I am not what I am. Explore Shakespeare(TM)s presentation of Iago

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“I am not what I am.” Explore Shakespeare’s presentation of Iago

Iago is a truly sophisticated and a compelling villain. He is a Machiavelli much like Shakespeare’s Richard the third and through a thorough diagnosis of his character it would seem that Iago is inherently evil.  Iago is a classic ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ character, a role which he plays well, a so-called “honest” man by many characters in the play but in reality his characterisation is that of the “devil”. From the moment he utters his first words on stage it is evident to the audience that Iago is a duplicitous, manipulative yet intelligent character who acts as the catalyst for most of the tragic events in the play. Iago is a character consumed with jealously, loathing and yet his tact is presented in a decidedly and socially acceptable fashion.

Iago displays a great talent for manipulation and deceit. He can very easily manipulate the desires and insecurities of those around him, thus making him both a powerful and compelling figure. Shakespeare places him in a position of extreme power, Iago is the one that all of the characters trust and confide in and he uses this to his advantage. It is very clear to an audience that Iago enjoys being the one in control and therefore doesn’t need much to convince himself that what he is doing is right. Iago is able to take the handkerchief from Emilia and know that he can deflect her questions; he is able to tell Othello of the handkerchief and know that Othello will not doubt him. He knows what position the other characters hold him in, he knows that he is a position of trust with Othello. He is able to tell the audience, “And what’s he then hat says I play the villain,” knowing that the reaction of the audience will be humour and amusement. Iago’s bold statement “I am not what I am”, shows that he thoroughly he enjoys damage that he causes, and he gets a pleasure from the events which unfold.

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Iago’s scenes with Roderigo serve as a showcase for his ability to exploit the weak and vulnerable. Roderidgo is a pathetic, naive and jealous character, who wishes to win the affections of Desdemona. He therefore turns to Iago for help and being rich and inexperienced he gives his money to Iago in exchange for the vague but unfulfilled promises of success and love. Iago explicitly delights in his villainy, always tipping the audience off about his plotting which is clearly evident in act 1, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” From the uttering of this statement ...

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