Iago: The Manipulative Driving Force
Iago is among the most interesting characters in the tragedy play “Othello” by William Shakespeare. From his wisely thought utterances and actions, Iago manipulates other characters in a way that he stands to benefit and get closer to his objectives. He is considered the driving force in the play as he pushes Othello and the other characters to a disastrous end in the play. Towards the end of the play, Iago is unpunished while his fate is left in the hands of Cassio. The audience is left to believe that he will be castigated since it is the only thing that is left open and it is not clear whether he will get away with the wicked motives by devising other deceptive and violent acts.
The Unchanging Cruelty of Iago
In contrast with the other characters in the play whose traits are changed through action, the character of Iago in the play is unchanged and he continues being unrepentant and cruel. Iago embodies cruelty and evil for its own sake as he is hostile in the play. He acts as an advocate for Othello and makes it known to the audience that he is noble in taking that task as he encounters more villains now that he is ready to ruin the life of Othello regardless of the goodness that he had been shown. He says, “The Moor – howbe’t that I endure him not- Is of a constant, loving noble nature, And I dare that he’ll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband (Act 2, scene 1, line 288)”. Moreover, he is also happy to ruin the life of Desdemona as he is on a mission to revenge on Othello.
Iago's Treatment of Women
The opinion and treatment of women by Iago in the play makes the audience see him as unpleasant and cruel. He treats his wife Emilia in a cruel way even when she pleases him. She calls her, “A good wench” despite her efforts to make her happy. Iago says, “It is a common thing…To have a foolish wife” (Shakespeare, Act 3 Scene 3, Line 306). Iago treats women in that way since he believed that she had an affair though his character is repetitively unpleasant in a way that the audience do not assign malignancy to her behavior. Moreover, the audience may even collude to Emilia’s belief that if she had cheated, Iago deserved to face it.
Iago's Manipulation and Trickery
Iago tricks all the characters in the play who consider him as their friend. The most shocking act is when he kills Roderigo whom they had colluded and was honest in the entire play. He uses Roderigo to do his dirty tricks and without him, he would not have succeeded in discrediting Cassio. Roderigo however appears not to understand the character of Iago and may have possibly guessed that he had been tricked when he writes letters that keep on his person and then used to discredit Iago’s motives. Iago is also unrepentant in his communication with the audience. He is full of himself and feels justified as he says he does not need sympathy. “Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I will never speak a word” (Shakespeare, Act 5 Scene 2, Line 309).
The Unpleasant and Rude Character of Iago
Iago appears as an unpleasant and rude character as he tricks the other characters in finding his way out of various situations. He is selfish and looks to benefit alone at the expense of others. His character is interesting as he makes the story keep on moving as well as creates suspense.
Work cited
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Cambridge University Press, 2018.
