In the play Othello, by William Shakespeare, there is a display of the different human facets. This essay will primarily focus on the qualities of Iago. The way Shakespeare went about the description of Iago’s character; anyone would assume that he was nothing but a despicable person. I would like to add a couple of perspectives to the list of theories. It may be that some of the things this character committed are somewhat justifiable. Now what exactly did this character, Iago, do that makes everyone perceive him as such a person?
Well, he obviously is no heaven sent angel, he just happens to be as human as you and I. He just happens to be a smart individual who knows how to use his surroundings. Problems first arise when Iago finds out that another colleague has filled in the position of lieutenancy, which he has longingly envied. (Act 1. 1) And those orders were given out by none other than Othello, general and best friend to Iago. So we have one bitter individual who feels cheated out of a position that should have been awarded to him in the first place.
Already we have one character showing resentment towards someone whom he should have held a close relationship with. Here enters Roderigo, who unfortunately was just someone of temporary importance. So why not make use of him? The moor, Othello, has currently run off with the fair maid Desdemona enraging Roderigo, a former suitor of hers. These jealousies that stir within Roderigo are enough to maintain him by Iago side to do his bidding. Iago obviously knows how to get inside of people’s heads; it seems to be what he does best. So he uses that to his advantage.
After successfully enraging Roderigo he convinces him that he can still have Desdemona for himself. He conjures up a plan in which he and Roderigo will alert Barbantio that his innocent daughter has eloped with Othello, with the intent to cause Othello trouble of course. Roderigo sees it as a chance to get Desdemona back. At least that is the line that Iago feeds him. The thing that really captures me about Iago’s character is that he is very straightforward. When he first took action he let everyone know of his intentions but since everyone was too preoccupied with their own worries they paid him no mind.
He first declared his intent to Roderigo. (Act1. 1. 45-71) He proceeds to claim the following: That he only followed Othello for his own best interest even though it seemed like he followed him out of love and duty. He also lingered on the fact that things aren’t always, as they seem. That only heaven knows what he really feels although his outward appearance may portray something else. Although characters in this story are oblivious to the fact that someone who they know can be behind their betrayal, I picked it up right away. It was Iago’s way of warning people ahead of time.
It was their own naiveness that did not allow them to do the same. Then we come to Michael Cassio who really does not hold any fault in being chosen for the position of lieutenant. He just happened to be in the way at the time. Yes he did not deserve to be a victim of Iago’s resentment, but it is in human nature to envy those who have what we cannot reach. Besides, the main objective was to use Cassio in such a way that would hurt Othello himself. Yes, it is some horrible decrepit law of nature: In order to get what you want you must sometimes step on others.
It isn’t always the right thing to do but we do it anyway. In order to get rid of Cassio, Iago implant ideas into Othello’s head that perhaps his wife is cheating on him with Cassio. If his plan should happen to work then it could very well mean that the lieutenancy spot would reopen to him. During the process it is apparent that Desdemona is of an object of direct impact. But, since Iago doesn’t care much for her, harming her does not seem to be a problem. And finally our main character Othello, the one I consider being the biggest fool of this whole tragedy.
Even though he was the protagonist of the story he was not much of one solely for lacking a minds of his own. There is barely a moment throughout were he takes time to think for himself and that is what ends up condemning him. Iago of course played a big part in this because of Othello’s dependency on him. And that was just an advantage to him. Othello started out wanting to defend his fair lady till the end but apparently he wasn’t as loyal as he took an oath to be. Iago told him things he didn’t want to know but yet he was so quick to believe in it.
A part of him wanted Iago to tell him everything was going to be all right but he also wanted him to be the one to confirm his suspicions about his wife. That is exactly my point. Although we are told that Iago and Othello are best friends they do not act like it. They do speak of loyalties towards each other but I never get the impression that these are people who grew up being close. So this is why I do not understand how Othello can put so much trust and faith into Iago. All of a sudden Iago can do no wrong and his wife is pushed aside and quickly dismissed.
