Category: Iago

“It takes 20 minutes to build a reputation and five minutes to destroy it”. “If that is thought about things will be done differently (Warren Buffet)”. Reputation is the general belief or opinion that most people may view about who you are. In certain situations, one’s identity can hold so much value that it may impede judgement and the decisions made. In the case of William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Othello, reputation plays a significant role in representing how people manage to sustain repute regardless of any conflict. Individuals begin to struggle with self-control when the internal battle is lost in the pursuit of strengthening one’s character. Throughout Shakespeare’s Othello, noteworthy characters such as Michael Cassio and Othello persevere through all odds and maintain respectable identities while Iago strives to use reputation as a key for manipulative action and emotional cruelty.

In the Tragedy of Othello, William Shakespeare uses a primary antagonist by the name of Iago to introduce the theme of deception. Iago attempts to deceive those closest to him for his own personal pleasure. His self-centered attitude ascends as his greatest wish of destroying reputations consistently comes to fruition. Iago uses manipulation on people by influencing them to take deep consideration into his positions. The honesty he frequently puts on display eventually leads him to say, “I am an honest man”(II.iii,285)(Tragedy of Othello). Iago religiously bloviates about this impeccability that he retains and it convinces valuable characters such as Othello and Desdemona to have faith in him. According to, “On the Acting of Iago”, Richard White states ,“Iago’s character has been the biggest form of misapprehension from the start” (White 4). The lives of the people he truly believes have done a disservice to his pride have had an impact on his decision to end their existence and White contends to the belief that these characters never even understood his absolute intention.

The deceptive mind of Iago and his scheming ideas must now translate to an elevated level of confidence from another significant character by the name of Michael Cassio in his ability. Despite the fact that Cassio was a young and inexperienced soldier, he was chosen as Othello’s lieutenant and this entire ordeal enraged Iago. Reluctantly, Cassio had no practical knowledge of battle and this led to Iago using his feigned honesty to manipulate him. The young Cassio foolishly went to a bar and became under the influence and this is when he went to Iago so he could give him some moral support. Iago recommended that Cassio speak to Desdemona so that she can do her part of influencing Othello to consider a rehiring for him. Shortly after, Cassio listens to Iago as he goes on his soliloquy about how beautiful and caring Desdemona is. Cassio displays strong passion as he says to Othello, “I am desperate of my fortunes”(II.iii,351)(Tragedy of Othello). Cassio’s determination to preserve a well-known reputation leads him to unthinkably believe the ambiguous strategy of Iago. He believes pleading his position to Desdemona will enhance his opportunity to earn his lieutenant job back. His gullibility will serve as his biggest downfall because Iago’s objective was complete. According to the article called “Honest Iago and the evil nature of words”, author Francesco Ancona says, “How would you destroy your enemies”? , “Would you do it by telling the truth”? Ancona uses these questions to correlate to Iago’s intentions and detailing that he would destroy his adversaries mentally by making them believe he was assisting them when in fact it is emotional cruelty.

Iago takes pride in what he believes is a position for those who represent worthy capabilities, by stating that his body of work is greater suited ideally for the job as opposed to Cassio’s. He continuously exposes his covetous spirit towards Cassio and strives to earn an alternate identity as a lieutenant rather in the case of Othello who primarily serves as an ancient. Iago surely thinks it is he who must become the leader of the men and reign over them all as the accomplice. He insinuates another comment towards Cassio by referring to his character as it pertains to not being proper for the job by saying, “mere prattle without practice is all his soldiership” (I.i,27)(Tragedy of Othello). One’s resume of crucial fights as a serviceman should be a key reason in this determination. As Richard White indicated in his essay, Cassio was viewed as a man who was better suited for the job and this relates to the different reputations between Cassio and Iago. Later on, Iago finally exudes that his reputation is superior in comparison to Cassio’s as an enlisted man and should unquestionably become the first option for an elite lieutenant. White’s knowledge of the novel showed even greater indications as he described the battle between these two men and the value towards how they felt about the job.

Gradually, the deceptive Iago must consistently be conscientious in his approach towards at last obtaining a unique eminence, and at last implementing the belief of anguished actions. He takes so much pride in protecting his individual identity as a method for pain that once a secondary character named Roderigo discovers the true purpose of the evil Iago, Iago had no choice but to resort to his demise. In particular, Michael Cassio also desires for others to perceive him as dignitary. Cassio melancholy reckons with a key representation of himself shortly after the altercation with Roderigo as well. A multitude of people who he shares a close bond with will now view him as vulnerable and intoxicating. The internal struggles of trying to keep his reputation result in a loss and that leads to Othello stripping away the honor that Iago planned to gain completely back with his lieutenant position. Othello states that he has a great amount of gratitude and love for Cassio, nevertheless he can “nevermore be officer” (II.iii,265). Cassio puts up a large amount of frustration and desolation as a result of the discharge of the lieutenant job. Cassio moans in agony over the fact that his perception of immortality that he strongly believed is now in astray. He begins to lose self-control as he repeatedly says his reputation and the immortal part of his spirit have been changed beyond imagination. Based on the evidence provided in, “U and Non-U: Class and Discourse Level in Othello”, Scolar Press describes Cassio’s immediate responsibilities along with natural talents and how this may one day lead to him succeeding Othello in his superiority. However, Othello does not undertake the confidentiality they once shared since he has completely lost respect for Cassio. The ordeal parallels significantly in comparison to how the relationship between the two of them may show indistinguishable hatred far beyond the lieutenant position.

Astonishingly, Othello preserves a remarkably consistent prestige for the majority of the play, but suffers when he unthinkably considers Iago’s rhetoric that Cassio and Desdemona are at last enamoured. The shocking transition of behavior gives rise to a rejoinder from several characters. Shortly after, the Moorish general wrongfully engages in physical contact with Desdemona. Lodovico, the spectator of this battle, is truly disappointed with Othello by this altercation because of his former visions of Othello’s warm-heartedness and relatively subtle spirit. Following the altercation, Lodovico gives his opinion on the situation by exclaiming to Othello, “Oh, please god save you my lord”(IV.i,237)(Tragedy of Othello). In addition to their battle, he resents when he receives updates from Iago that the love of his life Desdemona is with Michael. By his own stature, he holds a great deal of power, so hearing the news of Desdemona’s adultery leaves a stain on his pride and his motivation rises to keep his reputation. In time, arguments resorted to the death of Desdemona. The three men work their entire lives to fulfill the destiny of an image of someone with a sustained level of self-dignity. Iago hopes to take advantage of reputation as his basis for emotional cruelty and tampering, while on the other hand Cassio and Othello desire unusual forms of identity for personal pleasure. The characters start to become so desperate that they begin to lose who they truly are and those internal constrictions of battling demons results in fatality. Earlier on, Iago is known for showing a great deal of honesty and immediately sought to take advantage of his relationships by causing pain to make those closest to him suffer. Comparably, Michael discloses his hopelessness after his career of being a lieutenant was finished. Cassio’s mindset involved having others see him as highly intelligent and loyal, and having aspirations of regaining his reputation. Uncritically, believing the mastermind Iago showed more regret for Cassio than gratitude. As well as the other primary characters, Othello is seen as possessing a superb identity, however once accusations come to light, Othello goes psychically insane and his behavior begins to not resemble the character of a great leader. Chasing an outstanding reputation can gradually prove to be problematic for people, resulting in their unexpected death, and must not be the solitary purpose of living an exceptional life.

