Othello by William Shakespeare

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Recommended: Iago's role in Othello

Iago capitalizes on Othello’s naivety and virtue to get revenge on him. In act one, Othello is described as a character that is “far more fair than black” (I.iii.289). He is a man that has only been exposed to the hardship of war as he says, “Till now some nine moons wasted, they have us’d / Their dearest action in the tented fields” (I.iii.84-85). He admits he has little experience with the world as he explains to his audience, “Rude am I in my speech/ And little blses’d with the soft phrases of speech” (I.iii.81-82). Without hesitation Iago makes Othello’s good traits negative. He reassures Rodergio that Othello has no guidance in the world, and with his virtuous nature, he trusts anyone. Iago says, “The Moor is of free and open nature” (I.iii.399). Without further ado Iago points out how such a lovely trait can something awful by explaining that Othello “Thinks men honest that by seem to be/And will as tenderly be led by th’nos/As asses are” (I.iii.400-402). Iago’s acknowledgement of Othello’s naivety proves true when Othello characterizes Iago as “most honest” (II.iii.7). Iago p...

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