As the story begins we see Othello is a well respected diplomatic who seems strong and modest. Each time Iago acts according to his evidently immoral and despicable goals, but he always passes them off as moral and unselfish: Virtue? As early as the first scene of the play Iago shows us strong motives for his actions. Heroes tend to think that a villain is just a crazed lunatic trying to destroy the world, but that isnt always the case. Afterwards Othello found out that she didn 't cheat on him, and so he killed himself. He is then asked by Lodovico, what not to pray?. Iago believes that such a promotion may never come after Othello rejects his candidacy and makes it clear that he did not believe him suitable. These arguments point to the invalidity of the heros motive. "Iagos Motives in Shakespeares Othello Play." There are three motives that Iago has which are envy, anger, and lust. At first, Iago weights Cassio to drink, getting him inebriated to bring about a fracas. Characters Iago's motives Othello: A Level Iagos Motives in Shakespeares Othello Play. He falls in love with, and marries, a congressman's daughter, Desdemona. By continuing, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Knowing that if he foolishly attacked such a respected man directly, he would be sentenced to death. I do love her,(2. i. In Shakespeare's Othello: explain what we know about Cassio and Iago, and Iago and Othello. Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. This is IvyPanda's free database of academic paper samples. He calls a servant, taking advantage of his position and lining his pockets, a man of intellect, and he views honor as an empty and deceitful concept. The fact that he could so blatantly lie about what had occurred when it resulted in the death of an innocent person goes to show how unremorseful he was about his actions and about taking an innocent life. Motives of Iago in Othello. This was one of the strategies that Iago uses to deceit the characters in the play. Othello tells Iago to go get some poison to kill Desdemona, but Iago refuses and just tells him to strangle her in her bed (IV. Othello is also Iago's boss and this makes Iago feel inferior to him. His blame on Iago is redundant because Othello says he loves her but still believes the words of Iago instead of his, In conclusion, there might be many reasons why Othello behave in the story like an honorable men to a despicable human being, but we can take into account that the grudge Iago had against Othello, the loss of one of his trusted man Cassion and finally the fact that he prove that Desdemona was a whore it what makes Othellos character is so malleable and easy to influence by a negative force that is what brought end to, In the play Othello, Iago represents Marxist criticism through his pursuit of power that fuels his need for deceit in the story. To install StudyMoose App tap The impression Iago gives off is heinous and In Act I, Iago claimed that he hated Othello because he gave the Lieutenant position to Cassio and then later says it is because he has a suspicion of Othello and Emilia sleeping together. Although Iago wants to exterminate Othello over of his jealousy of his popularity, he also wants to sabotage him because of the promotion that he thinks was mistaken, he uses Desdemona as a sin. He watches them whisper and sees it as a great help to him succeeding in his plan. Amount to be Paid 249.00 USD. Jealousy It's possible that Iago is jealous of Othello and to a lesser extent Cassio. How is Iago an effective villain inOthello? This trait leads him to believe that certain innocent actions of other characters are in a way mocking him. Iago is, for as unusual as it is for a Shakespearean villain, refusing to reveal his motives for his evil plan. Already a member? 4399) Iagos motive here is to break the bond between Othello and Desdemona. Iago ( / io /) is a fictional character in Shakespeare 's Othello (c. 1601-1604). By and large, Roderigo is a pawn in Iagos conspires, controlled and oppressed through his visually impaired desire for Desdemona (Baker and Womack 1538). Iagos jealousy leads him to lose his sense of trust. Privacy Policy. (l. i. From this, the audience gets the first glimpse of Iagos inner-workings and his insecurities. If that is the case, the play should end when Othello promotes Iago to Lieutenant at the end of . Oftentimes the culprit is ambition, as in Macbeth, or revenge, as in Hamlet. Iago has clear and focused motives and reasons for his actions. Iago's' Motivation in Othello Essay Example | GraduateWay Throughout the play his motives remain shadowy, some of his reasons seem preposterous, classed as excuses for his actions. (2. ii. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Have You Not Read of Some Such Thing? (4.) What is Iago's motive? | Shakespeare Geek, The Original Shakespeare Blog It is worth noting that Iago, guided in his actions by cynicism, belongs to a special group of cynics. 332) he is clearly admitting that he has some sort of plan of what he is doing even though the details are not worked out yet. The first thing that I did was uncovered Iagos motives. What are his motives? @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-medrectangle-3-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:50px!important}}var cid='9687976154';var pid='ca-pub-3243264408777652';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-studyboss_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;container.style.width='100%';if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Iago could have made this rumor about anyone but he still chose Cassio. He tries to make himself feel better by convincing himself that his lies are actually true. Iagos first major soliloquy gives us our first major insight into the reason for his heinous scheme. A noble nature, easy of influence and meek, is good only for feeding fools; praise of the virtue of others, and virtue itself, is nothing more than empty talk. (V.II.355-356).