At the start of the play the audience is introduced to Othello, and he presents himself as a man of honour and dignity he is called ‘valiant Othello’ symbolizing that he is a brave and courageous, but Iago speaks of Othello in a hasty manner, he calls him an ‘old black ram’ he describes him as ‘tupping your white ewe’ when he wakes up Brabantio with reports about Desdemona’s marriage with Othello. Othello starts to lose his confident and dishonour himself throughout the play saying ‘rude am I in speech’. The loss of confidence puts a dent In his relationship with Desdemona and that dent cannot be repaired.

The move to Cyprus presents another side of Iago, he is free to witness and destroy without interference. Iago does not jump into ruining Othello’s marriage and reputation he takes his time, he does everything properly and does not leave any tracks. Iago plans a few tactics into trying to convince Othello that his wife is cheating on him with Cassio. He never gave up easily if his plan did not work he would try to use different tactics to prove that Cassio and Desdemona had a proper relationship, and so othello can believe it, and it eventually worked out, and he managed to persuade Othello into thinking that Cassio and Desdemona were in a relationship, and this made Othello angry and jealous, even though Iago had warned Othello about jealousy because ‘it is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on’ but Othello does not pay too much attention to what Iago had said , therefore seeking for revenge, and not willing to listen or hear Desdemona or anyone out he had planned to kill both.

Othello would kill Desdemona and Iago kill Cassio. Othello believed Iago because of how Iago was always there and how Iago had been honest to othello throughout meanwhile Iago specifically said “I am not who I am” but othello was too blinded and also because of how Iago used his insecurities against him knowing that Othello isn’t from Venice, and he isn’t like everyone else, and we hear this when Roderigo and Iago belittling Othello by calling him “Barbary horse “and “thick lips”, by iago calling Othello that proves to us the audience that othello wasn’t fully accepted into the society he was in, he was respected but not fully, he would still be a black man, different from the Venetian men.

At the end of the play, when everything has gone down Othello describes himself as “one that loved not wisely, but too well ‘which meant that his love is so intense and passionate that he has a dramatic weakness for making mistakes, and he is extreme in whatever course of action he chooses and that leads to regret he loves and adores Desdemona and would do anything for her ’”And I when I love thee not, chaos is come again” this means that without Desdemona’s love it would be the end of the world for him. Othello didn’t love Desdemona “wisely” he loved her too much and it turned out to be toxic for both. This leads to the downfall of everyone but mainly othello because he was able to be manipulated even though he loved Desdemona very much, he let his insecurities and weaknesses get into the way, he wanted to be perfect for Desdemona, but Desdemona loved him for being perfectly imperfect but he didn’t know that and that didn’t even very well for both.

Villains in literature play an important role in plot development. While villains initiate actions, they simultaneously illuminate the good qualities of heroes in the play. William Shakespeare’s play Othello is no exception. In Othello, Iago is a complex character that plays a major role in determining the events and fate of several characters in the play. He manages to deceive and manipulate them by gaining their trust and exploiting their weaknesses to fulfill his ambitions. Furthermore, his appalling pursuit of revenge is fueled by his views on several issues including social status, race, and women. A close observation of Iago’s soliloquies and interactions with other characters reveal his perception of the world. He prepares the audience to witness one of Shakespeare’s only domestic tragedies. While Iago’s views and qualities may be personal, his views reflect those of the Venetian society during that era, including relations among people of different races and women’s status in society. Iago’s views dictate his choices and methods in his plans for revenge throughout the play.

Political ambitions and greed for social status in the Venetian society fuel Iago’s desire for revenge. Iago is full of envy and hatred towards Othello and Cassio because he believes he deserves to be promoted to lieutenant instead of Cassio. Iago views manipulation as the only way to get his revenge. Early in the play, Iago reveals his manipulative nature. His first soliloquy reveals that he uses people’s good intentions against them. For instance, Iago believes that Othello “is of a free and open nature That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are.” Iago describes how Othello is easy to manipulate due to his trusting nature. Iago does not only manipulate and destroy his rivals, he also manipulates his allies, including Roderigo. After convincing Roderigo to sell all of his land, Iago mentions, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. For I mine own gained knowledge should profane If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit.” Iago explains how he only uses Roderigo because he is aware he can get something useful out of it. In order to carry out his revenge, Iago capitalizes on his rivals’ weak points and insecurity. He carefully observes those around him, analyzing possible weaknesses that he can use to manipulate them. In Act 2, Iago observes Cassio and discovers that “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do, I will gyve thee in thine own courtship.” Iago plans to convince Othello that Cassio is flirting with his wife Desdemona. There is a great possibility that Othello will believe him because of Cassio’s reputation as a womanizer. Iago is able to effectively recognize the weaknesses of several characters to manipulate them to get revenge for not obtaining what he thinks he deserves.

Throughout the play, Iago reveals his intrinsic evil nature where he expresses no remorse for hurting others. He is proud of being able to manipulate his rivals, friends or even his wife regardless of the harm he bestows upon them. In a soliloquy in Act 3, Iago believes that “natures poisons at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood Burn like the mines of sulfur.” Iago finds pleasure in other’s pain. His influence is behind the death of multiple characters, including his own wife. Iago kills Emilia when she attempts to expose his plan. While killing his wife, Iago proceeds to call her a “Villainous whore” Iago also kills Roderigo to protect his plan. If Rodrigo would have survived his injury, he would have revealed his plans. Iago is also the cause of Desdemona’s death. So he murders Roderigo after which Casio cries out “A murder!” and Othello goes on to kill Desdemona thus completing Iago’s plan. Iago’s plan to convince him of Desdemona’s infidelity was successful. This eventually leads to the death of Othello who kills himself after his injustice to his beloved wife.

Besides his manipulative nature, Iago displays his racist view throughout the play. He is aware that Othello suffers from his insecurity as a black man in the Venetian society. When Othello suspects Desdemona is cheating on him he believes his reputation “is now begrimed and black As mine own face.” (3.3, 387-389) Othello feels his wife’s supposed infidelity has soiled his reputation. He associates the blackness of his skin with something dirty or stained. At this moment of the play, it is evident that Othello seems to have internalized the racist ideologies of other characters. Iago uses racial slurs when addressing Desdemona’s father calling Othello an “old black ram” and Desdemona a “white ewe.” By referring to Othello as an old black Ram, Iago is mirrors the prevailing Elizabethan perception of black men in that era. Furthermore, Iago manipulates Othello’s insecurity regarding his race by mentioning he fears “ Her will, recoiling to her better judgment, May fall to match you with her country forms, And happily repent.” and she could have got any man “Of her own clime, complexion, and degree” Iago explains how Desdemona might regret marrying a black man because with her skin color and social status, she turned down her own nature. With a racist view of the world, Iago is able to use racism to trigger Othello’s insecurity to advance his plan for revenge throughout the plot.

