The Character of Iago in Shakespeares Othello Essay

The Character of Iago The old clichà © One bad apple ruins the bunch is what enters ones mind when discussing the villainous, deceitful, protagonist Iago in Shakespeares tragedy Othello. It is amazing how one person alone can completely destroy, or deteriorate a group of good natured, trusting, loyal peoples lives in a matter of days- three to be exact. What is the motive behind Iagos heinous, selfish acts, one may ask? A rather obvious theme in the Shakespeares tragedy, Othello, is that of the many facets of jealousy, which instigate the evil-doings of protagonist, Iago. Jealousy can be best defined, in the thinking of Renaissance, as a derivative or compounded passion. It is a species of envy, which is in turn†¦show more content†¦Iagos motive behind his evil plot against Othello all starts when Othello chooses Cassio as his Lieutenant, which leaves Iago feeling as if someone stole his glory. Even further, Iagos jealousy is deepened by Othellos accomplishments and role he holds wit hin his state. We are told that he [Othello] is of noble birth, that war and adventures have been his nurses, that he may be considered a [Moorish] barbarian and yet that the Venetian state has found him so valuable in action, that he cannot be expelled no matter what offense may be found in him (Jorgensen 25). This alone makes Iago surpass any sort of admiration of Othello, for it only feeds his jealousy and envy. Iago is infuriated and retaliates by making Othello question the degree of his wifes faithfulness. At last Othello is moved. Iago sees that is poisonous words are beginning to have an effect and knows better than to enlarge up the ideas that are already planted in Othellos mind-his own imagination will accomplish more...(Charney 213). The deceit has set in. Cassio and Iagos relationship, much like all of Iagos relationships, is based on an evil web of even more lies and jealous acts. Cassio is a true gentleman, and his way of life is a contrast and an irritation to Iago (Leone 73). Iago proclaims, He hath a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly. Iago plots to use handsome, charming,Show MoreRelated The Character of Iago in Shakespeares Othello Essay1620 Words   |  7 PagesThe Character of Iago in Othello   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In the play Othello, the character Iago plays a paramount role in the destruction of Othello and all of those around him.   Some critics state that Iagos actions are motiveless and that he is a purely evil character.   However, during the course of this paper, certain motives for Iagos actions will be discussed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For the first motive to be understood the reader must become knowledgeable of Othellos heritage and the setting of the play.  Read More The Character of Iago in Shakespeares Othello Essay1865 Words   |  8 PagesThe Character of Iago in Othello      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   No one has ever failed to appreciate the skilled art with which Shakespeare has defined the characters of his plays; great and small alike, their distinctiveness, their dignity, their misery, and their integrity are captured and displayed.   In particular the depiction of certain characters in Othello have been universally acclaimed.   Identified by many scholars as one of Shakespeare great tragedies, along with Hamlet, Macbeth, and King Lear,Read More Shakespeares Othello - The Character of Iago Essay840 Words   |  4 PagesThe Character of Iago      Ã‚   In Othello, by William Shakespeare, one of the most intriguing characters is Iago. 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