Othello - Analysis of Iago
Othello - Analysis of IagoShakespeare's Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex
villains. At first glance Iago's character seems to be pure evil.
However, such a villain would distract from the impact of the play and
would be trite. Shakespeare to add depth to his villain makes him
amoral, as opposed to the typical immoral villain. Iago's entire
scheme begins when the "ignorant, ill-suited" Cassio is given the
position he desired. Iago is consumed with envy and plots to steal the
position he feels he most justly deserves. Iago deceives, steals, and
kills to gain that position. 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.
For someone to constantly lie and deceive one's wife and
friends, one must be extremely evil or, in the case of Iago, amoral.
In every scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deceptive
manner. Iago tricks Othello into beleiving that his own wife is
having an affair, without any concrete proof. Othello is so caught up
in Iago's lies that he refuses to believe Desdemona when she denies
the whole thing. Much credit must be given to Iago's diabolical
prowess which enables him to bend and twist the supple minds of his
friends and spouse. In today's society Iago would be called a
psychopath without a conscience not the devil incarnate.
Iago also manages to steal from his own friend without the
slightest feeling of guilt. He embezzles the money that Roderigo gives
him to...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.