Iago Essays & Research Papers

Iago of "Othello" What makes a good villain? What qualities make one villain stand out from another? Is it their demeanor, ruthlessness, or the methods that they employ to accomplish their tasks? In any case, a great villain must leave the reader with a respect for their methods and a question about their motives. In Shakespeare's Othello, there is one character in Iago that fulfills all of these qualifications. Iago is a wonderful villain because he gains other's trust, relentlessly takes...

 The Villain from Venice Would you kill the love of your life if someone told you she was cheating on you? In the play, “Othello” that is exactly what happens when a husband is deceived into thinking his wife is cheating on him. The play, “Othello” is set in Cyprus and Venice. In the play, Iago attempts to destroy the marriage of Othello and Desdemona. Iago is a villain, who will not stop until he sees Othello utterly ruined and him in his place. Honesty is one of the...

Iago’s Secret Side One cannot have a successful story without a villain. A villain helps to create conflict and a plot between characters, this is what builds a successful story. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago makes the perfect villain. With careful analysis, Iagos soliloquies let us know the hidden parts of him that none of the other characters know; he lets one into his mind, reveling his twisted thoughts and plans to ruin Othello’s life. Without the villainous role of...

Arguably, Shakespeare’s Othello and Iago are similar characters, as both play a huge role in the plot, end up in the same place, neither really gain anything, and but both lose their whole lives. The difference between the two is Othello had no malignant intent and accidently ruined his life, whereas Iago’s actions were deliberately virulent. Additionally, while people view Othello as imprudent and too rash, many see Iago’s puppetry of the different characters of his small society in order to...

English 201 March 15, 2014 Iago’s Manipulation Granted the play is named Othello, but it is the character of Iago that progresses the action within this play, Iago, the antagonist and his negative character traits transpire throughout the play. Iago is the master of manipulation who maliciously plotted to ruin several of the character’s lives. All of the major characters become pawns and eventually victims of Iago’s treacherous plot....

Motivation drives many people to overcome tasks and obstacles in their lives. It can also help people get through a hard time or reach a goad. Samuel Smiles said that “With will one can do anything.” This just shows how even the most farfetched ideas can eventually become true with impulse. Iago does exactly that when he bring down Othello, his captain. Iago’s plan to destroy Othello’s reputation stems the protection of his own, the belief in rumors, and revenge. As Iago’s plan begins to take...

Othello Review Venue: The Helix, Dublin. Second Age Theatre Company. Overview of Othello: This drama is one of the great tragedy themed plays by William Shakespeare. Othello is a highly esteemed general in the service of Venice. Iago is Othello's ambitious friend. Othello promotes the Michael Cassio to the position of personal lieutenant and Iago is deadly jealous. Iago begins an evil and malicious campaign against the hero. Othello elopes with Desdemona but Iago starts to plot against...

The character of Iago in William Shakespeare’s Othello is a villan in the play, as both the narrator and the primary instigator of change throughout the text. Iago plays a very important role in the tragedy. He poisons others’ thoughts, creates ideas in their heads. His ability to manipulate others, to find others’ weakness and to use other people are three important aspects that reveal his true nature and influence his interactions with other important characters. Iago’s attitude toward all...

Iago is a soldier who has fought beside Othello for several years, and has become his trusted advisor. He speaks very differently towards different people; for example when talking to Roderigo he presents hatred towards Othello, whereas when he is beside Othello, threatens Roderigo by raising his sword. Sly and cunning Iago uses language as his weapon by turning people against each other with a mere sentence. He deviously becomes Othello’s trusted servant, whereas in reality the audience know...

Marcus Astesana British & World Literature February 18, 2012 In the play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, the antagonist Iago manipulates other characters. He makes them act in ways that benefits his plan of destroying Othello by making him believe that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with his lieutenant, Michael Cassio. In the beginning of the play, Roderigo who is in love with Othello’s wife, Desdemona, comes to Iago for help. Iago manipulates Roderigo by promising...

Evil is Iago Shakespeare’s Othello, concludes with arguably one of the most tragic endings to a play anyone has ever written. In this final scene, the deceptive Iago is revealed as the villain responsible for Othello’s desperate act. Although Iago’s deceptive persona is finally unveiled here, he refuses to offer any justification for his evil deeds. Despite Othello’s demand for an explanation, and treats of torture, Iago maintains an immovable silence. Like Lodovico, audiences and critics...

The play Othello, by William Shakespeare, is best understood if looked at in a psychoanalytic view. The reader is introduced to Iago at the beginning at the play just as he is explaining to his friend Rodrigo, why he pretends to like the noble Moor of Venice; Othello. It has become evident to the reader by this point of the dishonest and deceitful friendship shared between Iago and Othello, on Iago’s part. Iago states, “I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all...

