Iago In Othello

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IShakespeare’s Othello is a quiet a twisted love story. The story slowly spirals from the high point in the noble Othello’s life to the point where he commits suicide. The tragedy is all put into play by Iago, the wretched villain fueled by hate and the need for power. Unfortunately, this is where most readers view of Iago stops. In Shakespeare's play Othello, the character Iago is not just a jealous manic, but a man of many skills and power showing that he would have been better suited to be general than Othello himself. When the play is closely analysed, Iago shows many qualities Othello does not. As portrayed as the terrible villain, these qualities are wrongly overlooked. Iago is a master of wearing many faces. Multiple times throughout…show more content…
The last line “I am not what I am” really sums up what Iago wants his image to portray. Iago thinks with every move he makes. For his grand plan to work, Iago needs Othello’s trust despite trying to take him down. He does this using his previous reputation with Othello as he says “Iago is most honest.” (2.3.7) despite Iago previously insulting Othello saying “The Moor is of a free and open nature, that thinks men are honest that only seem to be so; and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.” (1.3.334-339). Iago displays extreme control in not letting his image portray his true feelings and thoughts allowing him to position himself advantageously up until the moment he can take down Othello. This is a valuable skill that really shows the wits of Iago and is an example of the level of thinking he is on compared to Othello. Othello blindly trust Iago not even suspecting that he could have hurt him in any way by appointing Cassio as…show more content…
This skill is particularly frightening as it seems like Iago is controlling the minds of his enemies to get exactly what he wants. How he got Cassio drunk was a great example of this. When Cassio refuses to drink to celebrate Othello, Iago’s quick tongue saves his plan. He says “Oh, they are our friends. But one cup. I’ll drink for you.” (2.3.32) Cassio recalls the quality of the only one drink he has had but still refuses. Iago quickly gets Cassio to cave by saying “What, man, ’tis a night of revels! The gallants desire it.” (2.3.37). Iago guilt trips Cassio into drinking by making him not want to disappoint his friends. Iago even pushes it by vary lightly insulting Cassio’s manliness. Iago goes on and sells it even more signing to seal the deal. Brilliantly, Iago still remains in good fortune in his relationship with Cassio even after admitting That Cassio was drunk when he fought with Montano. He didn’t force Cassio to drink and instead used his great speaking skills to lure Cassio to get exactly what he wanted. Another use of smart manipulation was how he got Othello to believe in Cassio and Desdemona having an affair. Othello seems to trust Desdemona. He seems to believe that Desdemona truly loves him and supports him. Then Iago plants seeds of doubt in Othello's heart and mind. He accuses Desdemona of having an affair with Cassio and then, subtly points out that
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