Shakespeare’s Iago as the Fallen Angel Lucifer in Othello
Often, plays and novels have a character that embodies a great evil that creates conflict in the literary work. Driven by an intolerable craving for evil, Iago secures the crown as the worst Shakespearean villain. Throughout much of Othello, he is hopeless and lacks self satisfaction; through his raging jealousy and masterful technique, Iago sets out to wreak havoc in the play. Iago’s most deceiving quality is his ability to act as one’s most loyal servant while constructing a deadly plot to obliterate those he serves. In Othello, Shakespeare constructs Iago as the fallen angel Lucifer in disguise through his ability to control and manipulate his world like puppets in a play.
Shakespeare…show more content… Throughout much of the play, Iago is unhappy with his circumstances: his position in the government and his marriage. Iago is compelled to corroborate his idealized self image, which has been endangered both by his own disappointment and by the success of others. Iago’s envy shines through as he says, “he hath beauty in his life that makes me ugly” (Shakespeare). In order to achieve his desired goals, Iago must annihilate those who weaken his self-confidence; Iago must sabotage Cassio’s happiness in order to boost his confidence. As a sadist that views people as miserable as he is, Iago draws others into his world of suffering in order to alleviate his own pain (Rabkin). In comparison, Lucifer also finds joy in tempting innocent souls on Earth in revenge against God. Iago’s joy as his plan so effortlessly evolves both from a delight in evil for its own sake and Iago’s desire to feel powerful and appreciated by others. However, the weight of hopelessness Iago feels “arises out of the unconscious realization of an unbridgeable gap between the individual’s actual self and his falsely elaborated view of what he believes himself to be” (Rabkin). Because Iago previously envisioned his future with unrealistic power and an unattainable position of authority, his lack of success triggers empty feelings of hopelessness and anger inside of him. These feelings of disappointment continue to distress Iago; unfortunately, he takes this pain and afflicts it on others in order to assuage his feelings of