Mask Essay Iago The character I chose for my essay is Iago. I chose him because he is like one of the main characters in the story Othello. Iago has many character traits that he displays during the story. One trait that he has is that Iago is very sneaky. He plays a close friend to Othello in the story. But once Othello gives Cassio the lieutenant position, Iago angers and turns on Othello. “Oh, sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. This quote shows that Iago is now...

The character of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello is unique in the fact that he has no conscience. Iago is the prime example of being a villain, as he lives only to serve himself and has absolute disdain and unconcern for the welfare of others. While what Shakespeare says about the ideal of man is that it is in man’s nature to yearn toward Heaven and to pursue the Good; Iago is unique among his villains because he has no operating conscience. The main characteristics of Iago are that he is...

 Title: The Silence of Iago Author(s): Daniel Stempel Publication Details: PMLA 84.2 (Mar. 1969): p252-263. Source: Shakespearean Criticism. Ed. Dana Ramel Barnes. Vol. 35. Detroit: Gale Research, 1997. p252-263. From Literature Resource Center. Document Type: Critical essay Bookmark: Bookmark this Document Full Text: COPYRIGHT 1997 Gale Research, COPYRIGHT 2007 Gale, Cengage Learning [In the essay below, Stempel examines Iago's motives and the irrationality of evil which, the critic...

Nicholas French Monday November 5th 2012 Ms. Waddell Othello Essay: Is There Textual Proof of Iago Being a Psychopath The character of Iago in Shakespeare’s “Othello” is fascinating; Shakespeare’s genius has created in Iago a truly evil and in the end despicable man. He has the dubious honour for being a main character, an antagonist too, in one of Shakespeare’s blood soaked tragedies and actually surviving the experience. A genius villain whose machinations and trickery brought about...

A remorseless and cruel man with a heart of stone manipulates good natured people into becoming insane. Iago, the puppet master, creates madness throughout the entire novel. He convicted many persuasive scandals in order to satisfy no one but himself. Madness, Manipulation, and Mendacious are some qualities to describe the main antagonist, Iago, in the play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare. Iagos madness plays a very important role in this play, in fact if it weren’t for Iago’s madness and...

Virshaun Grant Into to Literature May 8th 2012 Iago the Antagonist Usually in any story or a lot of stories there is an antagonist who plays an important role that may sometimes be mischievous or compelling to act against another character or characters. In the play “Othello”, Iago ends up being a very witty antagonist who entraps many characters into his games of winning the love of Desdemona. He works against Othello by attempting to destroy him mentally, since Othello isn’t that...

In William Shakespeare's play "Othello", we learn about the dramatic contribution of the antagonistic character Iago, who through his manipulative and hypocritical qualities satisfied his insatiable desire for revenge, and showed his constant deception of the entire cast. Iago is incredibly manipulative. He seems to be aware of how those around him will act and react to certain events. Iago is a smart man who knows that he has to plan ahead in order to get to where he wants to be. He is jealous...

How does the director use the following six filmic elements to convey a sexual view of the Othello-Iago-Desdemona relationship? Oliver Parker uses a range of elements in Othello to convey a sexual view on Othello, Iago and Desdemona’s relationship in the very important armoury scene. Parker uses the positioning of characters and camera angles to show the emotions and insights of what the characters are feeling. The actor’s use of facial expressions and body language also show how the...

Analysis of Character: Iago By Chelsea Adams In Othello, written by William Shakespeare, Iago is a scheming main character that creates conflict within Venetian Society. The noble Moor, Othello, is cunningly tricked by the sly and deceptive Iago who is very much motivated by jealousy. With these plans for destruction we see an utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions and with Iago being one of the most heinous and mysterious character we meet, we see much character analysis...

Iago uses the Elizabethan views and stereotypes to manipulate Othello to do his bidding. Iago assumes that Othello is insecure due to his ethnic heritage, and uses this to his advantage. Iago himself is influenced by the context--the Elizabethan society. While Iago is correct of Othello’s insecurity, it is because of the attitudes towards Blackamoors during the Elizabethan era that Othello was insecure itself. There is evidence that there were a considerable number of black people in England in...

Iago of Othello William Shakespeare began writing tragedies because he believed the plots used by other English writers were lacking artistic purpose and form. He used the fall of a notable person as the main focus of his tragedies (Tragic Hero) developed through the characterization of his pivotal characters correlated with a common theme or a controlling idea. His play Othello, written in approximately 1604 displays this style with the theme of human nature, its being of...

Sometimes there are people who are so evil and deceitful one can just feel dirty. Listening to them talk, hearing their words, and seeing their actions just makes one’s skin crawl. During the reading and the viewing of Othello it doesn’t take long to get this feeling about Iago. He is such manipulative, self-serving, and dishonest person; making it obvious he would be a man with a personality disorder. A narcissist is one who is only concerned about one’s self, manipulative, and will use...

