Shakespeares Othello - The Character of Iago :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

The Character of Iago in Othello One of the most intriguing characters in the tragic play Othello, by William Shakespe are, is Othellos friend Iago. At first glance, Iago seems to fool no motive for the destruction he is causing. However, despite Iagos unquestionable malignancy, the indigence behind his actions lie more in Iagos quest for personal gain, as opposed to just being evil for evils sake. In order to win his personal gain Iago manipulates Rodrigo, Cassio and, most importantly, Othello. Iagos main interest is the destruction of Othello. The undercoat being that Othello has chosen another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command, preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iagos false accusations of adultery and his blatant racism, cause Iago to despise Othello, and shortly thereafter, begin to arouse against him. Instead of just killing Othello, Iago proceeds to attack him emotionally. Iago begins to manipulate the citizenry around him in order to hurt Othel lo and prepare him think that his wife, Desdimona, and Cassio are having an affair. The first to fall victim to Iagos manipulation, is Rodrigo. Iago knows Rodrigo has feelings Desdemona, and would do anything to make her his own. Iago tells Rodrigo that the only path to win Desdemonas love, is to make money to procure gifts for her. ...put money in thy purse.. (Act 1, guessing 3, Line 339). However, Iago is just taking those gifts intended for Desdemona and keeping them for himself, and in doing so, make a substantial profit. Thus do I ever make my fool my purse (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 376). Rodrigo eventually starts to question Iagos honesty. When approach with this accusation, Iago simply offers that killing Cassio will aid his cause and the gullible Rodrigo move for it. I have no great devotion to the deed and save he has given me satisfying reason, (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 8). In doing this, Iago keeps Rodrigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. Cassio, li ke Rodrigo, follows Iago blindly, thinking the whole time that Iago is difficult to aid him, when in-fact, Iago, motivated by his lust for power, is attempting to depose Cassio of his topographic point as lieutenant. Iago does this by getting Cassio drunk and causing him to get in a fight and disturb Othello, Othello then demotes Cassio of his rank as second-in-command thus securing the position for Iago.