Machiavellian Characters In Titus Andronicus

A key connection through the works of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus and Othello is that both of the plays have Machiavellian characters. In Titus Andronicus there is Aaron, the most fascinating character in the play. Aaron is also the diabolical mastermind behind the plot to destroy the Andronicus family. Iago, the antagonist from Othello had very similar motives to Aaron, he craved to destroy Othello. In both of these plays it gives the impression as if Aaron and Iago have the same motivations, which was destroying someone making the plays revenge tragedies, them both using the same methods to achieve their goals, which was coming off as someone who is trustworthy and humble. However the two characters do have a few differences one being …show more content…
They both act as Machiavellian villains by making themselves come off as someone who is honorable and truthful but in reality they are both far from those two things. Titus, a former general in Titus Andronicus believed what Aaron had told him and let Aaron cut off his hands, to give to the emperor. Iago like Aaron is trusted by everyone as well. He told Othello that his wife was unfaithful to him, he took Iago’s word for it without even consulting his wife, Desdemona if the allegations against her were true. This shows how Iago is a manipulative deceiver similar to Aaron . Iago influenced Roderigo to anger Cassio because he wanted to ruin Cassio’s reputation. He did not do this deed himself but got someone else to do this deed for him so it will look like he had no part in this distraught situation. Aaron used Tamora and her sons in Titus Andronicus so he could further himself and get one step close to getting revenge on the Andronicus family. He told Tamora’s sons to rape Lavinia. He did not rape her himself but once again like Iago used someone else to do the work for him through his words of persuasion. Both Iago and Aaron had evil motives throughout both of their plays, however come off as innocent. They tell others what to do, how to think, how to feel, they play with people’s minds and emotions in order to get what they want and when they