Iago as the Perfect Villain of Shakespeares Othello Essay

Iago as the Perfect Villain of Othello Iago, the villain in Shakespeare’s Othello, is a round character of great depth and many dimensions. Iago works towards an aim that is constantly changing and becomes progressively more tragic. Yet, at times, honest Iago does actually seem honest. This essay will explore the complex character of honest Iago. One of the most interesting questions that crops up is concerning Iago’s motives. What are his reasons to kill every major Venetian in Cyprus? Shakespeare seemingly sets the stage for Iago’s actions, giving him two distinct reasons to avenge Othello. The first is the fact that Othello promotes Cassio, an arithmetician to the rank of lieutenant and passes over Iago who is but a†¦show more content†¦Shakespeare portrays Othello as the general without faults, perfect. Yet, he slowly reveals the weaknesses of Othello’s love for Desdemona. For this love he will forsake anything. Iago is quick to pick on this and starts working towards destroying Othello through his only shortcoming. Iago uses a gamut of devious methods to achieve his means. His use of Roderigo is a masterly move. From being a Venetian gentleman, Roderigo becomes Iago’s gull. In the very first scene he gets him to confront a sleepy Brabantio and give him the news of his daughters escapades with the Moor. At the end of the court scene in the first act, Iago and Roderigo are left alone with the poor doting lover in great despair. Roderigo takes a decision to drown himself. Iago easily convinces him out of it by pointing out Othello’s shortcomings. Says he, She must change for youth: when she is sated with his body, she will find the errors of his choice. This satisfies Roderigo and Iago’s hate starts taking definite shape: I hate the moor, And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets He’s done my office. This is of course, unlikely and serves only as a justification for his evil. In Cyprus, Iago designs a brawl with Cassio and Roderigo by having the latter insult the former while they are drunk. This, of course, results in Cassio’s dismissal by Othello but it far from satisfies Iago. He then in turn advises Cassio on how to regain hisShow MoreRelated Honest Iago of Shakespeares Othello Essay798 Words   |  4 PagesHonest Iago of Othello   Ã‚  Ã‚   To most of the world William Shakespeare is recognized as the greatest dramatist in history.   His plays have been performed for centuries through various interpretations.   Shakespeares vast knowledge, and writing style made his works interesting for both the intellectual, and the illiterate.   One of these styles is the use of motifs, which is seen extensively in Othello.   An important example that runs throughout Othello, is Iagos honesty.   This motif gaveRead MoreWilliam Shakespeare s Othello And The Existence Of Power1110 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare displays the presence of power in his work of Othello wielded by his mastermind of a character, Iago. Throughout Shakespeare’s play, the existence of power results in a tragedy for the characters of Othello. 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