Othello: Iago's Soliloquies and Intentions

Iago’s Soliloquies and Intentions

In every play there is at least one character that jumps of the page and begs for your attention. In The Tragedy of Othello by William Shakespeare this character is Iago. Iago is a devious man, liar, manipulator, and psychopath. It seems as though in the world of Shakespeare there is always consent power struggles throughout almost all his plays (list several examples) However, to me the most interesting of all of these, is in the play Othello. Where Iago seeks revenge on an unknowing Othello. Iago Othello’s trusted ensign betrays him in the most deceitful ways. One would conclude that Iago would have motive behind his ruthless and elaborate plans. My theory is that Iago had committed these moral crimes for power and psychopathic reasons for sport. He displayed his power over Othello by proving to himself that he could in fact exploit those around him, and distort what they believed to be true. We will look into Iago’s soliloquies; dissect them and discover his plans.

Iago, the obvious villain in this love story gone array shows his true colors from the very begin of the play. Iago speaking with Roderigo in act I tells Roderigo that “I know my price; I am worth no worse a place” speaking about himself in a conceited way; referring to a promotion to luntenit that was not given to him but instead to Cassio. Iago later confesses that he only follows Othello so he can turn on him "I follow him to serve my turn upon him." Iago in upset after several years of service he wasn’t promoted but instead it was Cassio who receives the promotion (Give several quotes) Iago seems to want to hide under reasons and excuses behind his action. The dastardly villain makes it clear that he isn’t just immoral; he...

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...l prepared provides this “proof”.

In his soliloquies he sometimes refers to himself as a villain “ and what is he then I play

the villain”

In the end of the play it seems as thought Iago is the victor, he got his way. He successfully conviced Othello that Desdemona was unfaithful to him, so much so that Othello kills his innocent wife. Iago receives his title of lieutint, and his revenge against Othello. Iago throughout the play uses his manipulation of words to destroy those around him. In the end his plan was unveiled, however it was too late the deeds were done. Iago has the last laugh, his gift of language he keeps to himself "Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word." He laughs knowing that he will never give the others the staifaction of knowing why he did this. Evil is triumphant at the end of Othello.