Iago as a Character in Othello :: essays papers

Iago as a Character in Othello 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 great power expect. Iago is smart. He is an expert 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, absorb 355 By playing on his hopes, Iago is able to swindle money and jewels from Roderigo, making himself a substantial profit, speckle using Roderigo to forward 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 arrival of the fasten Othello, Iago says, With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Act II, Scene I, by-line 163 His cunning and craftiness make him a truly dastardly villain indeed. Being as smart as he is, Iago is quick to recognize the advantages of organized religion and uses it as a tool to forward 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, force 245 Trust is a very powerful emotion that is easily abused. Othello, holds him well/The better shall Iagos purpose work on him. pg. 1244, Line 362 Iago is a master of abuse in this case turning peoples trust in him into tools to forward his own goals. His medcine works Thus credulo us fools are caught.... pg. 1284, Line 44 Iago slowly poisons peoples thoughts, creating ideas in their heads