In Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago deceives others, mainly Othello and Roderigo, due to his desire for revenge, an improved reputation, and power. Throughout the play, Iago uses his desire for revenge to deceive others, like Othello. Iago’s desire for revenge shows when he states, “For “Certes,” says he, / “I have already chose my officer.”/ And what was he?/ Forsooth, a great arithmetician, / One Michael Cassio, a Florentine” (1.1.17-21). Othello’s choice reveals Iago’s jealousy of Cassio earning the position which fuels Iago’s desire for revenge on not only Othello, but also on Cassio. Another time Iago deceives someone to build up his plan is when he tells Roderigo, “When she is sated with his/ body she will find the errors of
Thesis: Iago, from Shakespeare's Othello, is one of the most memorable villains in all of literature. Iago deceives, steals, and kills to get everything that he wants. The play is centered on Iago's dislike for Othello, however, it is not that Iago pushes aside his conscience to commit these acts, but that he lacks a conscience to begin with. Iago's amorality can be seen throughout the play and is demonstrated by his actions against not only Othello, but Desmona and Emilia. Iago is able to manipulate the other characters of the play because he is a villain who doesn't understand the morals of society.
Iago who is known for always being true and honest towards others has easily earned the trust of everyone around him, thus giving himself an advantage on his schemes. Among some of the crucial characters who were targeted by Iago’s manipulative plans are Othello, Cassio, and Rodrigo. Due to everyone trusting in him he is able to know their feebleness and specifically their personalities. Each of these male characters have different personalities and knowing them can be useful to Iago in his hope of completely fooling them in thus ruining their names and making everyone turn on each other. Othello who has always
Throughout the story Othello by Shakespeare, it is commonly believed that the moor’s jealousy leads to the tragic events in Othello, it is actually Iago’s jealousy that causes it. Iago plays a proficient role in the cataclysm of all the major characters within the play, definitely characterizing him as evil and cold hearted. Iago is a deceptive individual who lies and manipulates in the hopes of seeking revenge. He is portrayed as a villain and is known as a degenerate because of the naive chaos he creates between Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo, and Emilia. Iago is suppose to be a loyal servant towards Othello, nonetheless Iago grew disdain and irrational towards Othello and used his alleged loyalty to carry out his plans towards his downfall.
Iago Iago, the triumphant villain within Othello is a perplexing character, his true intentions are buried deep in deception and deviance that help create who he is. The heinous goals he sets out to achieve are unfathomable, yet without his presence Othello would be nothing more than a romantic drama. Iago is the villain we love to hate; he is the sole instigator of the tragic events that take place within Othello. And yet still Iago is one of the most complex characters within Shakespearean tragedy. In order for Othello to be as effective as it is, the depiction of Iago as the perfect example of evil itself was essential, and is accomplished with his particular characteristic traits.
The Play Othello by William Shakespeare shows how easily jealousy can destroy relationships, and turn tokens of love into symbols of infidelity. The setup of the play is somewhat confusing: who is the main character? The play mostly focuses on Iago and his plans to ruin Othello's life and it is hard to tell if Iago was meant to be the protagonist or antagonist. The play starts with Iago letting Brabantio know that Othello “the moor” has married the man's daughter in secret. Thus the game begins: Iago pretends in front of Othello, that he is his friend while he secretly plots against him.
Shakespeare’s play, Othello, deeply explores the effects of jealousy on a person. Shakespeare also portrays the different types of jealousy and alludes to the causes of them. Othello is a tragic play written by William Shakespeare around 1603, about a man, Iago, who plots to take revenge on a Moorish soldier, Othello, for he has “done my (Iago’s) office”. The deaths of several people, including Othello’s wife Desdemona, Iago’s wife Emilia, Othello and Iago’s companion Roderigo, were all directly linked to Iago’s actions. Othello illustrates that jealousy often leads to revenge, jealousy can prevent a successful relationship, and jealousy leading to one’s downfall.
Moreover, Othello’s actions are based on seemingly physical evidence, giving him good reason to act as he does. Indeed, Othello has no reason to distrust Iago, his loyal ensign. Throughout the play, the majority of the characters are deceived by Iago, believing him to be honest and trustworthy. Whilst speaking with Emilia, Desdemona refers to Iago as “an honest fellow” (Shakespeare, 3.3.5). Similarly, after Cassio hears Iago’s advice to seek out Othello and beg for forgiveness, he bids a “good night [to] honest Iago” (Shakespeare, 2.3.313), who is none other than the man that diminishes his reputation and causes him to lose his title.
Greedy Iago Friends come in various ways,some are meant to teach lessons, others are there for life, and the rest want to see your downfall. Iago from the play, “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, betrays the bond of Othello’s friendship, poisoning Othello’s life and everyone else they encounter. And all for what? Status, Job Position, Pleasure? Iago, consumed by revenge and jealousy, inflicts evil upon his fellow neighbors.
Othello is beginning to believe the lies Iago is feeding him. When with Desdemona, Othello begins to act differently, and Desdemona talks to Emilia who informs her that Othello is being jealous. As Othello believes the lies he eventually killed his wife and nearly Cassio. He then found the truth of Iago’s plans and prosecuted him. The tragic downfall of Othello was brought upon himself, because he should have ignored Iago and trusted that his wife was faithful.