All About Iago

        Iago says vulgar things and knows exactly how he is perceived. He is manipulative with his words, tricking others into believing what he wants them to believe about him and the other characters. Iago even knows that others see him as an honest man, he knows exactly what he can do with their trust: "O, you are well tuned now! / But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, / As honest as I am" (2.1.199-201). This quote also gives the reader insight to Iago’s manipulative personality. Iago manipulates Othello the most, Othello trusts and loves Iago, and Iago tells him the same. Iago says to Othello “My lord, you know I love you.” (3.3.117), and says that he loves him many times throughout their conversations. Iago leads Othello to believe that his wife, Desdemona is sleeping with his Lieutenant, Cassio. He makes the plans: "After some time, to abuse Othello's ear / That he is too familiar with his wife" (1.3.395-396). Not only manipulative, Iago is sharp tongued and often sarcastic. Iago makes a comment on how trusting Othello is; "The Moor is of a free and open nature, / That thinks men honest that but seem to be so, / And will as tenderly be led by the nose / As asses are" (1.3.399-402), calling him an “ass”, meaning he is foolish for trusting him.

        The strongest way that Shakespeare develops Iago’s character is through the events that take place in the play itself. He uses each character as a pawn in his plan to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s relationship. He starts by encouraging contact between Desdemona and Cassio, even though it is innocent, it helps Iago’s plan progress. He manipulates Othello into believing that his wife has committed adultery, even though he is given little evidence that it is true. Iago demonstrates his need for power, and his need to control any given situation. He controls his wife, Emilia, so much that she gives him Desdemona’s dropped handkerchief to him without question. This handkerchief gives Othello “evidence” that Desdemona was in Cassio’s bedroom. Iago has so much control over Othello that when Othello decides to murder Desdemona, Iago tells him how to do it: “Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, / even the bed she hath contaminated.” (4.1.207-208).

        Both poetry and prose are used in Othello. They are used to convey different types of speech. Poetry is used commonly, but prose is used occasionally. When prose is used, it is used by lower class, less educated people like the Clown in Act III. It is also used when character’s are drunk or being vulgar, Iago uses prose when he talks about manipulating people. His speech, generally speaking, is quite eloquent and beautiful. He seems educated and proper. This works in his favor when he manipulates others, it creates and element of trust because his speech makes him seem like a good person.

        Iago’s character is developed through the use of other character’s opinions, even if what they believe is false. Everyone believes him to be honest, when he’s the exact opposite. Iago uses his speech in his favor, to manipulate other people to get what he wants. He uses his charm to make other’s do his dirty work, but in the end it all falls through. Shakespeare’s development of other characters as well as his intricate progression of events; help to develop the character that is Iago. These elements help to create what many would call an evil genius, a manipulative mastermind, the fiend of the play.