Examples Of Iago In Othello The Moor Of Venice

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“Iago’s Image” In William Shakespeare’s “Othello, the Moor of Venice”, we observe several different characters to include the Moor himself; however, Othello’s trusted and loyal ensign Iago continually surfaces as somewhat of the play’s director that holds a generalized hate with the world (Web.b.ebscohost.com.bethelu.idm.oclc.org, 2015). Consequently, Iago uses his very strategic skills to manipulate and control people’s emotion for his personal gain. Iago, also known as “honest Iago”, is initially presented as being direct and truthful, when in fact his actions are not consistent with his reputation (Bevington, 2014). Ultimately, throughout Shakespeare’s masterpiece we see Iago pretend to befriend, manipulate, create chaos, and eventually kill people by gaining their trust. This type of behavior is what classifies Iago as the villain in this tragedy. Although Iago …show more content…

Iago convinces Roderigo that this is a foolish idea and that he will help him win Desdemona’s heart. Iago directs Roderigo to sell everything he owns and give him all his money for this service (Bevington, 2014, Act 1, Scene 356-83). Shakespeare enables the reader to view the motives of Iago in this monologue, “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; for I mine own gained knowledge should profane if I would time expend with such a snipe, but for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor; and it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets he’s done my office. I know not if’t be true; but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do as if for surety. He holds me well” (Bevington, 2014, Act 1, Scene 3, 384-91). Iago expresses in this thought that he is accustomed to preying on the weak and foolish therefore believing he is intelligently superior. He also believes that it would be a waste of his time if he did not profit from his acts in some way. Additionally, Iago’s selfish motives are expressed as hate for Othello because true or not, he believes that Othello has had an affair with Iago’s wife

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