Several tragic events in the play emerge from Iago’s view on women. He uses women to fulfill his goals throughout the play, including his own wife, Emilia. Iago does not refrain from voicing his harsh opinion about women’s inferiority in society. In a conversation with Emilia and Desdemona, Iago describes women as ‘pictures out of doors, bells in your parlors, wild cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and house wife’s in your beds.’ Iago believes that it is “A common thing […] To have a foolish wife” To him women are useless creatures and are only useful when they serve his goals. When Emilia steals the handkerchief for Iago’s plan, she claims she does it “to please his fantasy.” Iago takes advantage of Emilia and appreciates her only when she serves him. Thus, Iago’s view on women influences other characters in the play into degrading women. For instance, Othello uses Iago’s spiteful vocabulary against women and refers to both Emilia and Desdemona as whores. When Othello confronts Desdemona, he calls her an “Impudent strumpet” Furthermore, Iago sees women as controlling. In a conversation with Cassio, Iago reveals that he thinks Othello’s “soul is so enfettered to her love, That she may make, unmake, do what she list, Even as her appetite shall play the god With his weak function.” and that “ Our general’s wife is now the general.” Iago believes Desdemona can make Othello do whatever she wants.

Shakespeare’s Othello is a domestic tragedy where the whole play revolves around a network of complex personal relations. In spite of the fact that Othello represents views of the Venetian society during the Elizabethan era, love, hate, jealousy and revenge are timeless and universal emotions that govern people’s lives in different societies. Othello is a story that could still be relevant in our modern society, where people use others for their own benefits. In this play Iago’s inhumanity is limitless, his lack of remorse for his harmful actions allows him to effortlessly continue with his evil plans that drive the events in the play. Othello is clearly the protagonist of Shakespeare’s most problematic tragedy, yet it is Iago who incites the tragic action and pushes it through to conclusion. He has more lines than Othello, including more soliloquies. (Richard Hornby. The Hudson Review) The question remains whether Iago is a Shakespearean villain or a hero that the whole events of the play deviate around.

The story of a soldier who devises and carries out an elaborate plan that will become his general’s undoing is one possible way of summarizing William Shakespeare’s “Othello”. Throughout the play, Iago moves the characters as though they were chess pieces – he utilizes their individual goals, and interests as a means of getting them to carry out his plan. For each situation, Iago does not need to push his pawns too hard simply because his proposed lines of action appear to be easy ways to fix their character flaws. However, beneath the superficial appearance, it is a means of exploiting character flaws. Much like a puppet master, Iago respectively controls Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo, and Othello in a manner that aids him in attaining his ultimate goal, ergo, Iago is a master manipulator.

Iago exploits both Cassio’s longing for his old position as lieutenant, and Desdemona’s amiable nature to make it seem like Desdemona is being unfaithful to Othello. Cassio loses his lieutenancy due to his drunkenness and fights with Roderigo and Montano: “I love thee, but nevermore be officer of mine”. Upon hearing this from Othello, Cassio – who has now become downtrodden – goes to Iago, a self-proclaimed, “fair man”, who happens to be close by. Iago manages to get Cassio into a melancholic state; a state wherein he will be easily suggestible because he is desperate. Iago consoles Cassio stating that “Reputation is an idle and most false imposition, oft got without merit and lost without deserving” , which is amusing since Iago has a reputation for being honest even though he is a liar. Cassio, on the other hand, is currently viewed as a wild drunkard when in actuality he has Othello’s best interest in mind. Iago expresses that, “Our general’s wife I now the general…”, and that with Desdemona begging on his behalf, his relationship with Othello “will become stronger than it previously was.” In this scene, Iago essentially takes advantage of Cassio’s low alcohol tolerance to plant the idea of using Desdemona as an intermediary in Cassio’s head. A simple mind game was all it took for Iago to nudge Cassio in the desired direction.

Cassio is instrumental in Iago’s control of Desdemona. Iago capitalizes on Desdemona’s natural inclination to help others; he “turns her virtue into pitch, and out of her own goodness makes the net that shall enmesh them all.” Iago is a sinister figure who seeks to distort what is unadulterated and great. Following his proposal to Cassio, Iago is sure that Cassio will implore Desdemona to appeal to Othello concerning his reinstatement as lieutenant of the Venetian army. Cassio beseeches Desdemona for her help, and as expected she responds, “Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities in thy behalf”, hence Iago’s plan succeeds. Furthermore, Iago utilizes their interaction to further broaden his underhanded plot, and like a miniature devil on one’s shoulder, Iago whispers suggestions to Othello. “If I have any grace or power to move you, his present reconciliation take…” Each time Desdemona asks Othello to consider giving Cassio his back his position, Iago believes the suggestions he gave will echo in the back of Othello’s mind, causing him to see it as supplications for her lover. This is the manner with which Iago contorts Desdemona’s kind-heartedness into pleas that fall as confirmations of disloyalty on Othello’s ear.

Iago takes advantage of the marital devotion that Emilia (his wife) shows him. Fully aware of her love for him, Iago asks her (on multiple occasions) to steal the handkerchief that Othello gifted to Desdemona. Iago’s control of his better half is sad; she observes his “wayward” nature, however, she stays devoted and lets Iago have the handkerchief knowing it is her mistress’s “first remembrance of the Moor”. As he did with Desdemona’s amicableness, Iago abuses Emilia’s dedication as fuel for his vindictive objectives. Iago purposely “loses this napkin’ in Cassio’s lodging”, thus when Othello finds it, it will serve as a confirmation of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness.

Roderigo is feeble-minded, and desperately in love with Desdemona. As a result, it was easy for Iago to manipulate him. By exploiting Roderigo’s moronic nature, Iago can obtain any monetary-based resources he desires; “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse.” Roderigo’s mental capacity is additionally hindered by his affection for Desdemona. Though his love for her is strong, it is also his weakness: “I confess it is my shame to be so fond, but is it not in my virtue to amend it?”. And with the guarantee (though false) that Desdemona will be inclined to divorce Othello and marry Roderigo, Iago gets whatever funds he wishes. Roderigo’s desperate desire for Desdemona blinds him from the fact that no amount of money can help his cause. Iago takes advantage of Roderigo’s failure to realize that fault in logic, and gradually drains Roderigo’s pockets. By just expressing to Roderigo that, “[Desdemona’s] eye must be fed”, and that “Desdemona is directly in love with Cassio”, he persuades his naive moron. Hence, Roderigo acknowledges Iago’s far-fetched hypothesis, given Desdemona’s exceedingly modest nature, without a smidgen of confirmation. Iago is a puppeteer that realizes exactly how to play on Roderigo’s shortcomings to achieve the desired effect. Iago’s statement, “… my sick fool Roderigo, whom love hath turned almost the wrong side out”, coupled with his (Roderigo’s) continuous failure secure Desdemona’s love negatively compliments his feeble-mindedness. With desperation clouding his judgment, Roderigo acknowledges Iago’s recommendation that he slaughter Cassio: “I have no extraordinary dedication to the deed; but then he hath given me fulfilling reasons”. The puppet master effectively pulls Roderigo’s strings simply with a series of unproven hypotheses.

