Lago
LagoIago: a study of his evil character
In the play of Othello, by William Shakespeare, one would suggest that Shakespeare created the character of Iago to show and explore the depths of an evil heart. Shakespeare expands on the major character flaws of Iago that brought his downfall in the story. Shakespeare by using Iago’s character flaw was able to exposed the other flaws of the other characters in the play. Shakespeare used Iago’s love for power, his hatred, deception, and his vengeance to show that the potentiality of an evil heart can due serious damage to the people.
At the very beginning of the play Shakespeare introduces Iago’s evil character. “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago: In following him, I follow myself” (Act I, sc.i, 50). This statement shows that Shakespeare has introduced Iago with an unloyal heart to set the foundation for the evil plan of Iago to destroy the Moor. It also shows that Iago’s love for power is stronger than his loyalty to the Moor. One may suggest that Shakespeare has introduced a picture of a man’s heart when he has been betrayed, in the case of Iago he is full of rage and feels betrayed because Othello has given Cassio the office that belongs to Iago.
It is also interesting to see through out the play of how Iago’s thoughts developed from mere thoughts of displeasure to executing his evil plan in destroying Othello, one may suggest that Shakespeare associates Iago’s character to the common people of those days. Perhaps some husbands were trying to get rid of their wives and through evil planning they were successful in convincing that their wives were cheating on them. Iago is not willing to stop at the level of having displeasure thoughts but he is determined to follow and making his evil desires a reality. “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (Act I, sc.i, 44). Shakespeare also gives a wonderful picture of a men’s heart when he is determined to achieve greatness whether for good or evil gains.
Unfortunately Iago’s desires for greatness developed into hatred towards Othello, “though I do hate him as I do hell pains…” (Act 1, sc.i, 55). This is another major flaw in Iago’s character, with the previous quotation Iago’s hatred for Othello has come out to the surface. One can come to an interpretation about Iago’s hatred, his hatred is perhaps due to jealousy. Jealous of Othello’s good life, he is in charge of a good number of men in the Venetian Army, he is respected by the Duke of Venice, and he is married to a beautiful white woman. His hatred is also has to do with Iago’s current position. According to Iago, the Moor has made a big mistake in giving Cassio the office that belongs to him. In one’s view, Shakespeare is suggesting that Iago’s building block of his future plans against the Moor rest upon...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.