Critical Analysis of Iago's Soliloquy in Act 2 Scene 3 of Othello by William Shakespeare

Most murder mysteries and tragedies end with killings that are committed with sole action, but in Othello, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, the reader is shown that you can end a man’s life with just words and a plan. Taking place in Venice, Italy the play is about a moor, Othello, who falls in love with a fair skinned woman who goes by the name of Desdemona. Eventually the two get married, but Iago, the main antagonist, plans to seek revenge by killing both Othello and his wife. Shakespeare shows how Iago uses rhetorical devices to convince Othello that Desdemona is having an affair resulting in both their deaths.

    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.  Shakespeare's 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 Iago's honesty.  This motif gave existence to Shakespeare's perfect villain.

Iago's intentions and motives for the malicious and evil acts he performs can be fully realized when he reads his soliloquies to the audience. It gives Iago the chance to be completely honest for once and provides the irony when the audience knows Iago's plans but the other characters are unaware and call him ‘Honest Iago'.

Iago claims to “hate the Moor” (Act 1, sc 3, line 368) so he wants to

Iago seems to be sorry for this and creates the sense that he knows what he is talking about. It creates a stance in which Othello believes that Iago knows more than he is willing to share. His questioning of Othello sways Othello into believing the worst.

Towards the end of act 2, scene 1 Shakespeare illustrates Iago’s detrimental persona - throughout his soliloquy - by lacking rhythm and writing in prose. By interrupting the regular rhyming patterns of the text earlier on in the scene (‘fair, heir’ ‘gay, may’), Shakespeare is deliberately showing the reader how irregular and therefore corrupt Iago is compared to the other characters of the play - another interpretation for Shakespeare’s usage of prose, however, is the differentiation of those in the upper and low classes, which shows that Iago is not of high status: which is highlighted by the fact that Iago is said to be a ‘flag bearer’ - this is further highlighted by Iago’s xenophobic references to Othello: ‘him’, ‘the Moor’, which is

8ahlmeier 5characters so well, Iago uses ethos to effectively ;udge which method of persuasion to use based on a character’s 0ualities, flaws, motives, and desires, and Iago’s relationship to him or her.Iago easily evokes "assio’s emotions through pathos. #e recogni%es the honorable and valiant virtues "assio e2hibits and uses these virtues to fashion "assio into a pawn. Iago, knowing alcohol to be the counteragent of "assio’s virtues, encourages the sport of drinking to the point where "assio rela2es his conduct and allows his emotions to overcome him, breaking out in a fight which causes him to forfeit his position as officer !II.iii.465-$. "assio has a strong desire for redemption and reinstallation, and Iago suggests "assio beseech

Iago as Evil in William Shakespeare's Othello "Othello" is famously regarded as one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. It explores the downfall of a great general Othello through a series of unlucky circumstances. Othello's character shows a man of high status whose job, marriage and life is ruined because of his insecurities by a man named Iago. Iago (Othello's ensign) is able to manipulate Othello,

In Othello, Shakespeare forms the villainous character, Iago through his complex language. Iago shows his evil nature towards Roderigo through his use of demeaning animal imagery. Iago also uses an extended metaphor to try and trick the ignorant Roderigo and (unknowingly to Roderigo), insults him. Lastly, Iago uses repetition to beguile Roderigo to keep paying him. Iago’s slyness is clearly seen through his deceiving language towards the end of Act I.

Throughout this passage, Iago’s main techniques of deception include lies, syntax and diction, and hoodwinking Othello into thinking his way. By quickly averting his conflict with Othello at the start of the scene, he easily avoids confrontation

reason he "would expend time with such a snipe" is but to use him. He

Act III Scene 3 of Othello reflects the true mastery of Shakespearean plays that transcends throughout history. Shakespeare asserts sentence structure, topics and themes, reveals the scene’s purpose, and depicts the importance of Iago as a character in this scene.

What makes a successful villain? In the case of Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago’s ability to manipulate the people around him with his words is what leads to his success. The play Othello is a tragedy. True to form, the play sees multiple deaths, all of which were due to Iago’s influences. The main theme of the drama is revenge. The events that take place are due to Iago’s pursuit of revenge. Iago manipulates the people and events throughout the course of the play in order to enact this revenge. In Othello, Iago manipulates the situations he finds himself in, the people who happen to be around him, and the words that come out of his mouth to ensure his mission for revenge is a success.

Iago is a powerful predator who exploits those around him by infecting their perceptions of truth with carefully chosen fallacy. His skill in finding the proverbial chinks in others' armor allows him to skillfully weave his machinations of destroying Othello into their minds and actions; by manipulating character's perceptions of Desdemona, Iago gains the leverage he needs to exploit each character. No one is impervious to Iago's seething purpose; even Othello falls prey to Iago's suggestions and insinuations about Desdemona. Iago's constant presence as the stager, as well as his ceaseless - but subtle - reinforcement of events through narration, allows him to be the pivotal force that directs

Iago is undoubtably the villian in William Shakespeare's 'Othello', however the reason behind his evil deeds are less clear. There are many possibilities as to why Iago betrayed his superior Othello. Was he simply envious of Othello's status or did Iago plot to destroy Othello for his own enjoyment?