Iago is an iconic character from the Shakespearian play Othello, best known for his ruthlessness and cunning behaviors, he acts on selfish desires to deceive and manipulate others. Iago’s villainous qualities are apparent in the opening scene of the play, where he and Roderigo appear to be arguing with one another. Iago confides in Roderigo regarding the bitterness he feels toward Othello, an African American Venetian general. Iago begrudges Othello because he did not choose Iago as his lieutenant. In conversion with Roderigo, Iago degrades Othello and convinces Roderigo to tell Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, about his daughter’s marriage to Othello. Iago seeks to anger Brabantio about the biracial marriage, which Iago predicts will inflict
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Research validates that although high self-esteem, or egotism, is thought to be a positive trait to betray that it often leads to destructive consequences. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “The combination of narcissism and insult led to exceptionally high levels of aggression toward the source of the insult” (Bushman). Aggression was a manifestation of the self’s dismissal of the esteem-threatening assessments from others. …show more content…
Iago experiences what psychologists identify as social rejection. He, an ambitious Venetian soldier seeking promotion in the army is denied advancement and in simplistic terms his feelings are hurt. Iago experiences social rejection, which inflicts emotional pain that is very similar to physical pain (Weir). Mark Leary, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, states “Rejection has serious implications for an individual’s psychological state and for society in general” (Weir). Being excluded, or in Iago’s situation overlooked for promotion, can cause emotional and cognitive concerns. Researchers have found that “social rejection increases anger, anxiety, depression, jealously and sadness” (Wier). Many people respond to rejection by lashing out because they want to regain control and by showing aggression they are able to force others to pay attention to them. Iago lashes out by scheming against Othello. Other characters in the play are oblivious to Iago’s deception and schema; however his callous actions are his way of lashing out. Also, when people act aggressively, they’re less likely to gain social acceptance, which is how Iago becomes viewed as the villain in the
Research validates that although high self-esteem, or egotism, is thought to be a positive trait to betray that it often leads to destructive consequences. The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that “The combination of narcissism and insult led to exceptionally high levels of aggression toward the source of the insult” (Bushman). Aggression was a manifestation of the self’s dismissal of the esteem-threatening assessments from others. …show more content…
Iago experiences what psychologists identify as social rejection. He, an ambitious Venetian soldier seeking promotion in the army is denied advancement and in simplistic terms his feelings are hurt. Iago experiences social rejection, which inflicts emotional pain that is very similar to physical pain (Weir). Mark Leary, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Duke University, states “Rejection has serious implications for an individual’s psychological state and for society in general” (Weir). Being excluded, or in Iago’s situation overlooked for promotion, can cause emotional and cognitive concerns. Researchers have found that “social rejection increases anger, anxiety, depression, jealously and sadness” (Wier). Many people respond to rejection by lashing out because they want to regain control and by showing aggression they are able to force others to pay attention to them. Iago lashes out by scheming against Othello. Other characters in the play are oblivious to Iago’s deception and schema; however his callous actions are his way of lashing out. Also, when people act aggressively, they’re less likely to gain social acceptance, which is how Iago becomes viewed as the villain in the