Lastly, Iago’s manipulation of Othello is arguably the most cynical of them all, as it is heavily influenced by the hate Iago harbors for Othello. One of the main reason Iago despises “the moor” (as he often refers to Othello) is because he feels he should have been promoted to Lieutenant rather than Cassio. Othello’s frailties about his race are what Iago exploits to an end. In the opening scene Iago cries out beneath Brabantio’s window, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”. Othello and Desdemona eloped, and upon discovery, the Duke was furious (as Iago had hoped). Be that as it may, Othello was able to convince him that his love for his daughter is pure. However, before the end of the play, Iago has so blackened Othello’s soul that he is persuaded that, “[Desdemona] must die, else she’ll betray more men”. The drastic change occurred because Iago slowly and carefully goaded Othello.

First, Iago utilizes Othello’s ‘blackness’ to plague his mind with doubt: “Whereto we see in all things nature tends. Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank, Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural”. Iago adds wood to an already burning fire by capitalizing on Othello’s estrangement from Venice. Iago claims that for the ladies of Venice, “their best conscience is not to leave undone, but keep unknown.” – meaning that it is not uncommon for them (women) to cheat and hide it. Iago knows that Othello’s insecurities will further support his argument. For example, Desdemona’s very picking of Othello suggests that there is something off about her. Realizing these frailties live in Othello’s mind, Iago starts dropping inconspicuous hints that he knows will plague Othello’s mind. For example, “I like not that”, and as if to do some damage control he says, “I cannot think it that he would steal away so guiltylike”, nevertheless planting another seed of uncertainty in Othello’s mind. As this seed flourishes in Othello’s mind, Iago needs just supply “trifles light as air”, which Othello requests from Iago: “Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore”. Iago, at that point, supplies him with the “ocular proof” that he requests, “I know not that: but such a handkerchief, — I am sure it was your wife’s, –did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with.” That sole sliver of evidence was the final straw; “O, blood, blood, blood!”. Consequently, because Iago can misuse Othello’s insecurities about being a black man in Venice, he can without much of a stretch control him using only frail insights and intangible evidence.

All things considered, Iago taps into individual character blemishes and circumstances all through the play to fulfill his very own wicked need. Iago is a sinister character whose manipulation regularly include distorting what is great and good into a desolately debased pile – a theme that is recurring throughout the play. The play starts with things in order, and by the end, everything is thrown into disarray. All because of one evil-scheming man. Thusly, the events that take place in Shakespeare’s Othello shed light on the repercussions of acting without a moral compass.

Humans are said to be born with a moral compass telling them what is wrong and right, if not soceity does a good job instilling their views of what is good or bad into people. In Othello, written by William Shakespear and performed by Mixed Magic Theatre, the character Iago seems to be easily placed in the group of a bad person. What makes him a bad person? Well there are various reasons that can be stated, but I find the most compelling the fact that he used manipulation many times as a tool to go forward with his plans. Another characteristic that show his malicious nature is how he often lies to people. These two along with his unwarranted desire to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s relationship.

Iago’s disregard for others is very apparent in his constant manipulation of them. Roderigo is one of the characters that would fall victim to Iago’s manipulation, being used merely as a puppet. Iago seems aware that he has Roderigo in the palm of his hand, ready to be used for his own gain. Iago shows this by saying, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse”. Here Roderigo is referred to as a fool, and then is also said to be Iago’s “purse” because he is a utility that Iago would use for his goals. Even when Roderigo has enough sense to question Iago, Iago is able to appease him and get what he wants. “I have no great devotion to the deed, and yet he has given me satisfying reasons”. Even though Roderigo doesn’t want to kill Cassio, Iago show’s his master manipulation skills and is able to get Roderigo to comply. If manipulating Roderigo isn’t enough to see Iago is a Villain, the act that Iago is getting him to do (killing Cassio) should make it clear.

Roderigo isn’t the only one to fall victim to manipulation as Iago takes advantage of Othello as well. Iago is able to manipulate Othello by getting into a position where he is trusted by him. Othello even has a conversation with Iago’s wife where he says, “My friend, thy husband, honest, honest Iago”. Othello clearly is unable to see through Iago’s disguise as a good trustworthy friend, and even gives him compliments, all while he is being plotted against. Iago even says to Roderigo, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. He clearly states that he is serving under Othello to someday take his place.

Iago can also be considered the most villainous person because he continuously lies, but makes himself look venerable at the same time. By doing this he appears as sincere and reliable to the other characters, but he is truly deceiving. Iago incessantly lies to Othello about Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. He purposely uses Cassio because he wants to show Othello how noble he is by making Cassio look deficient. It is effortless for Iago to lie to Othello because Othello holds Iago to be a close friend and advisor. One instance where Iago lies to Othello is when he says, “Look to your wife. Observe her well with Cassio. Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure”. As Iago lies to Othello about how Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona, he makes himself appear loyal and concerned for Othello’s well being. Lying is a villainous act that Iago resorts to because it can have unintended consequences and be hurtful when the truth is exposed. By lying Iago is able to manipulate others and have them unknowingly follow is conspiracy.

Through words and actions Iago is capable of manipulating his own wife, Emilia. Iago uses Emilia as part of his plot. Emilia is has a vital role in Iago’s plan because he has her take Desdemona’s handkerchief so that he can leave it in Cassio’s house. “My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Wooed me to steal it”. Iago consistently convinces his wife to steal Desdemona’s belongings without giving any explanation. Since he manipulates his own wife it portrays how evil he really is because he does not actually care for her he only uses her. Emilia does not even question Iago about the handkerchief she only does what she is told because she does not want to displease him. Emilia is only one of the numerous characters that Iago is able to manipulate.

Othello is another major character that Iago is able to manipulate. With his words he can make Othello believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio without any concrete proof. Iago willingly destroys the relationship between Othello and without the slightest feeling of guilt. Iago lures Othello into his plan when he says, “ She did deceive her father, marrying you, / And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, / She loved them most”. Iago’s manipulative words it all what Othello needs to hear to believe that Desdemona is cheating on him. “As to be bold with you, / Not to affect many proposed matches / Of her own clime, complexion, and degree”. Iago tells Othello that Desdemona is not who he thinks she is. Iago persuades Othello into believing the Desdemona is unfaithful, even though she is the most innocent character throughout the play. Iago manipulates Othello with his words because without any ocular evidence Othello is still able to believe him. Iago can be considered as a villain by manipulation because he uses it to benefit himself and he does not have sympathy for who he is hurting.

