The Unscrupulous Iago of Shakespeares Othello Essay

In William Shakespeares play, Othello, there is an example of evil personified. He is the character of Iago, and he wreaks havoc and destruction on all those under his influence. As the play develops, we see unfolded a plethora of lies, deceptions and clever schemes. Iago seizes every opportunity to advance his malicious plan to his advantage. Greed and jealousy play a major role as a motive for his various schemes. Iago first reveals his cunning and unscrupulous behavior in his encounter with Rodrigo. Iago easily controls Rodrigo and he is very aware of his power over him. He plans to use his influence over him for his own good. He shows this by saying Thus do I ever make my fool my purse; For I mine own gained knowledge†¦show more content†¦For this reason Iago has cleverly created a second motive for hating Othello: And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets Has done my office. I know not ift be true; Yet I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety. Here Iago has stated he is aware of rumors of Othello sleeping with his wife. He does not really believe the rumours, but will cunningly play on them as if they were true to better his position: Iago decides that he will plot his revenge upon Cassio first. He notices a greeting between Cassio and Othellos wife Desdemona that he sees as an opportunity to create his malicious plan for revenge: He takes her by the palm. Ay, well said, whisper! With as little as a web as this I will ensnare as great a fly as Cassio. Ay, smile upon her, do. I will gyve thee in thine own courtship. You say true, tis so indeed. If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenantry... This shows how Iago will use his clever trickery to bring down Cassio. He creates a lie that Desdemona and Cassio are directly in love. He later uses this idea to successfully convince Othello that Desdemona is being unfaithful with him. Still focused on Cassio, Iago cunningly uses a known weakness of his against him. 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