The Role Of Iago's Motives In Othello

One can argue that in Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, Iago has no real motives except malice for his actions. I agree with this statement as Iago’s so-called reasons for his revenge do not in any way justify his actions.

In the play Iago refers to Othello as “the Moor” never once saying his name thus showing the level of respect he has for Othello. He also refers to Othello as “an old black ram”, emphasising that he regards Othello to be as low as an animal. One can see that throughout the play from beginning to end many refer to Iago as “honest Iago”, believing they can trust him. He instead uses all the information he receives to plot against them. He is a cunning and manipulative person, leading them to all be “as tenderly led by the nose as asses”.

Iago feels that he is superior and therefore manipulates people to caring about ones feelings.

And all of the characters in the play slowly become entwined in his plan and one by one they all die with the exception of Cassio. Emilia who in the beginning of the play trusts her husband enough to hand him the handkerchief that was dropped by Desdemona eventually realises what a monster he truly is and dies asking Othello to “lay her by her mistresses side.” Desdemona is an innocent character as even though she knows that Othello is going to murder her she does not do anything but instead accepts her fate.

After Desdemona dies Othello curses himself for allowing the “green-eyed monster” to ensnare his “body and soul”. He stabs Iago claiming that he does not want him to die but instead wants him to suffer until he is begging to die thus reinforcing that Iago’s plan ruins many lives and in the end one asks the question does goodness really conquer