Iago’s character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello is one of the greatest villains in literature. His deceit and manipulation of Othello ultimately cause the death of three innocent characters Desdemona, Othello and Roderigo. Iago deceivingly takes advantage of people; he lies while making himself look highly regarded and manipulates people that will bring him closer to his goals. In the end of the play the characters are finally able to realize that Honest Iago is not as honest as he presented himself to be and he proves himself to be the most villainous character in the play.

Since the beginning of mankind, humans have craved power and the benefits that come with having it. Throughout history, social classes have been used to categorize how much power and influence people have. Generally, the three most common social classes have been upper class, middle class, and lower class. One’s social class was of great significance during the Elizabethan Era, when Shakespeare wrote Othello. At the time, people’s social classes were primarily determined by their wealth, skills, and birth (into a family). Although the concept of social class had been accepted by most, not everyone agreed with it. Karl Marx, the father of Marxism, believed that there were many issues linked to social class. He thought that the world was divided, and that the lower class was exploited by the upper class. He was convinced that this split would eventually result in those of the lower classes conflicting with those of the upper classes. Othello by William Shakespeare deals with these issues through the character of Iago.

In the play, the Duke, the Venetian senators, Othello, Cassio, Desdemona, and Roderigo are part of the upper class; they have the most power and influence. On the other hand, Iago, Bianca, and Emilia are part of the lower class and have little to no power. Iago is the character that most despises the upper class in part due to his own struggle as part of the lower class. The military was one of the few institutions where somebody could change their class through merit rather than their background. Othello is a prime example since he escaped slavery, worked his way up through the ranks, and became a general. Iago despises Othello because he did not give him the promotion that he thought he deserved. Instead, Othello promotes Cassio, a well-educated man that had money and was already part of the upper class. Iago claims that Cassio is “A fellow… / That never set a squadron in the field / Nor the devision of a battle knows… / Mere prattle without practice / But he, sir, had the election” (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 21-27).

Iago thinks of Cassio as a man that knows a lot of textbook theory, but has no actual experience. Since Othello denied Iago the chance to elevate his social class, he used it as motivation to tear down the class that excluded him. In order to accomplish this goal, Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello. After Iago suggests that Othello’s wife is unfaithful with Cassio, he responds with “I had been if the general camp, / Pioners and all, had tasted her sweet body / So I had nothing known” (Shakespeare, Act 3, Scene 3, Lines 346-348). Othello says that he can’t handle the thought of Desdemona cheating on him, and he would have rather not known about it.

Eventually, Othello goes mad with jealousy, which ruins his relationship with Desdemona and causes his demise. It is quite ironic because although Othello should have exerted power and influence on Iago, it was Iago who overpowered Othello. Iago’s interactions with Roderigo further prove that he wants to overthrow the upper class. Although Iago and Roderigo seemed to be good friends at first, Iago disliked Roderigo as well. While telling Roderigo about his plan to destroy Othello, Iago frequently says “put money in thy purse” (Shakespeare, Act 1, Scene 3, Line 335). This suggests that Iago is pleased to rob Roderigo while betraying Othello at the same time. The consequences of Iago’s actions are dire since he ends up causing the deaths of Othello, Desdemona, Emilia, and Roderigo. He was the “puppet master” that ensnared everybody in his trap.

All in all, Shakespeare uses the character of Iago to illustrate the limitations of social class and power. Marx believed that in order for everybody to live happily and without conflict, social classes should be eliminated. Although that may not be possible, problems with social classes are still relevant. Looking at Othello from a Marxist lens provides insight into the lives, backgrounds, and biases of people with different levels of power at the time.

Jealousy, commonly described as “the green-eyed monster” is a consistent theme throughout Shakespeare’s literature. It is, more often than not, the fuel that drives the plot, the tragic hero’s flaw and the main motivation for the story’s antagonist. It is the universal theme of jealousy that set the mood for most of Shakspeare’s plays, including Othello. The obvious antagonist of the play, Iago makes it clear to the audience how deep his hatred towards Othello runs. When the play opens, we see Iago scheming to ruin Othello’s life in any way he can when Othello has done nothing to him. His motives behind all the evil he does stems from his jealousy, which leads him to plan an elaborate scheme to get revenge on those whom he believes wronged him and ruin Othello and Cassio’s reputation. Atop his jealousy, his lack of a stable mental states plays a big role behind all his immoral actions.

Jealousy is one of the most corrupting emotions and can lead an individual down a very dark path in which recovery becomes almost non existent. When others have something we want, we become envious of what they have and per human nature, we psychologically enter a state of mind to hate that person when they have nothing directly to us. In the beginning of the play through Iago’s conversation with Roderigo it become evident how determined Iago is to get revenge on Othello and Cassio for not being chosen as lieutenant. “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.” (1.1.12). We see Iago’s passion and self reassurance and how he genuinely believes he deserves to be Othello’s right hand man. Iago knows that he is more qualified than Cassio, who lacks his experience. Othello appointing Cassio as lieutenant was the fuel for the fire, and Iago’s jealousy was the spark that ignited it. Iago’s position in this scenario is very relatable in today’s society which is a big reason why Shakespeare’s literature is still relevant. When you work hard on something and stay up all night to put those finishing touches on a project while your friend does it last minute and gets a higher mark than you, feelings of jealousy take over you and, unconsciously, you begin to resent that person because of their success. Iago’s villainous traits ultimately get the best of him when he goes overboard with his plan for vengeance. Dramatic irony plays a large role in many of Shakspeare’s literature and evidently a large one in Othello. “Who, trimmed in forms and visages of duty, Keep yet their hearts attending on themselves” (1.1.52-53). In this quote we are shown how cunning and evil Iago is and to what extent he would go to in order to get his revenge. He would pretend that everything is fine in front of Othello and Cassio, but behind their backs he was plotting their downfalls. He is a very good manipulator because he knew how to make other characters believe that he was an honest man, and by doing that he took advantage of their trust. He has the skills to manipulate others by exploiting their weaknesses.