Shakespeare employs a variety of language, dramatic and theatrical techniques in shaping my understanding of the rather enigmatic yet definitely Machiavellian, character of Iago. Shakespeare reveals him to be a cunning and conniving exploiter and manipulator of other characters who become caught in his web of lies, deceit and evil schemes. Iago is forever the cold, calculating pragmatist who is cynical about anything associated with goodness, such as love, virtue, reputation and honour. Iago...

Robert Browning’s ‘Porphyria’s Lover’ and William Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ both incorporate contrasting elements, like that of good and evil, love and hate and one that is wholly caused by the destructive nature of men, murder. Porphyria’s Lover is that of the division in society as well as social outcasts, the Lover who is seen to be shunned from society lives a very solitary life. Porphyria, the woman he loves, is of a higher social status and through the poem is observed to be in control of...

Iago has a reputation for honesty, for reliability and direct speaking. Othello and others in the play constantly refer to him as "honest Iago." He has risen through the ranks in the army by merit and achievement, and Othello, whose military judgment is excellent, has taken him as ancient (captain) because of his qualities. In Iago, Shakespeare shows us a character who acts against his reputation. Possibly Iago was always a villain and confidence trickster who set up a false reputation for...

Iago demands the audience's complicity we cannot help being fascinated by him In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is constructed to demand the audience's complicity despite the corrupt nature of his actions. an Elizabethan audience may have responded in a negative fashion to Iago's manipulative behaviour but in contrast with this, the post Freudian audience would be fascinated by the psychological aspect of his character. Iago is undoubtedly the most psychologically intriguing...

 A Look into the Mind of Shakespeare’s Greatest Villain: Iago Iago of Shakespeare’s Othello is widely known as one of, if not the most notorious, sadistic and manipulating characters of all time. He possesses a unique ability to access an individual’s flaws and uses them towards his foul desires as he plots and schemes. Iago displays many traits of what we would call in the modern day era a “Psychopath”. Throughout the play he is a man incapable of forming emotional attachments and has no...

 Othello Mapping Act 1 scene 1: argument between Roderigo and Iago Brabanzio men follow Roderigo to Othello. RODERIGO: “Tush! never tell me; I take it much unkindly That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this.” (1-5) Act 1 scene 2: Iago arrives at Othello’s lodgings Brabanzio brings his case to duke OTHELLO: “I must be found: My parts, my title and my perfect soul Shall manifest me rightly. Is it they?” (31-33) Act 1...

In William Shakespeare’s play, Othello, the character Iago lacks a superego which allowed his id to run free and this caused him to lack any form of sympathy and to become a sociopath. This led to him hurting everyone he could and to his eventual downfall. He also tried to justify his actions throughout the play to reinforce his righteous ego. First to understand Iago and his actions we must look at what the id, ego, and superego actually are. According to Freud these are different divisions...

Iago is portrayed as perhaps the most malevolent and conniving character in classical literature. In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, Iago manipulates the people around him through masterful and clever tactics. Through these devices, Iago brings forth a nearly apocalyptic end that leads to his torture and the death of many around him. Iago's malevolence and his complete mastery of it is clear to even the most cursory observer. But, more than this, Iago is the king of evil himself, Satan....

Perhaps the most interesting and exotic character in the tragic play "Othello," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. Through 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 force in this play, pushing Othello and everyone else towards their tragic end. Iago is not your ordinary villain. The role he plays is rather unique and complex, far from what one...

Othello Study ------------------------------------------------- Othello (The Character) * The character of Othello is in many ways a paradox. * He simultaneously experiences deep and passionate love as well as terrible and violent hatred; he is a rootless “stranger/Of here and everywhere” who the world defines by his ethnicity, “Moor”; and, he is a man called “noble” who commits the most horrendous of sins, murder. * At the heart of these contradictions is a black man trying...

So Iago is this extremely interesting, cunning, evil character. But over all of these trait’s Iago’s jealousy is what drives him to scheme and plot to take down othello and weave his elaborate web of destruction. Does anyone know exactly when in the play does Iago’s intense jealousy come into play? In the very 1st act scene one iago and roderigo are arguing in the streets and iago starts to rant about his hatred for Othello and how Othello passed him up over cassio for promotion to...

Othello's Relationship with Iago From Hamlet, an ideal prince, and other essays in Shakesperean interpretation: Hamlet; Merchant of Venice; Othello; King Lear by Alexander W. Crawford. Boston R.G. Badger, 1916. The first scene of Othello presents a conversation between Roderigo, the disappointed suitor of Desdemona, and Iago, concerning incidents of which Othello is the chief agent. Othello and Desdemona have eloped, it seems, leaving Roderigo disappointed and distressed. He complains that...

Othello essay Othello in Shakespeare’s play Othello is manipulated to trust Iago rather than his wife. Iago uses fake evidence against Desdemona in an attempt to prove she is cheating on her husband. Iago uses racism and past experiences to persuade Othello into believing he is not good enough for his wife as well as her not being good enough for him. Othello choses to believe Iago over his wife for the reason that she has only her word to back up her story while Iago has hard evidence. Iago...

