Iago is the antagonist in Shakespeare’s Othello, who believes he needs to gain revenge
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Iago knows that Roderigo is not a logical thinker because he is blinded by his emotions for Desdemona. In order to get Roderigo to do his bidding, Iago provokes him, “Call up her father: / Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight, / Proclaim the streets, incense her kinsmen, / And though he in fertile climate dwell, / Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, / Yet throw such changes of vexation on’t / As it may lose some color” (1.1.60-75). Once Roderigo is fired up with hatred for Othello, he goes to Brabantio to tell him what horrible thing his daughter has done with the Moor. Although Roderigo plays a small role in Othello, he plays a key role in Iago’s own personal agenda. Roderigo is so compelled by Iago, he doesn’t doubt his decisions of arousing Brabantio, as long as he gets what he wants. We not only see Roderigo’s trust in Iago, Brabantio too. At first, Brabantio doesn’t believe Roderigo when he is hearing about his daughter until Iago steps in and claims they are “making the beast with two backs” (1.1.113). Iago’s clever word play is what gets the characters’ trust, which proves he is a strong antagonist. But, will luck play a bigger role in Othello’s downfall than Iago’s …show more content…
The loss of this simple handkerchief will allow Iago to further manipulate other characters, which will lead to murder and betrayal. Emilia just so happens to come across Desdemona’s handkerchief that she knows was a gift from Othello. Not to mention, Iago has already asked her to steal it, “My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Woo’d me to steal it” (3.3.291-292). Emilia unknowingly gives Iago her undeserving devotion because of her desire to please him. Iago sees this as an opportunity to use Desdemona’s handkerchief to frame her for adultery. Therefore, Iago is adapting his plan after this lucky circumstance has come to light, another characteristic a strong antagonist must possess. Iago knows that if he puts the handkerchief in Cassio’s room, he will find it and keep it. Once Othello knows Cassio has the handkerchief, it will be enough to prove to Othello that Desdemona is disloyal. Which brings us back to Iago’s manipulation. Iago knows that a small handkerchief isn’t enough to prove Desdemona’s infidelity, but he is sure it is enough proof for Othello. Iago has been serving Othello long enough, that he knows Othello’s jealousy will consume him. Although Iago comes across lucky opportunities, it’s his skillful manipulation and his motivation to destroy Othello that move his plan
Iago knows that Roderigo is not a logical thinker because he is blinded by his emotions for Desdemona. In order to get Roderigo to do his bidding, Iago provokes him, “Call up her father: / Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight, / Proclaim the streets, incense her kinsmen, / And though he in fertile climate dwell, / Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, / Yet throw such changes of vexation on’t / As it may lose some color” (1.1.60-75). Once Roderigo is fired up with hatred for Othello, he goes to Brabantio to tell him what horrible thing his daughter has done with the Moor. Although Roderigo plays a small role in Othello, he plays a key role in Iago’s own personal agenda. Roderigo is so compelled by Iago, he doesn’t doubt his decisions of arousing Brabantio, as long as he gets what he wants. We not only see Roderigo’s trust in Iago, Brabantio too. At first, Brabantio doesn’t believe Roderigo when he is hearing about his daughter until Iago steps in and claims they are “making the beast with two backs” (1.1.113). Iago’s clever word play is what gets the characters’ trust, which proves he is a strong antagonist. But, will luck play a bigger role in Othello’s downfall than Iago’s …show more content…
The loss of this simple handkerchief will allow Iago to further manipulate other characters, which will lead to murder and betrayal. Emilia just so happens to come across Desdemona’s handkerchief that she knows was a gift from Othello. Not to mention, Iago has already asked her to steal it, “My wayward husband hath a hundred times / Woo’d me to steal it” (3.3.291-292). Emilia unknowingly gives Iago her undeserving devotion because of her desire to please him. Iago sees this as an opportunity to use Desdemona’s handkerchief to frame her for adultery. Therefore, Iago is adapting his plan after this lucky circumstance has come to light, another characteristic a strong antagonist must possess. Iago knows that if he puts the handkerchief in Cassio’s room, he will find it and keep it. Once Othello knows Cassio has the handkerchief, it will be enough to prove to Othello that Desdemona is disloyal. Which brings us back to Iago’s manipulation. Iago knows that a small handkerchief isn’t enough to prove Desdemona’s infidelity, but he is sure it is enough proof for Othello. Iago has been serving Othello long enough, that he knows Othello’s jealousy will consume him. Although Iago comes across lucky opportunities, it’s his skillful manipulation and his motivation to destroy Othello that move his plan