Othello – Iago’s Character Essay Example

his foolishness, leading the audience to view him with less sympathy. Iago employs brutal language, expressing a deep-rooted hatred towards characters like Othello, often without provocation ("I hate the Moor"). This causes the audience to question the possibility of Iago's sadistic tendencies, as demonstrated by his use of phrases like "Hell and night," "Must bring this monstrous birth to world's light," and "Divinity of hell!". It appears that Iago is unconsciously drawn to hellish imagery. Furthermore, his use of devilish imagery, such as "When devils will the blackest sins put on," is eerily similar to his own character who wears a facade of decency while engaging in devious and treacherous behavior.

It is ironic that Iago creates negative racial prejudices against Othello's ethnicity and skin color, using terms like "Moor." In Shakespeare's time, blackness was associated with devils and damnation, as seen in quotes from plays like Hamlet and Merchant of Venice. However, it is Iago who embodies this darkness beneath the surface, while Othello's language is influenced by Iago's manipulations, as seen in phrases like "All my fond love do I blow to heaven: Tis gone!" and "Arise black vengeance from the hollow hell[...]."

"and 'O will I turn her virtue into pitch,[... ] And out of her own goodness make the net.

".. They will all be caught in this trap [..

. ]"This illustrates Iago's inhuman dominance over Othello, influencing not only his behavior but also his thoughts. This choice of words echoes Iago's profanity related to animalistic behavior, "Zounds [.

Animalistic sexual allusions are utilized to portray the immoral relationship between Othello and Desdemona, with phrases like "an old

black ram Is tupping your white ewe!" and "you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse". Furthermore, Iago's shrewdness aligns with the Machiavellian approach in numerous ways.

Despite being a servant, Iago displays superior intelligence to his master, Othello. He cunningly manipulates other characters to achieve his own goals, as demonstrated in the quote "Now, whether he [Othello] kill Cassio Or Cassio kill him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain". Iago is aware of the danger he poses and acknowledges the vulnerability of Desdemona and Othello, referring to them as "an erring Barbarian" and a "super-subtle Venetian". His deceitful tactics go beyond his usual comedic wit as he admits, "To do no contrived murder", though he is still willing to lie for his own benefit. Iago recognizes Othello's trusting nature and exploits it with the metaphor "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 th' nose As asses are". As if leading a tamed animal, Iago uses his position to lead Othello into trouble.

He compares Cassio to a captive animal, controlled to serve his own desires. Iago's use of Roderigo for personal gain and amusement also displays his malevolent nature. Although his motives are uncertain, the wickedness of his actions cannot be denied. These characteristics contradict the notion of Iago as a 'tragic hero', as his immoral behavior precludes any sense of heroism. He is a vulgar and valueless character. [Aside] "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly (simpleton) as Cassio."

At the beginning of

the play, Iago's language can be seen as a preview of his later schemes. He is a diabolical writer who uses linguistic trickery to manipulate and deceive his targets. One example of this is when he questions our sympathies for the characters he ensnares by saying, "Her eye must be fed, and what delight shall she have to look on the devil?". Here, the derogatory use of the word "fed" reflects Iago's disdain for Desdemona's sexuality. He tarnishes her reputation by using such language around Roderigo, and will later do the same to Othello. Despite his clever wordplay using literary devices like double entendre, we are left wondering about Othello's ignorance and accountability for his own tragic flaws. In his dialogue, Shakespeare employs the simile "in the womb of time" to illustrate Iago's plan taking shape and ultimately coming to fruition as he says, "Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light," thus putting Iago in complete control of the play.

Iago's portrayal as a playwright is evident through his devilish nature and artistic manipulation of power and others, as noted by Bradley in 'Seven Tragedies'. His characterisation adds to his persona as a playwright. Controlling both the characters and plot, Iago's famous line "This is the night that undoes me or makes me quite" reveals the allure of his character.

According to 'The Arden Shakespeare,' Othello and Iago have traditionally been portrayed as equals and opposites. This notion suggests that Iago's character could be considered that of the Tragic Hero, to the point where it would not be unfair to rename Shakespeare's play 'Iago' instead of 'Othello'. Like a hero, Iago possesses positive traits such

as intellect, wit, and self-sufficiency, as well as revealing his character to the audience through his soliloquies. However, his tragically flawed and negative behavior ultimately dispels any notion of him being a hero and serves as a warning to the audience.

Rather than being the tragic hero, Othello is spurred to tragedy by Iago, who represents his 'bad half' and potentially even serves as his own 'fatal flaw'. Despite recognizing Othello's "free and honest nature", Iago manipulates and exploits his vulnerabilities for personal gain. Ultimately, it is the raw power of Iago's words that simultaneously repel and captivate the audience, rendering him one of the play's most intriguing figures.