In any story with a recurring dark theme there always must be an outsider from humanity who somehow stands out from the seemingly equal community. In the case of Shakespeare's Othello the outsider from humanity would be Iago for he truly stands out from the rest of society. Although Othello may be physically put out of the community, it seems that on an emotional and egotistical level Iago puts himself out of society further then Othello's blackness does. He is not merely manipulative, as other...

Iago character and motives In the play Othello, the character Iago proves to be one of the most interesting and mysterious character of any Shakespearian play. In Othello, Iago attempts to ruin the high ranking military officer, Othello, and Othello's wife through a series of manipulation and cruelty. However, throughout the play, Iago never completely explains his desire to ruin Othello and certainly doesn't provide legitimate cause to put so many of these characters through such torment. This...

Ricardo Gimenez Britez Dr. Casie Hermansson English 320 29 May 2012 The “trusted” advisor Iago is the main antagonist character of Shakespeare’s “Othello, the Moor of Venice” also Othello’s ally, Iago is married to Emilia, who is an assistant to Othello’s wife, Desdemona. The story tell us that Iago hates Othello for some reason the readers don’t know, so he plans to get closer to Othello, therefore gain his trust and destroy him by saying that his wife is having an affair with his...

Iago’s soliloquy essay At the end of the first act in scene three Iago convinces Roderigo to go to Cyprus. Roderigo then exits, leaving Iago alone. This gives him the chance to express his thoughts through a soliloquy. The purpose of this soliloquy is to show that Iago is always plotting and to show what his plan is. Shakespeare ends the first act with it to put the audience on edge and go into the second act knowing that something bad is going to happen. Before, in his conversation with...

In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Iago is seen by many as an honest and trustworthy person, though in reality he is a man of deceit and malevolence. This duplicitous nature of Iago’s is arguably one of Shakespeare’s most intriguing antagonists. From the outset, the audience is immediately drawn in by his sinister, yet unclear motives by revealing to them – “I am not what I am”. Iago is truly an evil character: he is extremely immoral and wicked, associating himself with the devil. He shows...

It is a known fact that the actions someone makes throughout his/her life fashions the kind of person he/she is, however this is not always the case. Ultimately it was Othello who was in control of his own behaviour though he was highly influenced. Despite the fact that Iago had finished the deed of killing Roderigo, he was more in control of the others thoughts than actions. Together, Iago and Othello were fundamentally in charge of their lives though powerless to their thoughts and actions....

Othello: The Pathological Jealously of Iago Iago's crimes define pathological jealousy and a sheer desire for revenge. His acts are pre-meditated and have reasons. In various soliloquies, he reveals grudges that, while mostly false or overblown, present themselves as clear to Iago. Iago masters duplicity, even remarking himself "I am not what I am." (line 67) Many of his dark motives are probably concealed from the audience. In his few soliloquies, he presents definitive motives for his...

There are a number of perspectives that a critic can use to interpret a work of literature. One perspective, the psychological approach, deals with interpreting the text by using what is known about psychology. Some critics will try and understand the writers while, "still other critics employ methods of Freudian psychoanalysis to understand not only the writers themselves such as Shakespeare but the literary characters they create" (DiYanni 635). In Shakespeare's play, "The Tragedy of Othello,"...

The character of Iago is crucial for the play, and its essence has often been presented as ‘the evil taking a human form.' What is important to any attempt to understand this play is the mechanism that makes the action moving forward. If this is ‘the force of evil', represented in the character of Iago, this gives him the most relevant role, the power to forward the entire course of the play in certain direction. A number of fortunate circumstances helps his plot, and even in the most dangerous...

Guillaume Ziao 11/15/13 English 3 Block 2 Iago’s Hatred The act of hating someone without a clear and reasonable purpose is absurd. Why must a person hate another for no particular reason? In William Shakespeare’s, Othello, Iago despises Othello. Iago believes Othello is a mockery because of his status and he will do anything to bring him down. Iago’s motives for hating Othello are that there are rumors about Othello sleeping with Iago’s wife, jealousy, and...

When reading a story, people tend to identify with the hero. They like to think of themselves as heroes in their own lives and the success of a hero in a story makes them feel better about their chances of success in their own lives. However, a hero is only as great as the obstacle he can overcome. The obstacle can be a natural disaster or even a wild animal but it is a human villain who himself develops and changes as the story unfolds that can be the most challenging, and therefore interesting...

One cannot have a successful story without a villain. A villain helps to create conflict and a plot between characters, this is what builds a successful story. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago is the ultimate villain. He will do whatever it takes to ruin Othello’s life. Without Iago, Othello would not be the tragedy it is today, but just an empty romance without any conflict. Some may believe that Iago is a victim because he was blinded by his emotions to think with his...

