions will affect anyone other than himself. Just as London's protagonist would sacrifice the dog, so too would Abner Snopes sacrifice his son in the name of vengeance. The story is not representative of common experience because the murder of one's benefactor is generally not very socially acceptable. That, alone, however, is not the reason the story lacks commonality. Rather, the narrator's insanity and his reaction once he has killed the benefactor is what removes the story from the common experience. The narrator shows no sympathy or remorse for his actions: In "Othello," Iago causes everyone to fail to see the true nature of those around them in whom they put their trust. Iago channels the vision of those he chooses by causing their mind to control their vision. His conversation with Othello about the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio is illustrative: "Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eyes thus: not jealous nor secure" (III. iii. 197-98). Iago is aware that by suggesting that Othello should not be jealous, he is encouraging Othello to feel that very emotion. But Othello, who is blind, cannot see what Iago is doing. When he confronts Desdemona about her affair with Cassio he orders her to "[l]et me see your eyes. Look in my face" (IV. ii. 25-26). But the reader knows that Othello's command is useless. He had already made up his mind based on Iago's suggestions and he is now blind to the true nature of the situation. Gentle smiling masks will appear all over the screen. Since I could not hope to show a bright smile at th |
