Othello

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Recommended: Analysis the character of Othello

Othello

In Othello by William Shakespeare, the villain Iago has many motives for ruining the lives of Othello, Cassio, Desdemona, and Roderigo. They include jealousy, fears of infidelity, greed, and his anger at being passed on for a promotion. These passionate motives drives Iago, turning him into one of the most evil of villains Shakespeare has created.

Roderigo a solider in Othello’s army and once a courtier of Othello’s wife Desdemona is under Iago’s spell from the beginning. Iago’s manipulates him into aggravating Cassio, Iago’s rival and into giving him all his money to sway Desdemona. Iago tells Roderigo to,

“ But, sir, be you ruled by me: I have brought you up from Venice. Watch you tonight; for the command, I’ll lay’t upon you. Cassio knows you not. I’ll not be far from you: do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking to loud, or tainting his discipline; or from what other course you please, which the time shall more favorably minister. “ (Pg. 673)

Roderigo does this for Iago promises it will make him look good in front of Desdemona. Iago needs to make Cassio suffer and manipulates Roderigo to do it by playing on Roderigo’s desire for Desdemona. Iago also uses Roderigo for his money as well as helping his evil plans,

“ Roderigo: I am changed: I’ll go sell all my land. Exit.

Iago: Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; For I mine own gain’d knowledge should profane,

If I would time expend with such a snipe, But for my sport and profit. “ (Pg. 665)

Simply put Iago explains that if it wasn’t for his plans and his desire for money he would have nothing to do with a fool like Roderigo.

Iago’s motives when it comes to Desdemona are quite the same. He uses the young girl as the object of Cassio’s desire to upset Othello. Iago also professes his love for the girl but not as a sexual object but as an object to be used to exact his revenge upon Othello.

“ Now, I do love her too; Not out of absolute lust, though peradventure I stand accountant for as a great sin, But partly led to diet my revenge,. “ (Pg. 674)

Desdemona is the major party in Iago’s plan for revenge against Othello. She is so important that Iago confesses his love for her, because of her importance.

Cassio is a biting thorn in the side of Iago.

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