Good And Evil In Shakespeare's Othello

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The Evil Within Iago Ancient Greek playwright, Sophocles expresses, “The soul that has conceived one wickedness can nurse no good thereafter.” The term “evil” is interpreted in various aspects however; Iago clearly allows malice to take full control and eliminates any possibility of integrity. The concept of immoral conduct is explained by Steve Taylor, a PhD and author of Psychology Today, as, “‘Evil’ people are those who are unable to empathize with others.” Therefore, Iago embodies the attributes of evil through the desire to cause damage to others. The malicious intent of Iago is revealed with his strategy to destroy the marriage between Othello and Desdemona. Through the practice of rhetoric, Iago expresses that, “I’ll pour this pestilence …show more content…

For example, Iago states, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him,/With that which he hath drunk tonight already,/He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense” (II.iii.42-44). Cassio is purposely compelled by Iago to give the impression of a drunken fool, which ultimately costs him the attainment of lieutenant. As a result, Iago obtains the rank of lieutenant through the use of evil and guileful ruses. The evil act performed reveals Iago does not feel empathy or remorse for the destruction of Cassio. Additionally, Othello is convinced to approve the murder of Cassio for a crime not committed. Once again Iago uses rhetoric to achieve everything he desires at the cost of innocent lives, verifying the wickedness contained inside him. Subsequently, Iago is strongly considered evil based on the scandalous endeavors perpetrated for his personal acquisition. Indubitably, all of Iago’s actions are fulfilled with the intention to cause destruction. Displaying no signs of remorse or emotion, Iago performs these deeds with the sole intent of ruining everything Othello and Cassio represent. Consequently, based on the engagements Iago implements, he exemplifies the characteristics of an evil

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