In the introduction of the play, Iago makes it known that he craves revenge upon Othello. This is because Othello gave the position of lieutenant to Michael Cassio, a position which Iago believes himself to have earned. He says that he follows Othello “… To serve my turn upon him”(Act I, Scene I, line 42). He feels that he is “Worth no worse a place”(Act I, Scene I, line 11), and states that he has ulterior motives with the words, “I am not what I am” (Act I, Scene I, line 66).
Iago believes Othello to have slept with his wife, Emilia, but has no real proof to support this supposition, which is proved with the words, “I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped my seat” (Act II, Scene I, lines 276-277).
Revenge is a powerful thing, a retaliation for an injury or wrong. Looking at Iago and his cause for revenge might make one wonder if the promotion of Cassio instead of himself is reason enough to crave complete revenge. Iago says that “Nothing can or shall content my soul till I am evened with him.” (Act II, Scene I, lines 279-280). Throughout the entire course of the play, Iago keeps Othello in his grips, persuading him that he is ‘honest’.
The first action of Iago’s plan is to notify Brabantio of his daughters absence, but leaves Roderigo to feel the wrath of Brabantio’s anger. Roderigo is simply another piece to the puzzle that is Iago’s plan.
We also learn that Iago is very aware of people’s weaknesses. He clearly knows that Roderigo is easily influenced. He knows that Othello is insecure when about women, and is easily jealous.
“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.” (Act I, Scene III, lines 381-383).
Throughout the entire play, Iago uses the weaknesses of others to his advantage. He is aware of the fact that Cassio cannot hold is liquor and so encourages Cassio to drink. When Cassio makes a fool of Othello, Iago feigns innocence.
Iago knows that he will be able to influence Othello to believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful. He is aware that Desdemona is wholly devoted to Othello, and would never defy him. She is a very loyal friend, and it is for this very reason that Iago encourages Cassio to go to Desdemona for help when he is in trouble. Iago implies that he believes Cassio to have slept with his wife as well as Othello, and wants to make Cassio pay for taking his position.
“With as little a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio (Act II, Scene I, line 164).
Iago reveals in a speech, after persuading Roderigo to frame Cassio, that he believes Othello to be “..Of a constant, loving, noble nature.” (Act II, Scene I, line 270). When speaking of Desdemona he says: “I do love her too.” (Act II, Scene I, line 272), which is very ironic, as he is plotting to ruin both of their lives. He plans to practise “upon his peace and quiet even to madness.” (Act II, Scene I, lines 290-292).
By the end of the play, Iago is held responsible for the wounding of Cassio, the death of Roderigo, the murder of Desdemona, the suicide of Othello, the possible death of his wife Emilia, and his ultimate torture. One has to wonder whether simply not being promoted was worth all this.
In order for a person to be inhuman, they must lack good human qualities and have cruel or barbaric characters. In the case of Iago’s motives, it is questionable about how valid these motives are. His character shows very immoral thinking, which may lead many into thinking that his reason for being cruel doesn’t exist, making him an abstraction. It is easy to comprehend why there would be mixed feelings about this character, and possibly the only way anyone will ever be able to fully realize his rhyme and reason is to climb into his mind.
549 words
