Othello vs. Iago

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Recommended: Analysis of the character of Othello

In this thesis I will explain the reasonings behind Iago . Iago is obviously the "bad apple" in this book and I will explain several reasons for this behavior.
Iago is the whole reason there is any conflict in Othello. If he never had entered the play Othello would have married Desdemona and they would have lived happily ever after. Right from the beginning of the play to the very end he causes conflicts. He is directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of: Othello Desdemona, Emilia, Cassio, and Roderigo. In the very beginning of Act 1 Iago displays his hatred for Othello. He is angry at him for making Cassio the lieutenant. He then tells Roderigo that Othello and Desdemona are getting married. The two of them then go tell Desdemona's father, Brabantio, that Othello and his daughter had gotten eloped. This infuriates Brabantio. Soon after Brabantio gets a gang after Othello. Iago's treachery is first displayed hear. Iago was the person who insighted the whole ordeal.

As soon as everyone arrives in Cyprus, Iago puts his plan in effect. He gets Roderigo to believe that Cassio and Desdemona are in love. This is a very significant part in showing Iago's evil. He gets Roderigo to develop a hatred for Cassio who just happens to be a victim of circumstance. He gets Cassio drunk then has Roderigo provoke a fight. Soon after Cassio stabs a man named Montano. Othello comes out and dismisses Cassio from lieutenancy.

Iago is still not satisfied with his treachery. He still wants to be lieutenant. He convinces Cassio to arrange a meeting to talk with Desdemona about re-instating him as lieutenant. Cassio doesn't really know why Iago wants him to meet with Desdemona. At the end of this act Cassio says: "I never knew a Florentine more kind and honest." This line shows Cassio is not in the wrong, Iago is masterminding all of it. Othello sees Cassio talk with Desdemona and Iago comments on how that is suspicious.

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