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How Does Iago Affect The Character Of Othello

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Iago’s contribution to an unstable mood shapes the theme of the play because he demonstrates that Othello is being “swallowed” by his rancorous acts as Othello speaks in prose and Iago allowed himself to evolve deeper into jealousy. Iago continues to exact revenge on Othello and other people are being affected negatively as they fall with Othello. As Iago and Roderigo are fighting, Iago steps aside and says: “ 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/… If Cassio do remain,/ he hath a daily beauty in his life/ that makes me ugly. And Besides, the Moor/ May unfold me to him.” (V.I.13-22) Iago is thinking of killing Roderigo because he might be a threat to him. …show more content…

He talks about Cassio killing Roderigo or Roderigo killing Cassio and when he says “every way makes my gain” he is saying that if either of them dies he would not care because he would be satisfied. He is trying to say that Cassio’s death will work for him because it has been his desire to exact revenge since Cassio became lieutenant instead of him. Although Roderigo and Iago were best friends, Iago’s jealousy has transformed him into spiteful. Iago wants Roderigo dead and even if it is by Cassio, he will be pleased with this act. Iago also says “ gold and jewels that I bobbed from him”. Iago thinks that if Roderigo continues to live, he (Iago) would face the reality of taking jewelry from Roderigo and this is what Iago wants to escape from. Iago will find it more peaceful without the drama from Roderigo. He also says “ If Cassio do remain, he hath a daily beauty in his life,/ that makes me ugly.” Iago is jealous of Cassio overall and according to this quote, he is saying that Cassio makes him look ugly since Cassio is

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