Othello
One of the most interesting and exotic characters in the tragic play "," by William Shakespeare, is "Honest" Iago. At first glance, Iago seems to be the essence of "motiveless malignity." However, despite Iago's unquestionable malignancy, the motivation behind his actions lie more in Iago's quest for personal gain, as opposed to just being evil for evil's sake. Iago's rapacity can be validated by examining his manipulation of Roderigo, Cassio and, most importantly, .
Iago's main interest is the destruction of . The reason being that has chosen another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command, preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iago's fabricated accusations of adultery ...
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is consumed by lust for Desdemona, and would do anything to make her his own. Iago tells Roderigo that the only way to win Desdemona's love, is to make money to procure gifts for her. "...put money in thy purse.." (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 339). However, Iago is just taking those gifts intended for Desdemona and keeping them for himself, and in doing so, making a substantial profit. "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 376). Roderigo eventually starts to question Iago's honesty. When faced with this accusation, Iago simply offers that killing Cassio will aid his cause and the asinine Roderigo falls for it. "I have no great devotion to the deed / And yet he has given me satisfying reason," (Act 5, Scene 1, Line 8). In doing this, Iago keeps Roderigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. Roderigo is also used as a device in both Cassio and 's downfall. Iago's actions demonstrate his monetary and puissance based motivations, invalidating the claim ...
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Othello. (2004, March 26). Retrieved April 18, 2024, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello/5184
"Othello." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 26 Mar. 2004. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello/5184>
"Othello." Essayworld.com. March 26, 2004. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello/5184.
"Othello." Essayworld.com. March 26, 2004. Accessed April 18, 2024. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Othello/5184.
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