Theme Of Iago In Othello

The antagonist Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello is a character of many facets. The complexity of Iago is significant to understanding this play, as he is one of the most important characters. In Othello, Iago says, “I am not what I am (Oth.1.1.65),” meaning he is not the person that he seems to be, which showcases his complexity. Throughout the play, Iago serves in many capacities. Among others, his roles in Othello include psychotherapist, anti-Logos, and misogynist. In Omer and Da Verona’s “Doctor Iago’s Treatment of Othello,” it is suggested that Iago’s conversations with Othello are some of the greatest persuasive skills ever written, and that the fullest appreciation and understanding of these conversations can be taken from the view of …show more content…
A misogynist is a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women. The way he speaks of his wife, Emilia, is a clear indicator of his misogyny. Iago says that his wife is a shrew and that she talks too much, and he then goes on to say she chides with thinking; “yet he is the one who thinks of chiding as he projects his own dissatisfaction onto her (Wayne).” When Emilia speaks to defend herself he says, “Come on, come on; you are pictures out of doors, bells in your parlours, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds (Oth.2.1.109-112).” “His speech makes it clear Emilia 's fault is simply that she is a woman, and in this catalogue of vices, women are vain, talkative, vengeful, idle and wanton (Wayne).” Iago’s misogynistic ways are also illustrated when he speaks to Desdemona’s father and implies that she is property, and in that he accuses Desdemona of being unfaithful to her husband, Othello, without any reason. He speaks ill of her and to her, and ultimately, his misogynistic ways are to blame for her death, because he drives Othello to kill her. Another example of his misogyny is when he says, “You rise to play, and go to bed to work (Oth.2.1115),” implying that women are lazy except for when it comes to sex. There is theory that Iago’s misogynistic ways are due to the fact that he secretly loves Othello, and is jealous of women because of it. His slander of Desdemona, his convincing himself of an affair between his wife and Othello, and his proclamations of love for Othello throughout the play could prove this theory to be