Analysis Of Iago's Soliloquy In Othello

Iago’s multiple soliloquy reveals his devious nature and his ability to manipulate others. It also reveals his sad state and gives the audience a reason for his evil nature. This allows the audience to sympathize and even understand why he takes these actions. A Renaissance tragedy also shows the issue of circumstance causing the ultimate conflict in the work. They also reveal how much power Iago has over everyone around him due to his honest outward appearance. He shows his ability to manipulate others into doing what he wants, while remaining a non-threat to everyone he has lied to. Iago may be described as a tragic villain due to his current belief that Cassio has stolen the job that he rightfully deserved. He also believes that Othello has slept with his wife. These two things eat at Iago, and cause him to create a plan to get his revenge against both of them. He relates to Machiavellian villains due to his extreme cunning, and his ability to be a puppet master.
This soliloquy also has a flow which is similar to Iago’s scheming ways. The …show more content…
A tragic villain is a person who does not intend on becoming evil, but something an audience can sympathize with causes him to. His hatred for Othello doesn’t seem warranted because it is only based on rumor and suspicion. His hatred for Cassio also does not seem warranted considering Cassio still sees him as “honest” Iago. Iago also involves Desdemona into his web of lies though she has done nothing to wrong him. Furthermore, he plays a game that he knows can end up killing many people involved. He knows that Othello is a powerful general, and can order the deaths of both Desdemona and Cassio. Iago feels that the end justifies the means, and it does not feel so for this case. For the very little pain Iago feels, this plan seems too extreme, and that is why he does not follow the trend of a tragic