Why Does Iago Hate Othello

Iago is the only character in Othello that directly addresses the audience. Due to this, there is a connection between the audience and Iago that doesn’t exist with any other character in the play. Furthermore, “Iago speaks directly to the audience about how he is about to fool the characters around him. By doing so, he acknowledged the audience as equally intelligent, and not as gullible as Othello”(Beier 6). The connection is even stronger because Iago acknowledges the audience as equally intelligent. While Iago’s intentions are undoubtedly evil, he seems to be far more intelligent and cunning than the characters around him. This makes Iago more fascinating because he is able to almost effortlessly fool those around him. The characters around

Iago does give reasons, such as his suspicion of Othello having a sexual relationship with his wife and how Cassio undeservingly received a promotion over him. He gives these reasons to try to justify his actions, and appear good to the audience. However, “The audience learns with terror that he does not know if Othello has cuckolded him, but he will act as if he is sure” (Beier 6). Iago lacks a good reason to hate Othello as much as he does. Readers will contemplate whether or not the reasons Iago had for hating Othello are true reasons, if there is something else motivating him, or if there was no motive at all. Iago’s motivations are a mystery to the reader, and this ultimately makes him more

Everyone experiences emotions such as anger and jealousy, though acting upon these emotions doesn’t happen as often. We as humans will generally suppress thoughts of acting upon emotions to avoid consequences. Instead, most fantasize about what they would do if they could get away with it. When we read of evil characters in literature, although we may not agree with their actions, part of us envies them for acting upon their emotions despite the consequences. Iago is one such character. Iago is jealous that Cassio is promoted over him, and he also suspects that Othello had sex with his wife. Iago does not suppress the urge to act, and he devises an evil plot against Othello which he does carry out successfully. While readers may not agree with all of Iago’s actions, they can still admire his willingness to