Iago’s character displays hate, jealousy, and deception throughout the play. Furthermore, he speaks to himself and the audience as he plans each event that led to the deaths of Desdemona, Othello, and Iago’s very own wife, Emilia. Without a doubt, Iago is fully aware of his evil doings, and he uses each person’s weakness and natural characteristics against them in order for his malicious plan to play out in his favor. At the same time, he makes himself appear to be respectable, sincere, and loyal to the very characters he sought to betray. Therefore, Iago’s character is that of a master, premeditating manipulator in Shakespear’s image of a serpent in human form, most eloquently in Acts/Scenes 1.3, 2.1, and 2.3.
In the beginning of the play …show more content…
Iago talks with Cassio long enough to learn that it doesn’t take much to get him drunk because Cassio is not much of a drinker (Bevington, 2014). When he sees that Cassio is already drunk from one glass of wine, he states, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress' dog” (Shakespeare, 2014. 2.3. 45-47). In other words, Iago plans to influence Cassio to drink until he cannot handle his aggressive inner demons, in turn, making Othello dishonor Cassio enough to put the second part of his evil scheme into play. Iago’s plan worked, costing Cassio his job, and Othello’s honor. In Iago’s second soliloquy in 2.3, he says “How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on They do suggest at first with heavenly shows As I do now” (Shakespeare, 2014. 2.3. 342-347). In this soliloquy, Iago admits that he is playing nice and honest with Othello to fool him into trusting him enough to make his plan work, just as the devil would do. Just before this dialogue, Iago suggested that Cassio speak with Desdemona so that she can convince her husband to reinstate Casio’s
In the beginning of the play …show more content…
Iago talks with Cassio long enough to learn that it doesn’t take much to get him drunk because Cassio is not much of a drinker (Bevington, 2014). When he sees that Cassio is already drunk from one glass of wine, he states, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He’ll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress' dog” (Shakespeare, 2014. 2.3. 45-47). In other words, Iago plans to influence Cassio to drink until he cannot handle his aggressive inner demons, in turn, making Othello dishonor Cassio enough to put the second part of his evil scheme into play. Iago’s plan worked, costing Cassio his job, and Othello’s honor. In Iago’s second soliloquy in 2.3, he says “How am I then a villain To counsel Cassio to this parallel course, Directly to his good? Divinity of hell! When devils will the blackest sins put on They do suggest at first with heavenly shows As I do now” (Shakespeare, 2014. 2.3. 342-347). In this soliloquy, Iago admits that he is playing nice and honest with Othello to fool him into trusting him enough to make his plan work, just as the devil would do. Just before this dialogue, Iago suggested that Cassio speak with Desdemona so that she can convince her husband to reinstate Casio’s