Theme Of Revenge In Othello

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William Shakespeare’s Othello is a play of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. Iago, the antagonist of the play, is considered to be one of Shakespeare’s most evil characters. This title is given to him basically by everyone who reads this play. Iago actions were consistently the actions of a man with little remorse or compassion towards the parties involved. Throughout the play, Iago lacks a clear, justified motive for his actions. Without a solid motive, the only thing to trigger an act of evil is embedded within the character himself. The cause of Iago’s motivation can be seen from the very beginning of the play. He provides the readers with a number of clues to the motives for his actions. There have been many arguments as to what drove Iago to take such actions upon the people close to him. It could be the jealousy he felt towards Othello after Cassio was given a military rank which Iago was looked over for and also that Iago was
“I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets/ He has done my office. I know not if’t be true; / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, / Will do as if for surety” (Shakespeare 1.2.370-375). Iago uses the word “hate” toward Othello. As the play progresses you can tell that the relationship between Iago and Othello is decaying simply because Othello did not promote Iago. With this new issue, Iago believes that Othello is sleeping with his wife even though he does not have any physical evidence. But as we can see the suspicion alone is enough to convince him. Iago’s trust for Othello has just completely went away after feeling betrayed, so he feels that his suspicion must be justified and have worth. Iago is so distressed by the thought of Emilia sleeping with Othello that he accused Emilia of the act. He accuses her of adultery. With this suspicion, Iago decides it is time to take

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