Othello Essay -- essays research papers

One of the most interesting and exotic characters in the tragic play "Othello," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. At first glance, Iago seems to be the sum of "motiveless malignity." However, despite Iagos unquestionable malignancy, the motivation behind his actions lie more than in Iagos quest for personal gain, as opposed to just being evil for evils sake. Iagos rapacity can be validated by examining his handling of Roderigo, Cassio and, most importantly, Othello. Iagos main interest is the destruction of Othello. The reason being that Othello has elect another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command, preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iagos fabricated accusations of adultery and his continuant racism, cause Iago to despise the kindly moor, and shortly thereafter, begin to conspire against him. Because Iago is frequently too smart to immediately kill Othello, he proceeds with the expectant process of dismantling him emotion ally. Iago also knows that he must distance himself from each of the harrowing occurrences that transpire, so he cleverly gets other people to do his dirty work. The first to fall victim to Iagos illiberal manipulation, is the half-witted Roderigo. Iago knows Roderigo is consumed by lust for Desdemona, and would do anything to pull ahead her his own. Iago tells Roderigo that the only way to win Desdemonas love, is to make money to procure gifts for her. "...put money in thy purse.." (Act 1,...