In Othello, William Shakespeare explains the characters’ real intentions and thoughts through the use of multiple soliloquys. In the one from the third scene of the second act, Iago (the villain) reveals his real intentions and feelings about Cassio, Othello, and Desdemona, as well as declares what his subsequent actions will be. He has already successfully executed the first part of his plan prompting Othello to deprive Michael Cassio of lieutenancy. With his ultimate goal being seizure of this currently vacant position, Iago decides to implement the next stage of his strategy. He approaches uncontended Cassio and convinces him that he can, and should, get his role back. Disguising his real intentions, Emilia’s husband appears to be a helpful
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In addition, Iago communicates that what he wanted Cassio to perceive as an honest advice was in fact a mere “show” (340) that will help him execute his evil plan – “the blackest sin” (339). Iago compares himself to devils that pretend to be doing something good, while in fact they are committing sins. Such allusion to hell implicates Iago’s dark nature and villainy. Emilia’s husband is being ironic when he says: “And what’s he then that says I play the villain, / When this advice is free I give and honest,” (324-325) since he is well aware of the future consequences that his instructions may entail. He knows that he is the only person who may benefit from this advice and that Cassio will most likely make the entire situation even worse for himself. Unfortunately for Michael Cassio, he blindly believes in every Iago’s word. He perceives the villain as an honest and noble man, which was exactly what Emilia’s husband wanted to achieve. Because of ostensible honesty Iago appears to be a sincere gentleman. In the soliloquy, however, he reveals the details about his plan, which prove how incorrect this statement is. The villain is going to take advantage of Desdemona’s kind and
In addition, Iago communicates that what he wanted Cassio to perceive as an honest advice was in fact a mere “show” (340) that will help him execute his evil plan – “the blackest sin” (339). Iago compares himself to devils that pretend to be doing something good, while in fact they are committing sins. Such allusion to hell implicates Iago’s dark nature and villainy. Emilia’s husband is being ironic when he says: “And what’s he then that says I play the villain, / When this advice is free I give and honest,” (324-325) since he is well aware of the future consequences that his instructions may entail. He knows that he is the only person who may benefit from this advice and that Cassio will most likely make the entire situation even worse for himself. Unfortunately for Michael Cassio, he blindly believes in every Iago’s word. He perceives the villain as an honest and noble man, which was exactly what Emilia’s husband wanted to achieve. Because of ostensible honesty Iago appears to be a sincere gentleman. In the soliloquy, however, he reveals the details about his plan, which prove how incorrect this statement is. The villain is going to take advantage of Desdemona’s kind and