Iago of William Shakespeare's Othello Essay

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

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?

Iago is a man of jealousy, and he is proposing revenge against Cassio and Othello. " He claims both Cassio and Othello have seduced his wife, Emilia, a warm-hearted, simple woman. He proposes, as revenge of wife for wife, to put Othello into such a jealousy as judgement can cure" (Jorgensen 59). "We know therefore from the start why Iago hates Othello . . . " (Modern 3). Iago's hatred for the Moor is deep, and there is apparently reason. The Ten Commandments teach us to love thy neighbor and to not steal. It seems that Othello has in a sense broken both those rules, or at least that is what Iago wants us to believe. By trying to seduce Emilia he is not loving thy neighbor, and he

    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.

One of the first things which a reader learns about Hamlet is that he uses words with startling agility. He plays on words that sound alike, or nearly alike:

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

Othello and Iago Comparison Othello and Iago are different in their characters as well as in their colours. It could be said also, however, that they are similar because of their fallibility. Iago is overcome with his desire for revenge to such an extent that he puts it into action. Othello's love and possessiveness of Desdemona take over him until he eventually would rather kill her than allow anyone else to have her. In this way, despite their contrasts, Iago and Othello both represent the extremity of the same thing - human emotion.

The purpose of this case study is to examine Iago, specifically his actions, to diagnose him with antisocial personality disorder. Iago is an extremely talented manipulator, and reveals this through his plot against Othello in Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello. According to DSM-5, persons with antisocial personality disorder exhibit actions that contradict laws, violate the well-being of others, and lack remorse. Additionally, persons with antisocial personality disorder are deceitful, impulsive, irritable, aggressive, reckless, and irresponsible (American Psychiatric Association). Throughout the play, Iago continuously exhibits many of these characteristics. Therefore, Iago is being diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder because he manipulates others to obtain the things he wants and he provokes actions of violence that disregard other’s well-being.

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

   The play "Othello" by William Shakespeare is based on an Italian story in Giraldi Cinthio's Hecatommithi (Groliers). In "Othello" we encounter Iago, one of Shakespeare's most evil characters.  Iago is an ensign in Othello's army and is jealous of Cassio's promotion to Lieutenant. Through deception and appearance, we see unfolded a plethora of lies and clever schemes. The astonishing thing about Iago is that he seems to make up his malicious schemes as he goes along without any forethought. Noted writer Samuel Taylor Coleridge describes Iago's plan as "motive-hunting of a motiveless malignity" (Scott 413). Iago seizes every opportunity to further advance his plan to his advantage. Greed plays a

At the beginning of the story, when the characters of Iago and Othello are introduced the difference between the personalities of the two characters are clearly exposed through the words uttered by the characters and the actions that they realize. Although when the first scene begins the conflict of the story is unknown by the reader/ spectator, it is clear that Iago does not have good intentions when talking about Othello: “I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters cannot be truly followed”.

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,

William Shakespeare’s plays all have a common theme: death. There is almost always death, and the play of “Othello” is no different since it ends in a “tragedy.” It begins with a man named Iago who speaks to Roderigo of how he should have received the position of lieutenant that was instead given to Cassio, a inexperienced man in his words, by Othello, the General. Iago shows distaste towards Othello, the play then goes through the story of Iago attempting to receive the position of lieutenant, that he believes should have been his in the first place, this is what left the belief that Iago is an “evil” or “villainous” man. But this logic is flawed since he’s most likely only perceived this was because of the death of

The Character of Iago in William Shakespeare In the extract Iago truly shows himself to be a man of great

Evil masterminds are always successful in their diabolical schemes, but each one does it in their own special way. Some may be highly ranked and powerful, but some may be simple people in a simple community. In the play Othello, the simple ancient, Iago is very successful at his schemes. Iago is able to get the trust of everyone around him, and to appear honest. He is also driven to continue with his schemes and to never quite.