William Shakespeare, the creator of the classic novel Othello, has portrayed the very popular character Iago in such a way that allows readers of all levels to get a fairly common analysis. The conventional interpretation of Shakespeare's Othello consists of the understanding that Othello’s naivety was ultimately the cause of Shakespeare’s signature tragic ending. However, Iago clearly had the most injurious impact on Othello’s transition from being a strong independent man of high credentials...

Character Analysis “Iago” Shakespeare's Iago is one of the best examples of a villain to this day. Such a villain would distract from the impact of the play. Shakespeare added depth to his villain making him Amoral, as opposed to the typical immoral villain. Iago's entire scheme begins when the "ignorant, ill-suited" Cassio is given the position Iago wanted. Iago is consumed with envy and plots to steal the Position he feels he most deserves. Iago deceives, steals, and Kills to gain that...

 I am not what I am- Iago character analysis Iago, the triumphant villain within Othello is a complicatedcharacter- his true intentions are shrouded in the layers of deceptionand deviance that help create his false visage. The heinous crimeshe sets out to achieve are unfathomable, yet without this peculiarcharacter the play itself would be little more than a light romanticdrama. Iago is the villain we love to hate; he makes the play and atthe same time breaks all the characters within it,...

William Shakespeare's Othello is a play that mostly revolves around jealousy, trust and revenge. Throughout most of Shakespeare's plays, evil characters are not uncommon, but in my own opinion, Iago has to be one of – if not the most - interesting. Even though Iago might be described by some as being just "pure evil" or even "intolerable", the truth still remains that people will read deeper into the play just to see what Iago will do next. Through his words and actions, which are carefully...

Othello Character Analysis In Othello, Shakespeare tells the story of the soldier Othello, a noble and respected man, whose insecurities enable him to fall prey to the overwhelming power of jealousy. Through manipulation and lies, Othello changes from a kind and faithful husband into a man completely taken over by jealousy, resulting in his downfall. This shift in Othello’s character is done by the antagonist, Iago. Iago’s cruelty to not only Othello, but all others around him, reveals his...

The Theme of Betrayal and Loyalty Through the Eyes of Desdemona, Othello, and Iago The play The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice, written by William Shakespeare in the 1600’s, has many underlying and reoccurring themes. The major themes are betrayal and loyalty. During the entire play, every character is either betrayed or proved loyal. The Tragedy of Othello the Moor of Venice can be seen through the characters of Iago, Othello, and Desdemona. Othello and Desdemona have both been...

Closely analyze these seven soliloquies of Iago. You must show your understanding of Shakespeare use of dramatic structure and imagery as well as commenting on language value. Iago’s soliloquies give insight into his duplicitous nature. It gives usthrough dramatic irony and our privileged position, we come see that he is engaged in "double-knavery” (Act 1, scene 3) and not at all the "honest and true" Iago that others believe him to be. The audience would be amazed at the absolute faith that...

Of all the characters presented in Shakespeare's literature the most sinister one is without a doubt Iago. He is a ruthless sociopath. No other character can even come close to his evil. Most of the antagonists present in Shakespeare's plays have valid reasons for the troubles the cause. Iago doesn't for the most part he just has a burning hatred for the world especially Othello.

Iago is the whole reason there is any conflict in Othello . If he never had entered the play Othello would...

 Perhaps the most spiteful, devious, and despicable character Shakespeare has ever created is that of Iago, the antagonist of his famous tragic play, Othello. Manipulative and cunning, he deceives everyone with his poise and “honest” words. However, in Act II, Scene I, his virtuous facade is momentarily diminished, when he puts forth his bigoted opinions on women. This disturbing series of dialogue illustrate his misogynistic values, his objectification of females, and his ideas of promiscuity...

In the play Othello, our first impression suggests that Iago and Othello are portrayed as having somewhat opposite qualities. Iago is first shown to be false and pretentious. Even though he says "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve", giving the impression that he shows all his emotions willingly, he is then shown to be quite secretive and deceitful, plotting against Othello, Casio and Rodriguo, emphasising his ambitious nature. Furthermore we get the impression that he is spiteful and racist,...

The most powerful character in the play, Othello, is Iago. Carefully planning his words and actions, Iago is able to manipulate others in a way that will further him and his goals. It is clear that Iago has no shame in deceiving all those who trust him because he does so deliberately. Iago is brilliant at judging others and their characteristics and uses this to his advantage. He says about Desdemona, “…I will turn her virtue into pitch…” Iago uses Desdemona’s passion for helping others...

IAGO’S MANIPULATION Iago cites multiple and incompatible motives for wanting to destroy Othello. Earlier, he said he hates Othello because "the Moor" passed him over for a promotion but, here, he tells us he hates "the Moor" because he's heard a rumor that Othello has been hooking up with Iago's wife, Emilia, "twixt [Iago's] sheets." It's just not clear whether or not we, as an audience, can believe anything Iago has to say. From beginning to end Iago moves the characters of Othello as if...

