Show how Shakespeare presents the negative and malevolent characteristics in Iago’s character in the early scenes of the play.
The play “Othello” was written in 1604, by the playwright William Shakespeare, one of the best and well-known writers of that period and up to the current day. It is a tragedy based on Othello, a general in the Venetian army and his beautiful wife Desdemona whom he loves very much. In the play, there are many unique characters such as, Cassio, Othello’s Lieutenant, Brabantio, Desdemona’s protective father, and Roderigo, a gentleman of Venice. Perhaps the most interesting character in the tragic play is “honest Iago,” the evil, scheming, misanthropic Ancient of Othello. In the play, villainous Iago pushes Othello to turn into the cold-blooded murderer of his loving wife Desdemona. This is done by Iago’s clever, deceitful plotting. I am going to demonstrate how Shakespeare’s presentation of Iago makes him a very negative and amoral character.
From the very start of the play, Shakespeare makes it clear to the audience that Iago is a negative, malevolent character by showing his abhorrence towards Othello and Cassio. The first word Iago says is “‘Sblood”, a swear word of the time meaning ‘God’s blood’. This instantly portrays Iago as an aggressive character. Throughout the play, he also uses words like, “Zounds,” and “spinster” which are derogatory words. During the opening act, Iago speaks, “Michael Cassio, a Florentine,” and “I hate the Moor”. These are prejudiced ways to talk about his fellow colleagues. The rationale behind this is that Othello promoted Cassio to be his Lieutenant although Iago wanted the job. By saying these intolerant comments, his jealousy of the situation becomes clear. Shakespeare shows that Iago is racist as he frequently refers to Othello as “Black Ram” and “The Moor.” These statements are implying that ‘black Othello’ is less superior than white people are, and that because of his race, he should not hold the position he does in the army. Iago’s jealousy also becomes apparent as he advises Brabantio of his daughter’s marriage to Othello. He says, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” This shows frustration from Iago’s part, as he uses repetition of the word “now.” Here Shakespeare is conveying Iago’s jealousy of Othello, by likening him to a “old black ram,” which is seen as a bestial and aggressive creature. However, Desdemona is likened to a “white ewe,” which is thought of as delicate and attractive. This shows Iago’s separation of white and black, and good and bad. Shakespeare is conveying Iago’s envy towards ugly, “black” Othello’s marriage to the beautiful, “white” Desdemona.
