Othello A Essay Research Paper Unequivocally Iago

Othello A+ Essay, Research Paper

Unequivocally, Iago is an important Character in the tragedy of Othello. By the end of the play, Iago has been directly responsible for the deaths of Roderigo, Emilia, Othello and Desdemona. Iago’s shows how he is masterful puppeteer by driven by his desire for revenge against Othello and the other characters in the play. Iago’s way of getting his revenge, which adds to the importance he has on the play, is to lead to the downfall of Othello therefore revealing the themes of hate, jealousy and revenge. Iago also serves to contrast with the characters of Othello and Desdemona and to create dramatic irony consequently involving the audience in the journey of the play. The foundation of his success has been built upon his honest reputation, perceptive nature and ruthless motivation.

Iago’s importance to the play is revealed through the significance he has in determining the direction of the plot. Just like a masterful puppeteer, he has forcefully steered its’ direction. Shakespeare, at the very beginning of the play does not bother to develop the character of the protagonist, Othello but rather places greater emphasis on plot development. We are immediately introduced to Roderigo and Iago and are privy to their conspiracy to undermine Othello. With a masterful stroke, Iago subdues Roderigo, his ‘dupe’ and sets up the initial plot- Iago intends to gain his rightful position of lieutenant by destroying Othello and Casio. Although Iago’s plan does not change throughout the play, his motives, which obviously influence his actions, do. Iago’s initial motive in destroying the protagonist is hatred. This shift to jealousy, It is as if Iago has allowed us to follow his journey from revenge to finally madness.

Iago’s emotive feelings are dictating the direction of the plot. The audience ponders whether Iago will gain some control and restore balance. By Act 3 sc. iii he has achieved half of his objectives. Cassio has been removed and Iago has replaced him as lieutenant.. Instead Iago, full of rage and satisfaction that is plan is working so well continues his destructive plan. All the while Iago’s ‘medicine’ is working to ‘put the Moor at least into a jealousy so strong that judgement cannot cure’. He so easily controls the ‘levers’ of the play.

The success of Iago can be attributed to his ruthless motivation fueled by his emotions. From the outset, Iago sets up his plan and motivations. With tenacity, he sticks to it. ‘Dull not device by coldness and delay’. Even when flaws start to appear in his plan he still goes on with it. ‘The moor may unfold me to him- there stand I in much peril’. This, in effect, undermines his own success- because he does not know when to stop, he cannot see his own destruction coming. Throughout the play the imagery of a spider drawing his net to catch his prey is constantly used. ‘I Shall ensnare them all’, Iago says. So just like a barbaric animal, Iago has set his web and nothing can stop him now.

Iago success is also achieved because he positions everything correctly. This involves getting Cassio drunk, arranging ‘the’ handkerchief to go missing in Cassio’s quarters and personally beguiling Othello’s mind into thinking Desdemona is cuckolding him. Obviously without these events (so remarkably planned by Iago), the plot would never have developed. With great skill, Iago is able to arrange a conversation between Cassio and Bianca and carefully position Othello so that he thinks Cassio is discussing his wife. ‘Oh, dear Cassio! As it were. His gestures import it’.

However, Iago’s success is partly due to luck. Luck that the handkerchief was dropped by Desdemona and retrieved by one of Iago’s unsuspecting puppets, Emila. Luck that Bianca confronted Cassio and luck that his plot was not discovered any earlier.

Iago’s importance is also shown through his significance (relative to other characters) to the play. By far, in terms of stage time, soliloquies and the like, Iago supersedes any other character. He makes Roderigo to appear like a ‘fool’. He has similar success with Cassio and Othello. Both these characters turn to him for his ‘free advice’. Even when he is off stage he is still referred to in praising terms- ‘that he is honest’. Shakespeare does not allow any attention to shift from Iago. Throughout his soliloquies, Iago discloses his true evil nature as well as the nature of other characters. This quality makes Iago an extremely important character as he serves to highlight other’s flaws.

A fundamental reason for Iago’s success that is his ability to appear ‘honest’, underhandedly giving him the power to manipulate and influence other characters. Iago manages to appear honest partly because of natural characteristics and partly because he purposely sets out to look honest. Before Iago can even begin to initiate his plan he is referred to as honest by many of the characters. This would suggest that this is a fundamental characteristic of his. However, Iago does strive to appear honest and sincere. ‘If I shall stay [with Roderigo] I shall- against the Moor. This is also seen when he defends Cassio after the drunken brawl. Iago speaks with hesitation and refers to Cassio being a friend several times. ‘I had rather have this tongue cut out from my mouth than it should do offence to Cassio’.

This appearance allows him to gain favour with all characters, esp