“Literary Villains: Iago and Krogstad” In “Othello” and “A Doll House”, the two plays resulted in destruction of two families due to one’s jealousy and revenge. The antagonist in “Othello” is Iago who served as Othello ancient in the play was against him from the start. Iago had several motives for plotting against Othello, because they did not give him the rank of Lieutenant and he did not approve of the marriage between Othello and Desdemona. In “A Doll House”, Krogstad was an employee of...

“Keep your friends close, Keep your enemies closer” Jealousy is a crazy thing. It can cause people to do unthinkable things. Most fights are over their jealousy of a person. In Shakespeare’s plays there is always a fight over this of some kind. Also written by Shakespeare, it is apparent in Othello. Two characters like Iago and Othello fight a silent battle except Othello has no clue about Iago’s powerful despise and envy to him. It is clearly evident that Othello symbolizes a hero...

Othello vs. Iago As the villain in Shakespeare's play Othello, Iago has two main actions. They are to plot and to deceive. Iago wishes to plot and to deceive because he is jealous of Othello and hates him. Iago's reasons for why he hates Othello is because he believes that Othello made love to his wife, and Iago is mad that Cassio was chosen to be Lieutenant instead of himself. From this hate comes the main conflict of the play. Iago plans to ruin Othello because of Iago's jealousy...

Assess the effectiveness of the presentation of Iago in the first two acts of the play. Iago is presented as the villain in the tragedy, much like Richard in Richard III as Shakespeare carries out his explorations of manipulation, dramatic function and the conventional view of order, through the use of language and structure in Othello. Shakespeare uses Iago’s manipulation of other characters to explore the theme of villainy and duplicity. The main victim of his direct manipulation is...

Question 2: When it comes to Iago, there is a great difference between how the characters perceive him, how we perceive him and how he perceives himself. Using evidence, discuss the three differing viewpoints and explore Iago’s duplicitous nature. Is he a flat or dynamic character? Humans are born with a natural capacity for good and evil. As an individual develops, he or she is taught to distinguish between the two in order to strengthen a sense of right and wrong. Through Shakespeare’s...

AP 05/11/11 Iago And Betrayal In “Othello” “Othello” is one of the most successful plays in Shakespeare’s collection. One of the subjects the tragedy addresses is betrayal which is a crucial part of the play that helps the author develop events to bring it to its climax. Iago’s character symbolizes disloyalty, but what are the motives of his treachery? It seems like there is not enough reason for his actions. By creating Iago in “Othello” as perhaps a masterpiece villain comparing to all...

 Iago: Evil Incarnate “I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters, nor all masters Cannot be truly follow'd” (1.1.42-44). Iago’s speech to Roderigo in the first scene gives the audience their first glimpse at his true nature. He shows here that he only serves Othello in order to serve himself; this statement hints at his overarching scheme to bring down Othello in the end. Iago is unquestionably the villain in Othello, but beyond that, he perfectly personifies evil in...

Throughout Othello, the devil-reincarnated Iago is seen to be scheming something. As the story unfolds, we see that Iago manipulates the people around him, by helping them in hope and confidence to achieve the success of his plans to bring down Cassio and use all efforts to make himself Lieutenant. The first person that we can see Iago uses is Rodrigo. At the start of the play, we see two characters, Iago and Rodrigo talking about something outside Brabantio’s house. Rodrigo’s love for...

Argumentative Essay-Mini Essay I think that picture 2 best fits the role or character of Iago in the play ‘Othello’ In Image 2 the subject has both his hands up, which could be interpreted as mockery. The subjects mouth is also open which means that he is probably speaking, which implies that he is probably confident. Mockery and confidence are both traits that can be found in Iago’s character in Othello. One can also notice that the picture is taken from a low angle shot, which...

The Triumphant Villain of Iago In analysis of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy of “Othello,” famed 20th century literary critic W.H. Auden suggests that all the dastardly deeds are of Iago’s doing, and that “everything he sets out to do, he accomplishes”. I personally agree with this stance, as well as Auden’s proclamation that Iago is a “triumphant villain”. To fully understand how Iago fits the role of the “triumphant villain,” however, one must understand that there are two parts to this...

Iago analysis is central to understanding Shakespeare's Othello because he holds the longest part in the play: 1,070 lines. Iago’s character is consumed with hatred and jealousy. He is jealous of Cassio for obtaining the position of Lieutenant over him, jealous of Othello; believing that he has bedded his wife and jealous of Othello’s held position, despite his race. Is Iago Evil? Iago has very few redeeming qualities, he has the ability to charm and convince people of his loyalty and honesty...