In sixteenth century Venice and in today’s society power is accompanied with a high status. With a high status comes the ability to control others and a strong reputation that requires maintenance to maintain. Iago in the play has no power whereas Othello and Cassio do. Since Iago believes that he deserves to be lieutenant, he thinks that the power was stripped from him and as a result he comes up with a plan to ruin Othello and Cassio’s reputation making his seems better than theirs. He is extremely clever and uses other people such as Roderigo as his scapegoat to do his dirty work while his hands stay clean. He never directly involves himself in the downfall of the characters, he only instigates them. The most obvious example of this was the fight between Cassio and Montano. Iago cunningly convinces Cassio to get drunk while on duty which leads to Cassio stabbing Montano. Through this scene we see to what extent Iago is willing to go to, to achieve his goal while still remaining “the good guy”. In act 2, Iago says, “I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio.” (2.3.184-185). Iago makes himself appears to be loyal to Cassio to deter any suspicions of him framing him. After the fight, Othello fires Cassio according to Iago’s plan. Cassio’s reputation as drastically fallen and Iago’s now seems much better in comparison. Iago’s manipulative skills of playing on an individual’s weakness comes into play when he begins to make Othello jealous. Jealousy is Othello’s tragic flaw and with this knowledge Iago began to plant seeds of doubt about Desdemona’s fidelity in Othello’s mind. “…Receive it from me. I speak not yet of proof. Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio.” (3.3.201-202). While Othello is mad at Cassio for what he did to Montano, Iago is amplifying those feelings by lying and saying that Cassio is having an affair with his wife. Iago is exploiting Othello’s weakness for his own personal gain because he know that Othello will let his jealousy get the best of him and he will do something that will ruin his reputation. The actions that Iago commits are ones that no sane person who even think about doing. To completely betray and ruin a friend’s life hints at Iago’s mental stability.

As the play progresses, Iago’s character makes a clear and dramatic transition from sane to mentally unstable. After becoming jealous of Othello and Cassio and setting out a strategic plan to ruin their lives, he develops an insatiable desire for revenge until his actions ultimately result in the death of multiple people he once cared about. The emotions he feels at the start of the play are only the beginning stages of his rage. These emotions build on each other over time into more intense feelings of anger and paranoia to the point where he thinks Othello is sleeping with his wife, Emilia. Eventually, Iago becomes completely consumed by his fear and hate and acts on it the only way he knows how and By the end of the play, this leads him to kill off those close to him without feeling the slightest bit of guilt. In Act 2 Desdemona and Othello kiss and Iago says in an aside, “Oh, you are well tuned now, but i’ll set down the pegs that make this music.” (2.1.185). Iago is saying that he will ruin the happiness that Othello and Desdemona share. No sane person has thoughts of destroying their friends marriage over a job promotion. It is through these moments where he is speaking to the audience where the reader gets a glimpse of who Iago truly is. In another aside in act 2 he says, “With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio”. Iago uses a metaphor of how he will weave a web of lies and deception and catch Cassio in it. A metaphor as such shows how deranged and psychotic Iago’s thinking process is.

Overall, it is evident that Iago’s motives for everything he did throughout the course of the play stems from jealousy. He was jealous of Cassio because he was chosen to be lieutenant, and he was jealous of Othello because of his position of general and his reputation. His motives are also rooted from his lack of a stable mental state. He allows his emotions to eat away at him rather than seeking out a rational solution to his conflict. All of this motivates Iago to start scheming, which eventually leads to the deaths of several main characters.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Envy is the tax which all distinction must pay”. Iago was a mere individual who had been revoked high position in favor of Cassio. The reason why this makes the whole play compelling is that this rejection led to a well-planned tragedy all the ways towards its ending. Although Iago is clever, his intelligence synergizes greatly with his deadly weapon composed of envy, pride, ego, and deceitfulness. In this paper not only will I identify his negative traits, I will also prove how it led to his future actions with detailed examples. Iago is a personification of envy, one of the deadly sins and how he is a player of games, a chess master for whom games and winning are more important than reality.

In my view Iago had a grudge against Othello because of his promotion of Cassio to a lieutenant while believing that Othello slept with his wife, being the reason why he was seeking revenge against both Cassio and Othello. When Iago said: “… I hate the Moor: And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets

He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true,” this quote had a tone which shows his deep hatred towards Othello. Iago lives in his own world; he betrays everyone who was convinced by his loyalty and honesty. Just as if he is the puppeteer with everyone wrapped around his fingers, doing exactly as he wills them to do. Iago’s own wife, Roderigo, Cassio, and lastly Othello had all fell into Iago’s long planned scheme. To get to Othello, Iago had to improvise with the people in his surroundings. Iago started off with both Cassio & Roderigo. Iago said, “Cassio’s a proper man: let me see now; To get his place, and to plume up my will In double knavery,–How, how?—Let’s see”. This shows that Iago has been plotting his revenge since the beginning. Later in act 1, scene 1 Iago approached Roderigo. Roderigo was one of Iago’s puppets, he was in love with Desdemona; Iago offered to help win her in exchange for money. Then, Iago guided Roderigo to murder Cassio, he fails to do so in a brawl and gets injured; Iago stabs Cassio in the leg himself. Cassio states that his attacker (Roderigo) is in the immediate area, Iago is aware that he must murder Roderigo because he is at risk of being exposed if Roderigo is captured and interrogated. Iago is a player of games, a chess master for whom games and winning are more important than reality. Iago doesn’t know what he will do after getting the sweet revenge against Othello, but he uses who and what he has to fulfill his morbid desires. During when Roderigo was injured Iago said,

“Now, whether he kill Cassio

Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other

Every way makes my gain. Live Roderigo,

He calls me to a restitution large

Of gold and jewels that I bobbed from him

As gifts to Desdemona.” This shows that Iago believes Roderigo will be a burden to him as Roderigo will ask Iago for all the gold and jewelry he gave for Desdemona. Iago assumes that Roderigo has fulfilled his needs and he needs to be slain. After Iago finishes using Roderigo, he murders him; it is obvious that Iago is a narcissistic and solipsistic sociopath who interpret variations of others personally as a self-protection. His self-regard is based upon the unbecoming diminution and dismissal of others. Iago then gets revenge on Cassio by having his rank remoted by Othello for breaking guidelines. Iago lies to Othello about his wife being unfaithful. When Iago tells Cassio to ask Desdemona to tell Othello to be reimbursed the worthy lieutenant position, Iago then makes Othello believe that they are secret lovers. Othello promotes Iago and orders him to kill both Cassio and Desdemona. In the ending when everyone finds out the truth about Iago, it was tragic. The reason for this is it let to the suicide of Othello and the murdering of Emilia. Although Iago was able to accomplish what he had plotted, he lost everything he had that made him happy and complete. What made him happy and complete was his secret cynical actions, not the people in his life he pretended to be friends with or love. By being taken away in the ending he is exposed of his fraudulent schemes, he will never be able to attempt such acts again. His word choices allow him to arouse the minds of others giving him the chance to manipulate anyone he wishes to. For example: Iago deceives Othello with a wise choice of words,

“O, beware, my lord of jealousy!

It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock

The meat if feeds upon” this also pleased Othello, making him believe Iago.

