Iago and Angelo as the Hypocrites of Shakespeare's Othello

One of the most outrageous literary vilians of all time is William Shakespeare’s Iago. Iago has been described with many words; villian, antagonist, cruel, selfish, malignant, chaotic, etc. What motivation could one have that would posses them to act in ways to be labeled as such? Are there even any motives present, or is it just the nature of the character that gives Iago his naturaly naughty personality.

At the core, Othello is essentially a good man, but he possesses many qualities, which alone are not inherently immoral, but as a whole they are corrupting to his character. After conversing with Roderigo, Iago describes Othello in his monologue such that “The Moor is of a free and open nature / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so” (1.3.380-381). Iago divulges how he will take advantage of this. Clearly Othello’s openness is a good quality in a leader with social status, he can make friends and bond with his subordinates like Cassio, but this trusting nature allows evil men such as Iago to take advantage of him as Iago plans to do. In the same soliloquy Iago goes on to say that he will lead Othello like an ass,

Iago has many reasons to be Jealous of Michael Cassio, he is described as the perfect soldier throughout the book, and not only is Iago furious that Cassio was promoted to lieutenant first, but Iago suspects him, as well as Othello, of having an affair with his wife,

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

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.

Once a seed of suspicion or doubt is planted in a person’s mind, the noxious effect of jealousy is soon to ensue. Jealousy and suspicion are Othello’s flaws hubris throughout the play and foreshadow to the audience his imminent downfall. He believes what Iago tells him so strongly that he compromises his close relationship with his best friend and his love for his wife. Iago manipulates Othello through the use of extortion, literary techniques, and his keen judge of character. His syntax and diction are so simple yet so powerful because he uses the correct rhetorical questions and addresses Othello with respectful terms such as “my lord.” He allows Othello do most of the talking

In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulation over people who had previously trusted and confided in him. His sudden turn from Othello’s loyal ensign to rage-filled villain seems indicative of a man who can no longer accept his position in life. Iago’s plotting of Othello’s demise starts as idle talk of a disgruntled 28 year-old career military man passed over for promotion. Iago believes that such a promotion may never come after Othello rejects his candidacy and makes it clear that he did not believe him suitable. He sees Othello is only concerned with personal and political gain with his choice of Cassio as lieutenant. When Iago teams with love-scorned and desperate Roderigo, he begins

From the beginning of the play, Iago is left in displeasure since he was incapable of achieving his endeavour to wind up as a lieutenant and his physical appearance, both in which Cassio has a critical contribution. In any case, what makes Iago desirous to a great degree is the way that Othello elevates

Iago is not the same when he is with Othello but Iago’s character totally changes when he is not with Othello. When Iago finds out that Othello appointed Cassio as his lieutenant, Iago is extremely envious and he plots a plan against Othello by deceiving the trust that they both carry. “I’ll put this pestilence into his ear.” (II.iii.334). This refers to Iago plotting to say his lies to Othello which demonstrates Iago being overwhelmed by jealousy. Iago puts all the falsehood into the general’s ear which becomes easier for him to do as Othello puts his full trust on the rival. Iago is a harsh and a coldblooded man that wants revenge through his master by plotting an atrocious plan and putting all falsehood into his ear just to obtain the higher position.

Since the two used to be so intimate, the key to understanding Iago’s superobjective is to understand what made him harbor such hatred for Othello. To put it simply, Iago was hurt that Othello gave Cassio the lieutenant job instead of giving to him. At face value, that reason doesn’t seem to be a strong enough motive to destroy another man’s life. There had to have been more to this than just the fact that Iago didn’t get a promotion. Iago “believes Cassio got the appointment because of an old friendship with Desdemona, and probably because he carried messages between Othello and Desdemona during their courtship.” (Crawford). Iago, knowing this, felt as if the entire system of military honor and merit had crumbled. Had the promotion been based on merit, Iago would’ve gotten the job, because “…[Othello’s] eyes had seen the proof/ At

William Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moor of Venice is a play of great manipulation and jealousy. Iago is the antagonist character of the play Othello. Iago becomes irate and filled with jealousy when Othello names Michael Cassio as his lieutenant, because Iago believed he should have been the one promoted not Michael Cassio. By manipulating everyone around him, Iago portrays himself as an honest noble man whom can be trusted. Iago being known for the honest man he earns everyone’s trust and therefore learns their weakness for his ultimate plan of destruction. Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him with what he leads people to believe as honesty. Iago uses their

Over the course of the play, Iago offers numerous reasons for him desiring revenge. The first motive is the loss of a promotion to Cassio. “’Tis the curse of service: preferment goes by letter and affection, And not by old gradation,” (I.i.33-35). Iago feels that Cassio was chosen over him because he is more likable instead of earning it like Iago felt he had. Bloom describes this anger in terms of religion. “His religion is war, and his god is Othello, and so his fury when Cassio is preferred to him is the fury of the priest or worshipper who has been found unworthy,” (Bloom). Iago feels that Othello must make amends for his rejection. The next reason he gives is the supposed infidelity of his wife. Iago says “And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets H’as done my office.” (I.iii.378-379).

In act One, scene one we see Iago's conversation with Roderigo about Cassio being promoted ahead of him and how Iago believes that this is because of favourtism. This suggests one of many reasons why Iago plots against Othello. From this conversation we see that Iago is envious of Cassio being promoted ahead of him, and plotting against Othello as a means of seeeeking revenge. “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. Iago believes that he

This statement undermines his self-esteem. Because of his self-indulgence, we are inclined to believe his superiority as a warrior. Iago points out to Roderigo that Cassio, the newly appointed lieutenant, is not a true soldier. Iago says Cassio knows more “division of a battle “ (1.1.23) than this “bookish theoric” (1.1.24). Furthermore, there is nothing Iago can do about the situation: “there’s no remedy” (1.1.35). He realizes that “preferment goes by letter and affection” (1.1.36) and not by “old graduation” (1.1.37). So Iago will continue “serve” Othello, so that eventually he can “serve [his] turn upon him (Othello)” (1.1.42). As the reader, we get a clear-cut picture of where Iago was coming from, and we were forced to sympathize Iago’s position. In order to disguise his deep dissapointment and conceal his plans for revenge (which was his choice of action), Iago begins early in the play to reinforce his image as being an honest and loyal soldier. In Act I, Scene 2 for example, in a bit of playful boasting, Iago says that “in the trade of war I have slain men, / Yet do I hold it very stuff o’ the’ conscience / to do contriv’d murder I lack inequity…” (1.2.1-3). This was an outright lie, but he had come on stage with Othello and he said this for his general’s (Othello’s) benefit, posing as the rough and ready , but good hearted soldier. Iago also hides

     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.