Honest Iago Essay Example

Line 19) Iago acknowledges his lack of social graces but does not feel ugly toward himself. Instead, he feels justified in his actions. "But Ill set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am." (Act II, Scene I, Line 194) Ironically, Iago claims that he finds it morally wrong to commit planned murders, as sometimes he lacks the inclination for wickedness. (Act I, Scene II, Line 2) How does Iago see others? He views the world and people as driven by their animalistic desires. Perhaps Iago understands this because he knows himself so well. Iago warns Brabanzio that his daughter will be involved with a Moorish man and implies that this union will bring about undesirable outcomes. He depicts Othello as easily manipulated and compared him to an ass who can be led by the nose. (Act 1, Scene 1, Line 88 and 110)In Act I, Scene III, Line 377, Iago expresses his belief that people only have themselves to blame for their actions and choices, dismissing the concept of virtue. He compares our bodies to gardens, with our willpower acting as gardeners. Without reason to balance our temptations, our natural instincts would lead us to irrational behavior.

In Line 308, it is noted that Iago's intelligence and understanding of human nature enable him to manipulate others effortlessly. When asked why he behaves this way, Iago's initial motive is revealed to be seeking revenge for a perceived injustice against him. He believes that he should have been chosen as lieutenant instead of Cassio. Additionally, he claims that Othello has slept with his wife, Emilia.

This motive later shifts to jealousy, as Iago spreads

rumors of an affair between Othello and Emilia. He admits that he is unsure of the truth behind these rumors but will act as if they are true based on mere suspicion.

Ultimately, Iago's motivelessness stems from the potential truth in the rumor, which he plans to exploit. Specifically, he intends to use Desdemona's innocence and trust in order to manipulate Cassio and take his position.Her love has such a strong hold on his soul that she has the power to manipulate and control him. She can do whatever she wants, even use his weakness to her advantage. She pleads with the Moor on his behalf, planning to poison his mind with lies about Desdemona's lustful intentions. However, as she tries to help him, she unknowingly damages her own reputation. Without much involvement from Desdemona, Iago will be the cause of her downfall. Without any pity or empathy, Iago is determined to see her destruction. In the movie, during this soliloquy, Iago holds a burning fire log with his bare hands and extinguishes it with his fist. He declares that he will corrupt Desdemona's virtue and use her goodness against her, creating a trap that will ensnare them all. Iago had to first gain the trust of all the characters in order for his deception to work. He manipulates human nature by constantly professing love and kindness. He insists, "I think you think I love you...I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness." His tactics are successful, as Othello acknowledges his honesty and love for him. Othello describes Iago as an honest man who despises deceitful actions. Cassio also praises Iago's kindness and honesty.

Iago carefully builds his reputation, but he believes that reputation is worthless and can be easily obtained and lost without deserving it.Throughout the story, Iago is constantly referred to as Honest Iago, confident in his false reputation. He believes that Othello trusts him, saying "He holds me well, the better shall my purpose work on him" (Act II, Scene III, Line 244). Iago possesses cleverness and an ability to judge people accurately, knowing that Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and will do anything for her. He manipulates Roderigo's feelings and gains money and jewels from him, saying "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (Act I, Scene III, Line 366). While using Roderigo for his own purposes, Iago also observes Othello and notes that he easily believes in the honesty of others who only seem so, calling him "of a free and open nature" with a constant and noble character (Act I, Scene III, Lines 359-375).

Iago displays cunningness and adaptability when unexpected situations arise. For instance, he witnesses Cassio taking Desdemona's hand before Othello arrives, leading him to develop a plan. He states "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio" (Act II, Scene II, Line 265). Additionally, during a conversation with Cassio about Bianca (while Othello mistakenly believes they are discussing Desdemona), Bianca enters with the famous handkerchief. Although it is not directly part of his immediate plot, Iago takes advantage of this situation. He mocks Othello by saying "And to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife? She gave it him, and he hath given it his whore" (Act II,