Comparative Paragraph: Othello and Iago Othello and Iago have several similarities. Although they differ in one way or the other, they still have some things in common. First, Othello and Iago are both jealous and suspicious men. Rumor has it that Othello slept with Iago’s wife (Emilia). This is seen when Iago says, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor/Hath leap’d into my seat” (2.1.303-304). Othello also suspects Cassio and Desdemona. This is seen when he says, “Think’st thou I’d make a...

John Vandercliff Dr. Lou Ethel Roliston WRT-201-088WB 30 March 2015 There are many evil characters through out plays, but only one is an artist of villainy that character is Iago from “Othello” written by William Shakespeare. Iago is an artist of villainy first because he does not care about anyone and will use him or her for his gain. Also he is a mastermind of an evil plain that has everyone fooled. Lastly Iago is an artist of villainy because he can betray and cheat those closest to him...

My first impression of Iago is that he’s a manipulative and hypocritical man who tries to make up for the lack of success and happiness in his life by destroying that of others. In Iago’s first appearance in the play, he’s seen manipulating the wealthy but foolish Roderigo into giving him money. He claims to be taking this money to buy extravagant gifts to woo Desdemona on Roderigo’s behalf, but he keeps the money for himself. “Iago, who hast had [Roderigo’s] purse/ As if the strings were...

Sinned or Sinner? Othello is more of a sinner because in the end he is the only one who killed Desdemona. Othello kills Desdemona because he thinks Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Othello talks to Desdemona in her last moments of life. Othello’s proof to kill Desdemona was the handkerchief. “A murder which I saw a sacrifice, I saw the handkerchief.” (5.2.174) the importance in this quote is that it was the only real proof Othello had that the supposed love affair was happening....

“A STUDY IN EVIL - IAGO VS MOSCA” William Shakespeare, the greatest dramatist of his time, personifies evil through the character of Iago in his play ‘Othello’. The play was first performed around 1604-05 and printed in 1622. Whereas Ben Jonson, one of Shakespeare’s contemporaries, portrays a similar character through Mosca in his play ‘Volpone’ which was first performed in the year 1605. Iago has a mysterious character. He is quiet and yet alluring. “Shakespeare [himself] was obviously...

Iago/Othello: The Main Character The whole Iago verses Othello on who’s the main character of this tragedy has been going on for decades. Iago is a manipulative, revenge seeking, nefarious villain; although he seeks all this attention he is not of great importance in my opinion. Othello is the main character in Shakespeare’s play The Tragedy of Othello for a number of reasons some of them being; without him there would be no play everything revolves around him, the title of this play is...

Iago, in Shakespeare's Othello, is a deceiving character because he tells lies in order to get what he wants. He interacts with people only to manipulate them, but most importantly he never reveals his true feelings or motives. Iago might say things that suggest what his motive is, but he soon contradicts himself with another suggestion making it extremely difficult to understand him. Although Iago's true motives cannot be determined, some motives could be jealousy, the enjoyment of seeing...

Clarence Chapman Professor Lance Norman English 122 1 April 2014 Iago, The Honest Villain of Venice In the Shakespearian play “Othello, The Moore of Venice” we as readers are lead through a winding catacomb of deceit by non-other than the amoral villain “Good and Honest Iago”. The aforementioned anti-hero is an incredibly complex character that must be thoroughly analyzed for the reader to interpret the play to its full potential. Iago’s weapon of choice is of course the spoken word. He...

In Act 3 Scene 3, how does Iago persuade Othello of Desdemona’s supposed infidelity? Act 3 Scene 3 is, arguably, the most important scene in the entire play, for it is the point of no return. It is as if for the entire beginning of the play you were pushing a huge boulder up a steep mountain, and in this scene you reach the top, and push it down the other side, helpless to stop it. This is how I see the action in Othello. Iago spends the whole time plotting, and conspiring with the...

Iago is one of Shakespeare's most complex villains. Initially you get the impression that the character of Iago is one of pure evil. Right from the start of Act 1, it becomes obvious that he is capable of most anything. You see right away that he is able to give the appearance of one thing, but in reality be something quite different. He has been acting like he is interested in helping Roderigo by bringing gifts and messages to Desdemona for him. Iago is in reality using Roderigo who is very...

How does Iago manipulate Othello’s thoughts and feelings in Act 3 Scene 3? Responses should demonstrate a close knowledge of the text, taking into consideration language choices, strategic thinking and the impact of the strategies on Othello Act 3 Scene 3 is a key scene in the play whereby Iago’s deceptive nature is becoming not only more prominent, but more importantly, leading him to success in his plan. The readers are exposed to Iago’s duplicity but Othello is not – a heavy use of...

How is Iago presented throughout Othello and what do we learn about his motives? From the onset of Othello, the audience is unknowingly subject to Iago’s manipulative customs. Despite being a stereotypical Shakespearian antagonist, Iago is a complex, two faced, yet three dimensional, character. Despite being an eponymous play, suggesting Othello’s importance, his absence in light of Iago’s presence allows the audience to be influenced and therefore misled by Iago’s representation of Othello...

