Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions.

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Emily Mc Glinchey 13C

Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions.

Iago's motivation is nothing more than jealously, self-absorption and hatred, yet his tact is presented in a decidedly and socially acceptable fashion, that is, until his true self is uncovered. In being so wrapped up in himself, Iago's vengeful attitude knows no bounds. His motivation becomes first known to us in the first scene of the play, in which he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant. At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago states that he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: “It is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets / He has done my office”. However none of these claims seems to adequately explain Iago’s most deep hatred of Othello, and Iago’s lack of convincing motivation or his inability or unwillingness to express his true motivation—makes his actions all the more terrifying and sinister. He is willing to take revenge on anyone, Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, even Emilia, at the slightest provocation and he enjoys damage that he causes.

Iago’s true power lays in his great talent for understanding and manipulating the desires and insecurities of those around him. Thus making him both a powerful and compelling figure. He seems to be the puppeteer of all the other characters in the play, almost knowing what they think and feel and how they operate. He is the one that they trust and confide in and he uses this to his advantage, he 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. T though the most inveterate liar, Iago inspires all of the characters in the play the trait that is most lethal to Othello and ultimately leads to his downfall, trust.

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Iago’s scenes with Roderigo serve as a showcase of Iago’s manipulative abilities. He seems almost to wink at the audience as he basks in the glory of his own skill. As an entertained audience, we find ourselves very much on Iago’s side when he is with Roderigo, but the interactions between the two also reveal a streak of cowardice in Iago, cowardice that manifests itself in the final scene, when Iago kills his own wife and flees responsibility. Iago plays on naïve Roderigo’s fears by making him imagine a bestial, threatening Moor. As we know nothing of Othello at this point, ...

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This essay is structured well, having a clear introduction and conclusion. Each paragraphs adds a new point to the argument, and I particularly like how the first sentence is short and concise, offering a clear signpost to what will be elaborated upon. Having such clear signposts allows the essay to stay on focus throughout the paragraph. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are used to emphasise arguments and there are very few flaws in syntax.

The analysis in this essay is strong, although there are still places for improvement. I liked how quotes were embedded well, allowing a close analysis of language and imagery. The discussion of imagery is particularly strong, reflecting upon the choice of imagery to his manipulation. There is a constant awareness of an audience response, allowing a natural progression to evaluating the dramatic effect of Iago's qualities. I am big fan of any Shakespeare essay which shows understanding that it is a play! However, the weak point of this essay is that lack of focus on Shakespeare's construction. The essay is written as if Iago is real, talking about his choices to manipulate Othello. It is key at any level to show understanding that Shakespeare is constructing Iago and his actions to have a dramatic effect (or otherwise). Doing so would enable this essay to gain higher marks.

This essay superbly responds to the question, given that it doesn't explicitly push much discussion. I liked how the essay explores Iago's apparent changing of motivations throughout. I would like to comment slightly on this task - many candidates at GCSE level may see this question as an opportunity to retell or narrate Iago's character. Although it doesn't ask "To what extent" or "discuss" it is key to analyse and evaluate, and this essay has done so.