To conclude this essay Iago Is indeed a personification of envy, who is a player of games, a chess master for whom games and winning are more important than reality. In the main paragraph The reason why I stated that Iago lives in his own world In the main paragraph, is that he did anything he could regardless of outcome just to take revenge against Othello. Shakespeare might have also shown how dangerous people can be in his play. Even though Iago is intelligent, it doesn’t seem that he has any other traits that involve morality or empathic feelings. In my opinion, the fact that Iago only has negative traits makes him a special antagonist like no other villain. Iago followed his soul, he plotted a very secret but vague plan that led to the death of almost everyone

Love and hate are two very contrary terms. However, even the most powerful emotion, love, can ironically turn into hate, the emotion that can lead to the most vulnerability. In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, Jealousy is the bridge that connects love and hate. The play takes place in Venice during the Turks invasion of Cyprus. Othello and Desdemona, two of the main characters, committed love for each other even Desdemona’s father, Brabantio is against the marriage. Iago, blinded by resentment, is eagers to destroy Othello’s marriage. As a result of Iago’s manipulation, Othello gets blinded by his overwhelming love and murders his own wife. The main characters in the play, Iago, Roderigo, and Othello, were ruled and blinded by jealousy.

In Act 1, Roderigo envies Othello because the woman he loves, Desdemona, is married to Othello. In the play, Iago tells Roderigo that ‘when she is sated with his body,/ she will find the error of her choice” (Shakespeare 1.3.350-351). In return for the false hope, Roderigo “supports” Iago with wealth in order to fulfill his ambition of winning Desdemona back. In Roderigo’s plan, everything will work out as planned. More accurately, as Iago planned. Iago, however, tells him that Cassio is the only person that would stay in his way. As a result, Roderigo is determined to do everything he is capable of to stop Cassio from being with Desdemona. Roderigo says that he would rather die if he cannot earn Desdemona’s love and be with him. Eventually, this becomes a major opening for Iago to manipulate his feelings and make Roderigo go with his plans. He made him believe that Desdemona will stop loving Othello soon and look for someone new because “Her eye must be fed; and what delight shall/ she have to look on the devil?” (Shakespeare 2.1.225-26) Roderigo is not aware that he is misguided by Iago with his love for Desdemona. On the other hand, Roderigo is completely blinded by his love, twisted love, for Desdemona. With the manipulation of Iago, Roderigo’s blind love gradually becomes a stronger and stronger tool for Iago to complete his own evil plan.

On the other hand, Othello’s severe feeling of insecure drives him crazy and made it easier for Iago to manipulate him. Before he met Desdemona Othello implies that It gives me wonder great as my content To see you here before me. O my soul’s joy! If after every tempest come such calms, May the winds blow till they have waken’d death And let the laboring bark climb hills of seas Olympus-high and duck again as low As hell’s from heaven! If it were now to die, ‘Twere now to be most happy; for, I fear, My soul hath her content so absolute That not another comfort like to this Succeeds in unknown fate” (Shakespeare, 2.1.183-93).

From the beginning, Othello feels not confident about himself. He wonders why his beloved wife Desdemona would go against society and married to a moor. He starts questioning himself why Desdemona would never be unfaithful to him, which brings out his deepest insecurities: “O curse of marriage,/ That we can call these delicate creatures ours,/ And not their appetites! I had rather be a toad,/ And live upon the vapour of a dungeon,/ Than keep a corner in the thing I love/ For others’ uses” (Shakespeare, 3.3.268-73). His insecurities begin to tear him apart bit by bit when Iago suggests that Desdemona is not faithful, and his growing anger starts to eat his soul and eventually turns him into an insane man. The thoughts of doubting himself gradually turn his love for Desdemona into anger and hatred with the manipulation of Iago. He started to question if Desdemona ever truly loved him or it was just a lie all along, but deep down in his mind, he has nothing but love for her. In the beginning, Othello claims that he won’t be destroyed by jealousy.

Nevertheless, he suspects his beloved wife but he doesn’t want to admit it and ask for some real evidence: “For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago;/ I’ll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove;/ And on the proof, there is no more but this,—/ Away at once with love or jealousy!” (Shakespeare 3.3.190-92)

The majority of the characters in Shakespeare’s Othello, view Iago, the play’s antagonist, as “most honest” (II, ii, 7) and laudable; however, as readers, we perceive him in a completely different way. There is a clear dichotomy between two perceptions of the same character. In the reader’s perspective, Iago is an extremely powerful manipulator who feasts on being in a state of control and superiority. Although Othello is the general of the Venetian army and protagonist of Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago not only has more lines than the main character, but is responsible for inciting the tragic action of the play. Thus, making this work of literature a true and fulfilled tragedy. Many consider Iago to be one of Shakespeare’s most wicked villains due to his genius in duplicity and proficiency in verbal manipulation. The play’s puppet master focuses largely on plotting against the tragic hero, Othello. When ruminating upon this intricate, yet paramount character, one essential question comes to mind: “What is Iago’s motivation for plotting against the characters in the play and for inducing such tumultuous situations?” The measures that Iago takes in order to fulfill his plan act as the stepping stones for the final act, also known as the scene of pathos, in which Othello murders his wife, not long before he recognizes his tragic flaw and realizes that his wife was true to him all along. It is difficult to pinpoint one distinct reason that explains Iago’s motivation for all the evil acts he commits throughout the play- rather, it is a number of factors that attribute to his animus. However, based off the clues provided in the play, the reader is able to highlight several elements that actuate Iago to commit such atrocious acts. Specifically, Iago’s jealousy of Cassio’s promotion to lieutenant, rumors of Othello’s affair with Iago’s wife, and factors leading to psychological satisfaction, are Iago’s primary motivations for perpetrating chaos throughout the play.

The play opens with a dialogue between Roderigo and Iago in which the reader is instantly made aware of Iago’s jealousy towards Cassio’s promotion to lieutenant. Iago claims that he is upset because he believes that Cassio is not worthy of his upgrading since the he is inexperienced and lacks qualifications. Iago states that he is more fit for the job and that the Moore is wrong for choosing Cassio as lieutenant rather than Iago. Iago mentions that Cassio never even fought in a battle, he has only studied them. This comment further emphasizes Iago’s belief of Cassio’s incompetence and lack of skill for the position. Iago declares, “Michael Cassio, a Floretine, a fellow almost damn’d in a fair wide, that never set a squadron in the field, nor the devision of a battle knows more than a spinster, unless the bookish theoric, wherein the toged consuls can propose as masterly as he” (I, i, 20-26). This citation makes Iago’s jealousy towards Cassio blatantly clear. Furthermore, in Bernard J. Paris’ analysis, the author writes, “The promotion of Cassio is for Iago a bitter defeat which threatens his self- esteem, his value system, and, indeed, his whole strategy for dealing with life. He has played the role of faithful servant in order to advance his own interests, and he has had an immense pride in his cleverness and in the success of his duplicity. But his scheming has, in fact, failed. Othello has benefitted from his service but has given the reward which he was expecting to someone else. Iago, the exploiter, has been exploited. Iago experiences this as a profound humiliation which calls into question his cleverness, his manipulative ability, and the whole system of rationalizations by which he justifies his code of egoism and deception.” The author brings up an interesting point: Iago feels destined to be lieutenant is because of his long-term loyalty to Othello. It also becomes evident that the schemer has failed in his plan since rather than him receiving praise and reward for his dedication to Othello, someone else, who he believes deserves it less, received it. Clearly, this event gives the antagonist a reason to be resentful towards Othello.

