Vile Villains In Shakespeare's Othello

Society perceives the ‘vilest of villains’ to be those who exploit and harm others without sympathy or reason. It is these nefarious and psychopathic attributes that constitute societal perceptions of what defines and dichotomizes a vile villain from a villain. These perspectives of villainy are altered through the representation and complexity of the villain in texts, allowing the composer to challenge reader’s views on where characters actions place them on the broad spectrum of villainy. This is apparent in William Shakespeare’s Othello, where the representation of evil in society is explored.

Truly vile villains are those who cause pain to others without remorse. This attribute is one that is achieved through primal instincts that render them incapable to comprehend morals and empathy. However, in Othello the protagonist- Iago, shows a profound understanding of these emotions, using this knowledge of the human condition to exploit individuals perceived strengths and emotions for his own rapacious ambitions. This is highlighted throughout the play, where Shakespeare displays Iago’s meticulously strategic language choices that transform Brabantio’s love of his daughter – Desdemona, into a violent hatred for Othello. This occurs when he is abruptly woken at night to be informed of the “beast with two backs” that is defiling his daughter like a “barberry horse.” This animalistic and dehumanising language, emotionally charged with

However, it is Iago’s incorporation of truth that causes the subjugation of Brabantio’s mind as