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Iago is arguably the most interesting character in the play. For this paper, analyze his motives (passionate) for doing what he does to Othello and to the other characters in the play. Is it thwarted ambition, sexual jealousy, or pure spite? Does he articulate a clear philosophy to explain his behavior (what does he mean when he says “I am not what I am”)? Does class identity play a part in his cynicism?
Love and Passions topics
4-5 pages
Othello, William Shakespeare
Explanation & Answer
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Othello
Iago is William Shakespeare’s Othello’s villain. However, the motives behind his actions
remain quite unclear. There might be numerous possibilities regarding the reasons behind Iago’s
betrayal of the superior Othello. One questions whether he was envious of the status Othello
held, or he had merely planned to destroy him for his individual enjoyment. Since the onset of
the play, Iago marks it apparent that he possesses no passion or love for Othello, the heading
character. The latter can be seen since the opening argument between Iago and Roderigo, where
Iago asserts that his rage originates from the point that Othello superseded him in relation to
promotion while Othello made Cassio the lieutenant, although Cassio lacked any military field
experience like Iago. As such, Iago’s actions towards other characters are driven by an
underlying premise.
While Iago’s anger towards Othello seems justified, Iago later reveals what is known to
Roderigo. In scene 3, towards the end of the first Act, Iago divulges may be the actual nature of
the hatred he has towards Othello when he thinks, “I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that
'twixt my sheets. He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that
kind, Will do as if for surety”(). From the soliloquy, it seems there are ...
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