How Does Iago Contribute To Othello's Downfall

Throughout the tragic play of Othello, we see many elements portrayed. One of these elements is that some of the characters is that people do not seem to be what they appear to be. The biggest one who shows this element is Iago. In the play, he acts as if he is friends with everyone in the play. However this is not the case and he is a snake in the grass when it comes down to the end. He helps the downfall of all the characters in the play. Although he seems to be a friend to all of the people he is indeed not as he appears. Throughout the story we find that Iago is persuasive on Roderigo "I grant indeed it hath not appeared; and your suspicion is not without wit and judgement. But, Roderigo, if thou hast that in thee indeed, which I have …show more content…
“Othello -Are there no stones in heaven but what serve for the thunder? —Precious villain! Othello- He runs at Iago. Iago stabs Emilia” (5.2) He told Othello to strangle Desdemona this supports his hatred of women. “Othello Get me some poison, Iago, this night: I'll not expostulate with her lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night, Iago. Iago Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated. Othello Good, good. The justice of it pleases. Very good.” (4.1). He certainly seems to take great pleasure in preventing Othello from enjoying happiness in the slightest bit, and he expresses his love for Othello frequently and effusively making contradicting statements about Othello. It is Iago’s talent for understanding and manipulating the desires of those around him. This is what makes him a powerful and a compelling figure in the play. Thus giving the readers the main idea that he isn't as he states to be. None of these claims explain Iago’s deep hatred of Othello. Nor does Iago’s lack of motivation, inability, or unwillingness to express his true motive, making his actions all the more terrifying and surreal. Iago enjoys wrongdoing people for his own personal