Iago's Role in Othello

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How powerful and credible is Iago?s role in Othello? Use literary criticism to inform your opinion. Possibly being one of the most despicable characters that Shakespeare has ever drawn up, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions and therefore this questions his credibility within the play. Douthat, Ross, Stewart and Adam (August 2001, former Harvard University students and writers of the ?SparkNote on Othello?) claim that ?In the first scene, he [Iago] claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.e. 7?32). At the end of Act I, scene iii, Iago says he thinks Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia: ?It is thought abroad that ?twixt my sheets / He has done my office? (I.iii.369?370)?. This suggests two of the main reasons why Iago might hate Othello but it does not explain his deep hatred and loathing of him. It seems that Iago does not reveal his true reasons behind the hatred of Othello or that he does not have one. This, then, interferes with Iago?s characteristics of being a clever, cunning and specific in what he wants and does. Another flaw in the play that can be used to question Iago's credibility is his actual ability to persuade and manipulate Othello. ?Iago, the protagonist is yes evil but yet fascinating. His methods of deception when planting the, ?seeds of poison,? into Othello?s mind are astounding, how he can make an experienced man of the world (although granted he is not experienced in the ways of women, a factor Iago plays upon) believe a shallow and very unstable lie is amazing?? (Charlie Clough, Dec 2002). This could advocate two things: Iago must have an amazing ability to manipulate and persuade other people (though this astonishing ability is put to use without a main purpose) or Othello, despite our early impressions of him, is gullible and irresponsible with his opinion so we begin to question whether Othello is worthy of his title and position.

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