Iago Motivation In Othello

Iago in William Shakespear’s play “Othello” offers a precise explanation; Iago is a hateful, havoc seeking manipulator who holds several motives behind destroying several lives. From the beginning of the play, the reader is captivated by Iago’s character of a villain. In the beginning of the play it is revealed to the reader through the conversation between Iago and Rodriguez that Iago loathes Othello because he was not assigned the position of Lieutenant. However, it seems as the story progresses, more factors come into play regarding his hate towards Othello. He reveals another motive in a soliloquy; that he despises Othello because he slept with his wife. Furthermore, Iago 's hate towards Othello could also be attributed to Othello 's African

Iago’s vast knowledge and understanding of humanistic behaviour is the greatest contributor to his most prominent characteristic, which is his ability to easily manipulate others around time. This is first seen in several areas of his first soliloquy during a conversation between him and Roderigo. It is through the first part of Iago’s soliloquy that the audience can see his true character. He is aware how easily he can manipulate Roderigo (the fool) into giving him money. It is clear that when he exclaims, "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (##) that Iago is accustomed to manipulating people when there is money involved. It is ironic that Rodrigo believes Iago is there to support him however in reality his thoughts include "For I mine own knowledge should profane if I would expend with such a snipe but for my sport and profit". (##) This demonstrates his sense of self-centredness knowing he would not waste his time Roderigo unless there was something he could get out of

Iago feels that he is more competent as Casio is nothing more than “a great arithmetician”, whereas he claims to be more worthy of this position which was indicated in the first solliquy when he suggested “I of whom his eyes had seen the proof at Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds". At this point, the audience begins to question if this is the real reason Iago sets out to destroy Othello. He strongly believes that it is injustice done to him by the Moor when he did not receive the lieutenant position he deserves