The early scenes of "Othello" establish Iago's character and allow the audience to learn of his nature. He plays two different people, the disguise of the trusty and loyal ensign and the one whom hides behind this disguise. Act One, Scene One is the most important because it foreshadows the whole drama. Iago is young and treacherous, a scoundrel from the start of the play. In "Othello", Shakespeare makes the audience aware of the notion that people are not all what they appear to be on the...

Being courteous is an act of being respectful and by using good manners towards people. Treating people with courtesy can show many different feelings towards the person being acted upon. In the play Othello by William Shakespeare there are many characters in the play that use and don't use acts of courtesy. The focus of this issue is the question of, do the men in the play show courtesy towards the women in the play? Othello is the main character, and Iago is a solider in his army. Iago...

Iago… Act one starts out with Iago and Roderigo walking in the streets of Venice. Iago is expressing his hate towards Othello. From the beginning of Shakespeare’s play, one realizes that Iago is the villain or antagonist. There is no doubt that he has only evil intentions, but often without a reason. It is said that Iago is the worst hypocrite Shakespeare has invented. IN the play he also boasts about the fact that he is only playing a part. Only the reader sees that he is a very dishonest,...

Othello, Roderigo and Cassio Effectively Manipulated by Iago "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer" is a quote that very well describes how two-face Iago really is. In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, Iago's hatred toward the Moor, Othello, leads him to devise a plan against him. As a result, Othello goes from truly loving his wife to hating her with a passion. Othello's hatred and anger proves fatal for Desdemona, Emilia, Roderigo, and Othello, himself. Iago effectively...

In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Act I and II show the development of the character of Iago and his manipulative and treacherous deeds. It is through Iago and his ways that he works gradually at destroying Othello, defaming Desdemona and deposing of Cassio. In this, we are able to see Iago’s spiteful scheme in which he creates havoc and seeks motives for his malice. A famous English poet, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, depicts Iago’s actions as “the motive-hunting of motiveless malignity...

Nobody is perfect, but I'm so close that it scares myself. Exact thing applies to Shakespeare's Iago, the almost too perfect villain in the play Othello. Different from the other typical trite villains, Iago has more depth in him other than being plain pure evil. Consumed with envy and plots Iago deceives and kills those who trust him, using the mask of "honest". As an amoral villain, it is not that Iago pushes aside his conscience to commit these acts, but that he lacks a conscience to begin...

In what ways does Iago manipulate others in the early scenes? Does he even manipulate the audience? Iago, is the machiavell of the play 'Othello', described as one of Shakespeare's most sinister characters. He is the real villain who in this story gets his revenge, using manipulation slowly climbing up the stairs of hierarchy to get to his general, who he hates. And the reason for that is not only not getting the position that he wanted but also his belief introduced by some rumour that...

AS English Literature Othello Coursework: How far do you agree with Bradley’s view that Iago is wholly responsible for Othello’s downfall? A.C Bradley, a known literature critic, argues that it is in fact the machinations of the character Iago that is wholly responsible for the downfall of Othello. “..that these worthy people, who are so successful and popular and stupid, are mere puppets in his hands, but living puppets, who at the motion of his finger must contort themselves in agony,...

 How does Iago gain power over Othello in Act 3 Scene 3? Within Act 3 scene 3 of Othello , the reader see’s a dramatic change within Othello. Othello goes from being the powerful military leader that he is in the previous acts to a man wrought with jealousy due to Iago’s influence. William Shakespeare shows how Iago’s achieves power over Othello through the use of emotive language, short sentences, dialogue and stage directions. In the beginning of the Act 3 scene 3, Iago plants...

The timing of events is very important in Act III. Iago anticipates and manipulates the other characters so skilfully that they seem to be acting simultaneously of their own free will and as Iago's puppets. For example, it takes only the slightest prompting on Iago's part to put Othello into the proper frame of mind to be consumed by jealousy. Iago exploits Cassio's discomfort upon seeing Othello by interpreting it as a sign of guilt: "Cassio, my lord? No, sure I cannot think it That he would...

The fate of Othello is typical of a Shakespearian play. Shakespeare often builds up his main characters, by calling them ‘valiant' and ‘noble' and relating all his great military achievements in the case of Othello, and then by dragging them off their elated positions by soiling them with such petty emotions as hate or jealousy. ‘Othello' itself is a play of strong opposites. Anger and love and the constant imagery of heaven and hell, Othello being the ‘devil' and Desdemona the ‘angel'. One...

Rosarina Garcia Iago and his Evil Road To Fulfill his Fantasy In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago plays the role of the villain. Due to being insecure and being passed for promotion he creates this fantasy and does whatever he can, even goes to extremes to make his fantasy a reality. Throughout the play Iago deceives and manipulates everyone who stands in his way of making his fantasy a reality. Iago uses his intelligence and also trickery to do so. Iago is two-faced...