Iago's Greed In Othello

It is natural for one to have a jealous streak within them. Most people can keep it under control and learn to be happy for others rather than let their jealousy ruin their happiness. It is sad when one cannot be satisfied with their lives that they have to ruin the lives of others to make themselves happy. In William Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” Iago’s character is an envious villain with no morals who manipulates his friends with revengeful antics that contributed to the death of other characters.
Iago’s jealous and envious behavior destroys the lives of Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio. Iago is envious of Othello and it appears that he makes it his goal to destroy the happiness the others. As stated by McCloskey, “Wounded pride, a feeling of personal injustice, and jealous suspicion coalesce into his master- passion of hate for Othello the Moor” (25). First, Iago seeks out Othello to give him false news of Desdemona having an affair with Cassio. Even though at this time Othello has no reason to believe him, Iago said to him, “Look at your wife, observe her well with Cassio” (Shakespeare, 609), as if to tell him if you do not believe me, see for yourself. Iago gets Desdemona’s handkerchief given to her by Othello from Emilia and planted it in Cassio’s chambers to …show more content…
Iago’s jealousy streak is so strong, it causes him to hurt others to the point where they turn on each other and kill each other. McCloskey stated “As the plot works itself out, Iago goes further than he originally intended; he kills Roderigo and Emilia, attempts the murder of Cassio, and is accessory to Othello 's slaying of Desdemona,” (McCloskey,29). Iago’s fabricated lies destroy the lives of others who did not do anything to hurt him intentionally. Iago is not happy unless he is meddling in other people relationships. These actions by Iago prove that his rogue behaviors contributed to the demise of the other