The major themes of the play relate to love, sex, and jealousy. These themes are at the root of much of the drama and disruption that occurs within the play. There are several instances in the play in which one character suspects another of having an affair with his wife. More often than not, these thoughts, leading to uncontrollable jealousy, are provoked by Iago. For instance, Iago is able to convince both Othello and Roderigo that Michael Cassio is having an affair with Desdemona, which is completely untrue. However, at one point in the play, Iago reveals his suspicion regarding a romance between Othello and his wife, Emilia. Iago declares, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leap’d into my seat, the thought whereof doth like a poisonous mineral gnaw my inwards; and nothing can or shall content my soul till I am even’d with him, wife for wife; or failing so, yet that I put the Moor into a jealousy so strong that judgment cannot cure” (II, ii, 284-291). This quote is essential to the play. Not only does it reveal a primary motivation for Iago’s egregious doings, but it also explains Iago’s central, master plan. Iago reveals that he intends to sleep with Desdemona, Othello’s wife, to get revenge for what he supposes Othello did with his own wife. However, the antagonist claims that if he cannot accomplish this, then he will make Othello jealous to the point where he can no longer control himself. The latter ends up being his ultimate goal. As a result of Iago’s actions, Othello’s jealousy grows so insatiable that it drives him to murder his wife at the end of the play. Therefore, Iago’s supposition of an affair between his wife and Othello instigates him to commit brutal acts.

It is revealed in the play that another reason Iago decides to wreak havoc is for his own entertainment. Iago directly states, “If I would time expend with such a snipe but for my own sport and profit” (I, iii, 376-377). In context, Iago is saying that he is using his “fool”, referring to Roderigo, for the purpose of profit and simply because he finds it comedic, or entertaining to him. Essentially, the villain is saying that observing others struggle and attempt to obtain what he knows is herculean, is of delight to him. What exacerbates this, in a moral and ethical sense, is that not only is Iago enjoying being a witness to these events, but he is promoting them and doing everything in his power to make it more difficult for the individuals he is controlling, his “pawns”. The fact that Iago provides no such reason or logic describing this particular motivation makes the audience question whether or not Iago is pure evil at his roots. Iago makes the reader aware that one part of the reason for which he perpetrated such nefarious acts is simply for his own pleasure. This may provoke the reader to question if there are more psychological aspects defining this motivation, such as the desire for power and dominance.

For one, based off personal experience and from witnessing others, humans have a congenital desire to constantly be entertained. Evidently, seeing others struggle and be in pain is appealing and diverting to Iago. As each of us find pleasure in different activities and hobbies, Iago appreciates manipulating those around him, seemingly coming off as a sadist. Additionally, humans have a natural desire for power and control – simply, being dominant. As stated in an article written by Association for Psychological Science, “People instinctively prefer high to low power positions,” says M. Ena Inesi of London Business School. “Similarly, it feels good when you have choice, and it doesn’t feel good when choice is taken away.” Inesi and her coauthors suspected that the need for personal control might be the factor these two seemingly independent processes have in common. Power is control over what other people do; choice is control over your own outcomes.” This trait comes from years and years of evolution. Iago makes this tendency clear through his abuse of it. Just as the play starts, Iago is already complaining that he has lost his place in the social hierarchy because he was not promoted when the slot opened for lieutenant. He uses manipulation, mainly verbal, to obtain what he wants. He tells individuals what they want to hear and uses them for his own benefit. For instance, in order to prevent Roderigo from committing suicide so that he can be used for Iago’s plan, Iago provides Roderigo with false hope by assuring him that Othello will eventually get tired of Desdemona, and when the woman gets older, she will realize that she does not truly love the Moore. The manipulator affirms, “Now for want of these required conveniences, her delicate tenderness will find itself abused, begin to heave the gorge, disrelish and abhor the Moore. Very nature will instruct her in it, and compel her to some second choice”(II, i, 223-227). Hearing this, Roderigo tells Iago that he is changed. Iago’s art in rhetoric is a very powerful means of exploitation for him; hence, he is commonly labelled as Shakespeare’s most wicked villain. Iago is able to manipulate his victims with ease with minimal effort, further proving his tendency to take measures in order to make himself feel superior. Iago’s will to be in a state of control and dominance is a more internal and less obvious motivation for Iago’s actions.

Arguably, another major motive for Iago relating to psychology and the character’s way of thinking, is derived from his preconceived prejudices. Iago plots against Othello due to his difference in race. Racism is an underlying theme in Othello. Othello is an African male in charge of a mostly caucasian army. He is chosen to be the general because he is proficient in his duties. However, the notion of his superior capacities is difficult to grasp for several characters, one of which being Iago. Iago refers to Othello in crude and derogatory terms, frequently with the use of aspersions, based off nothing more than his ethnicity. In attempt to expose Othello and get him demoted, Iago and Roderigo pay a visit to Barbantio, Desdemona’s father, in attempt to make him aware of the situation. Iago boldly claims, “Your heart is burst; you have lost half your soul; even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe”(I, i, 88-90). In this manner, Iago notifies the senator that his daughter is having an affair with the Moore. This expression is excessively cruel and crude. The play is set during a time period in which people of colour were seen as inferior and were often criticized. The reader can infer that Othello being both of African descent, and one of the only outliers in a predominantly white society, was seen as an outsider. From this perspective, Iago may want Othello to be demoted simply so that people of caucasian background could take over the higher rankings. This motivation is further ratified in the play’s introduction, “Another motive follows fast upon the exposition of this reasonable disappointment, but this one is wholly irrational: Iago hates Othello because he is black. In the presence of his general, Iago appears to be loyal and respectful: behind Othello’s back, he loses no opportunity to abuse or diminish him. This is the reaction of one who, because he feels himself to be inferior, tries to reduce everyone to his own level” (xi). Iago’s bias towards Othello due to his difference in race, compared to the majority, assists to explain the antagonist’s motivation for conspiring against the general.

Iago is motivated to cause harm to those around him because Cassio is promoted to lieutenant rather than him, he hears rumors of Othello sleeping with his wife, and for pure psychological satisfaction. All of these elements together provide a logical answer as to why Iago commits the acts he did. The fact that Shakespeare does not provide the audience with one clear motivation for Iago’s doings makes the antagonist such a fascinating character. This gives room for the reader to analyze the varying elements in the play that may motivate Iago and decide which motivations are chief, which ones are apparently present, and which can be inferred. In essence, it is Iago’s talent for manipulating and exploiting the desires of those around him that makes him such a powerful, yet heinous figure.