The character of Iago in Othello

As a villain, Iago has several precursors in English literature. In particular, he appears to derive from the archetypical Vice of early Elizabethan morality plays. What sets him apart, however, are the endowments of genuine character that he displays--including charm, wit, and especially reasonable motives. In this last regard, Iago is unique, for the Vice of the religious plays was an abstract personification of evil and disorder who delighted in mayhem for its own sake.

In drawing Iago, however, Shakespeare is careful to give him at least two plausible motives for his malevolence. Indeed, we have scarcely met him before he confides in us his reasoning for seeking the downfall of the Moor. First, he claims to be incensed that his general, Othello, has chosen a less qualified and less proven subordinate to be his lieutenant (I:i:8-33). He complains that "three great ones of the city" have personally intervened on his behalf, only to be told that Michael Cassio has been chosen instead--someone he says is much less entitled to the position. Consequently, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him . . . " (I.1.42).

If the appointment had not been made by "letter and affection" Iago implies, but by "old grada

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mistress if he has actually been having an affair with Emilia, nor is he so brazen that he would request her husband's permission. (I.3.293-5) In his second soliloquy, Iago even admits, The Moor, howbeit that I endure him not, Is of a constant, loving, noble nature; And I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona A most dear husband. (II.1.276-9) The rest rehearses his jealous rage as if he were justifying actions he knows himself to be without justification. It enlarges on the second reason Iago gives for his plotting, but "We do not need to take it seriously; Iago's Malice needs no reasons," comments C.W.R.D. Moseley (107). And although Iago says the thought of Othello with Emilia gnaws him like a poison, he is merely working himself up for villainy. He calls Roderigo "this poor trash of Venice" (II.1.291), a phrase that reduces the henchman to a mere thing to be manipulated at will and shows Iago's true character; it is not the character of a man who is undertaking righteous revenge. If that were so, the play's climax would not be the fall of a great man but a moral show of justice triumphant. Nor does Iago believe the injustices he claims. His soliloquy in I.3 reveals that what he wants first is not revenge but career
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Approximate Word count = 1572
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page)

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