Scene I, Line 164).In Act IV, Scene I, Line 63, Iago manipulates people's thoughts without implicating himself. In Act II, Scene III, Line 297, he proudly admits to being a master of deception. He is pleased with his ability to deceive others and says, "Work on, my medicine, work!" This leads to the downfall of trusting fools and innocent women. In Act IV, Scene I, Line 42, Iago successfully convinces people that he is trustworthy by portraying himself as "Honest Iago." His first victim is Roderigo. Roderigo acknowledges that Iago has control over his money and says, "Thou... hast had my purse as if the strings were thine." Throughout the play, Iago manipulates Roderigo by convincing him that he hates Othello and advises him to give gifts in order to win Desdemona. However, Iago keeps the gifts for himself instead of giving them to Desdemona. Eventually, Roderigo begins to doubt Iago's honesty and calls his behavior "scurvy." In Act IV, Scene II, Line 191, when accused, Iago falsely offers hope and suggests that killing Cassio will help Roderigo's cause. Roderigo eagerly accepts this idea. In the end, Roderigo is led to his death by the hands of Iago.Cassio also perceives Iago as a helpful individual, but little does he know that Iago is secretly plotting the downfall of his supposed friend. During Cassio's watch, Iago manages to convince him to have another drink, fully aware that it will intoxicate him severely. Cassio hesitates but eventually agrees, expressing his dislike for the idea (Act II, Scene III, Line 37). Iago manipulates Cassio's desire to be needed, admired, and trusted by exploiting his nature (Act II, Scene

III, Line 37). Later on, Roderigo follows Iago's scheme to make Cassio appear foolish and irresponsible. Cunning Iago succeeds in achieving this, resulting in Cassio being dismissed from his position as a lieutenant. Iago then proceeds with another plan by advising Cassio to seek Desdemona's assistance and claiming that it is her moral duty to do more than she is asked (Act II, Scene III, Line 284). Cassio naively agrees with Iago's suggestion, unaware of the consequences (Act II, Scene III, Line 289). Eventually, Iago traps Cassio and Roderigo attempts to murder him. Othello considers Iago to be a close friend and counselor whom he believes loves him wholeheartedly and speaks truthfully after careful consideration (Act III, Scene III, Line 119). Othello firmly believes that Iago is an extremely honest person who possesses great knowledge in handling human affairs (Act III, Scene III, Line 259). Unfortunately, Othello is oblivious to how deceitful Iago truly is. Iago manipulates Othello's trust in him to turn him against his beloved wife and loyal lieutenant.How is it that no one can see through Iago's disguise? The one who can see through it is Emilia, Iago's wife. Ultimately, it is Emilia who reveals her husband's plan. After Othello strikes Desdemona, Emilia unknowingly describes her husband as the cause of Othello's anger: "I will be hanged if some eternal villain, some busy and insinuating rogue, some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, have not devised this slander; I'll be hanged else" (Act IV, Scene 2, Line 130). Iago replies with denial: "Fie, there is no such man, it is impossible!" (Line 134). Emilia exposes Iago's plot. Eventually, Emilia becomes an

obstacle and a nuisance to Iago and for practical reasons he kills her. She no longer serves any purpose to him and only poses a threat to his position as lieutenant. Similar to the chess pieces in the film version, Iago manipulates events to achieve his goals. He uses his skill and knowledge to play a game and win. His motives are not conscious reasoning or simply to win the game; therefore, Iago is motiveless at each step. He behaves like a child who enjoys knocking down other children's blocks - a play-yard bully. When questioned why he behaves this way, Iago's response is as simple as: "What you know, you know" (Act V, Scene 2, Line 302). And Iago knows why and how he manipulates situations.Iago openly admits to Emily, "I told him exactly what I believed to be suitable and true; I did not add any further details." (Act V, Scene 2, Line 175) Following this unspoken statement: "They believed whatever suited their desires; they are the ones to blame, not me." Iago is cunning, clever, and manipulative like a schoolyard bully, always acting without motive. Iago is a genuinely truthful person - dangerously truthful. These are the themes explored in Shakespeare's essays.