Revenge And Vengeance In Othello

Individuals are often blinded by the need for revenge. In the play Othello, composed by William Shakespeare, Othello, the main general, promotes one of his best friends, Cassio, to be his lieutenant. Iago, who strongly thinks that he is the one that deserves the place of lieutenancy, seeks retribution by planning to ruin the lives of everyone who gets in his way in order to obtain the place he thinks he merits. As the story goes on, it is apparent that both Iago and Othello will destroy themselves and others to satisfy their own selfish needs for vengeance, it is only when it is too late that they register that the outcome of their revenge is not worth the price paid. Iago, the main antagonist of the play, is a cunning soldier who can manipulate his pawns as …show more content…
He is able to make everyone around him involved in his plans, including the fool, Roderigo. Iago takes Roderigo’s love for Desdemona and uses it to his advantage by enticing Roderigo to fight Cassio. Iago lies to Roderigo saying that Cassio is in love with Desdemona, and Roderigo can help himself by fighting Cassio. If Roderigo had found “some occasion to anger Cassio,” than Iago could make it seem as if Cassio is an irresponsible drunk who cannot control himself, and Iago could come in and take his spot as lieutenant (2.1.289). Iago will anger and operate Roderigo and Cassio to get his way, without ever thinking about the consequences of his actions. Iago also makes Roderigo think that he wants to get revenge from Cassio. He uses manipulation by tempting his pawns with desires, such as vengeance. Furthermore, it shows how easily one can be manipulated and forget all sense of reason if retribution is guaranteed. Iago is also selfish enough to get his own wife, Emilia, twisted in his plans. Emilia is incredibly loyal to Desdemona, and is willing to die to show it, and Iago helps with it. While Emilia is spewing the truth about Iago’s true