Othello Questions

Iago' s jealousy rises mainly from a his boss, Othello, picking Cassio to be his right hand man. "One Michael Cassio, a Florentine, a fellow almost damn'd in a fair

From the first scene of the play to the last, Iago is able to be trusted by everyone. This is one of the many reasons why Iago is so successful in his schemes, he is always trusted. In the first scene of the play we learn that Iago is helping Roderigo, win the love of Desdemona. Roderigo is trusting Iago with his

Secondly, Iago’s use of imagery creates such a lucid picture that makes it hard to believe that it is anything but true. Iago tells of how he slept with Cassio and how Cassio, “gripe an ring my hand, Cry O sweet creature [Desdemona]! Then kiss me hard As if he plucked up kisses by the roots…” This very visual tale makes it hard for Othello to think of anything other than that Desdemona and Cassio are together. It clearly shows that Iago was witnessing an account that Othello believes is true even though Iago later states that it was only a dream; the visual picture is their. Othello believes this is substantial evidence to accuse Desdemona of being with Cassio.

Iago attempts to discredit Cassio is the eyes of Othello (II.iii). He enables Cassio to become intoxicated and then later Roderigo picks a fight with him. Othello finds Cassio at fault for the fight, which he seems to be at first glance., and removes him from his office. Even after it is done with, neither have any idea they were manipulated by Iago, but think he is a wonderful person, better, in fact, because of this incident.

Iago's interpretation of Cassio's exit, combined with Desdemona's vigorous support on Cassio's behalf, creates suspicion in Othello's mind even before Iago prompts him. Othello manifests his confusion

Cassio lost Othello's trust, and this actually made it possible for Iago to try to let it look like he and Desdemona are "making the beast with two backs". Cassio, -after following Iago's advice-, tries to get back his military title and Othello's trust through Desdemona, but this makes the situation even worse.

Cassio takes Iago’s advice of seeking Desdemona’s help to earn his job and trust with Othello, back. He too refers to Iago as “honest Iago,” (II.iii.355) Cassio places his trust with Iago, while Iago uses this to misrepresent Cassio and Desdemona’s interactions to Othello. Eventually, Othello gives Cassio’s lieutenant position to Iago, but Iago continues to cause more chaos. Hence, Iago was not really jealous of Cassio taking his lieutenant position,

During Act I, Scene I of the play, Iago berates Cassio as he spoke to his fellow conspirator, Roderigo, by saying he was unworthy of his lieutenancy as a man who lacks knowledge in the battlefield. By repeatedly emphasizing Cassio’s inadequacy, Iago uncovers that he likely does this out of envy for Cassio.. Iago also suspects that Othello slept with his wife, and it supposedly sets his mind into emotional turmoil. He explicitly states that the thought of it bothers him, “gnaws his inwards.” Although the truth of Iago’s words here remain unclear, if he is in fact disturbed by this idea, this could give him more incentive to ruin Othello as he eventually

There are many critical interpretations of Iago’s character. Was he a ‘skillful villain’? Or perhaps he was a ‘mysterious creature of unlimited cynicism’? Or was he simply a ‘wronged man’? More sinned against than sinning?

After publicly sharing their love and deep devotion for each other, Othello goes to prove his fixed mindset as he succumbs to the lies told by his trusted friend Iago that his wife Desdemona was cheating on him, which causes him to fall into the realm of self doubt. Throughout Act 3 scene 2 of the play, it is here where Desdemona vows to do what she can to convince Othello to appoint Cassio back to his position as lieutenant. Though Iago takes this opportunity to introduce the idea that Desdemona is cheating on Othello with Cassio which is the reason that she is so fixed on convincing him to have Cassio as his lieutenant once more. When left alone in his chambers to think of the astonishing news Othello remarks to himself, “ This fellow exceeding honesty,/And knows all qualities, with a learned spirit/Of human dealings. If I do prove her haggard,/Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,/I’d whistle her off and let her down the wind to prey at fortune. Haply for I am black/And have not those soft parts of conversation that chamberers have, or for I am declined…” ( Act

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

First of all, Iago uses Roderigo‟s gullible and naive personality to his advantage. Roderigo‟s obsession and lust for Desdemona renders him susceptible to Iago‟s manipulation. This obsession causes him to unquestioningly believe anything Iago says in hopes of getting Desdemona. Initially, Iago dupes Roderigo of his fortune. He convinces him that the gold and jewels will be given to Desdemona as a proclamation of his love when in actuality, Iago plans to keep it for himself. Iago states: “Thus do I ever make fool my purse” (Shakespeare,

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 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.

2.3.601). Later on, Othello seems to expect that something will go wrong when he proclaims to the exiting Desdemona that he deeply loves her and that "when I love thee not, Chaos is come again" (Oth. 3.3.619). This may be a very innocent proclamation of Othello’s love, but in reality it is an ironic lead into what Iago has in store for the two of them.