Othello Composition: The Character Of Iago
Perhaps the most exotic and interesting character in the tragic play �Othello� by William Shakespeare is devious 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 towards 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 might expect. Iago is smart, he is and expert judge of people and their characters, and uses this to his advantage. For example, he knows Rodriego is in love with Desdemona and figures he would do ...
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as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio� (Act II, Scene I, 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 trust and uses it as a tool to forward his purposes. Throughout the story he is commonly known and called �honest Iago�. He even says of himself, � I am an honest man.....� (Act II, Scene III, Line 245) Trust is a very powerful emotion that is easily abused. Othelllo, �Holds(him)well;/The better shall (Iago�s) purposes work on him.� (pg. 1244) Iago is a master of abuse in this case, turning peoples trust in him into tools to forward his own goals. His �med�cine works! Thus credulous are caught...� (pg. 1284). Iago slowly poisons peoples thoughts, creating ideas in their heads with out implicating himself. �And what�s he then that says I play the villain, when this advice is free I give and honest.� (ActII, Scene III, Line 299), says Iago, the master of ...
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Othello Composition: The Character Of Iago. (2004, May 13). Retrieved June 20, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello-Composition-The-Character-Of-Iago/7734
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"Othello Composition: The Character Of Iago." Essayworld.com. May 13, 2004. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello-Composition-The-Character-Of-Iago/7734.
"Othello Composition: The Character Of Iago." Essayworld.com. May 13, 2004. Accessed June 20, 2025. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello-Composition-The-Character-Of-Iago/7734.
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