Iago as a Character in Othello :: essays papers

Iago as a Character in Othello Perhaps the most interesting and alien character in the tragic play Othello, by William Shakespeare, is fair(a) Iago. by dint of some carefully thought-out words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others to do things in a way that benefits him and moves him closer toward his goals. He is the main driving pull in in this play, pushing Othello and incessantlyyone else towards their tragic end. Iago is not your ordinary villain. The role he plays is rather unique and complex, far from what one might expect. Iago is smart. He is an ripe judge of people and their characters and uses this to his advantage. For example, he knows Roderigo is in love with Desdemona and figures that he would do anything to have her as his own. Iago says about Roderigo, Thus do I ever make my fool my purse. Act I, Scene III, path 355 By playing on his hopes, Iago is able to swindle money and jewels from Roderigo, making himself a substantial profit, turn using Roderigo to introductory his other goals. He also thinks quick on his feet and is able to improvise whenever something unexpected occurs. When Cassio takes hold of Desdemonas hand before the stretch of the Moor Othello, Iago says, With as little a web as this volition I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Act II, Scene I, Line 163 His cunning and craftiness make him a authentically dastardly villain indeed. Being as smart as he is, Iago is quick to recognize the advantages of trust and uses it as a tool to transport his purposes. Throughout the story he is commonly known as, and commonly called, Honest Iago. He even says of himself, I am an honest man.... Act II, Scene III, Line 245 Trust is a very powerful emotion that is easily abused. Othello, holds him substantially/The better shall Iagos purpose work on him. pg. 1244, Line 362 Iago is a overtop of abuse in this case turning peoples trust in him into tools to forward his own goals. His medcine wo rks Thus credulous fools are caught.... pg. 1284, Line 44 Iago late poisons peoples thoughts, creating ideas in their heads