(4.) He has used his charm to ensnare Rodrigo into believing that Desdimona will fall out of love with Othello (Rodrigo is infatuated with her). Why does Iago think that Emilia has slept with both Othello and Cassio, and where in the play does he voice these suspicions? Othello Essay- Iago's Motives . Her dreams are about the releasing of her mother from the burden that motherhood has been.as a result brings out of the initiatory [], The conflict between Achilles and Agamemnon is one of the major plotlines in the Iliad. In Act I, Iago claimed that he hated Othello because he gave the Lieutenant position to Cassio and then later says it is because he has a suspicion of Othello and Emilia sleeping together. Type your requirements and Ill connect you to Many characters fall into Iago 's web of deception throughout the book. By Shakespeare showing Iagos other feelings towards Othello it causes the audience to believe Iagos other, Iago, during the play, displays a notable lack of remorse or guilt for the many horrendous deeds he commits. The thing about Iago is thiswe never really know for certain why it is that Iago wants to destroy Othello. If that is the case, the play should end when Othello promotes. (2.) March 16, 2017 ~ duane I first experienced Othello in high school. Iago gradually drove Othello to the edge, he convinced him of the affair between the two and so he felt the need to kill her. (1,iii. 2. i. Even though some people think that Iago is a diabolical villain, its presumably thought that he may suffer from a psychological disorder that developed during his childhood. Iagos Motives in Shakespeares Othello Play. Iagos sly behavior and ability to use other characters roles and trust such as Othellos love for Desdemona, Cassios pride in serving as Othellos trustful lieutenant, and Rodrigo's over commitment to win over Desdemona from Othello allows his plan to fall through. (2.) Through this play, the audience learns that Iago sees himself as better than everyone else and he treats others as fools. All that Roderigo has to do is to keep the income going for Iago if he wants Desdemona to be with him instead of Othello. (4.) Iagos first major soliloquy gives us our first major insight into the reason for his heinous scheme. (3.) Retrieved from https://ivypanda.com/essays/iagos-motives-in-shakespeares-othello-play/. (l. i. His ascendance prompts thoughts of Richard III who is definitely the captivating protagonist in the history play. Iago cites multiple and incompatible motives for wanting to destroy Othello. He told Othello of the connection between Cassio and Desdemona, and as she kept bringing his name up to reinstate him, it became more evident to Othello. The play "Othello" by William Shakespeare is based on an Italian story in Giraldi Cinthio's Hecatommithi (Groliers). He certainly seems to take great pleasure in preventing Othello from enjoying marital happiness, and he expresses his love for Othello frequently and effusively. Or are you suggesting this these two things are linked? (2023, June 29). Othello - Iago's Motives - collegeessayexamples.net Iago wants Cassio and Othello to suffer for the decision Othello made. I. As Iago enters the scene of the murder, Emilia openly asks Iago if he told Othello that Desdemona was cheating on him; Iago responds thusly: I told him what I thought, and told no more than what he found himself was apt and true (V.II.212-213). He has heard a rumour that Othello had sexual intercourse with his wife, it is just a rumour but through his nature Iago would rather believe it was true. 314,316). II, 6). Iago is an egotistical man whose self-esteem is hurt. At first Othello does not believe him, but by Iago saying nothing,my lord; or if- I know not what Othello starts to question if it is true (III. Iago is a cynic in his views on the relationship between a man and a woman; the same cynicism he displays in his reflections on all other human relationships and feelings. 1-3) From the beginning of Othello, Iago is portrayed as an antagonist, a villain who acts out of only his own interest. In the play Othello, by William Shakespeare, Iago is the main antagonist to the protagonist of the story. One aspect of it concerns Achilles woman, Briseis. He is a man whose self-esteem and professional carrier have just been torn apart. In William Shakespeares The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulation over people who had previously trusted and confided in him. Othello was fed lies that his wife and Lieutenant were having an affair, leading up to the death of himself along with his wife. He thought that in this way Cassio and Othello were trying to signify that he was impotent. Driven by jealousy and hatred, Iago plots against Othello to destroy his character and reputation. Iago has always been dependable to Othello, but he ends up overpassing the position to Cassio, who doesn 't know anything about war duties. Iago arrogantly responds with the following: Demand me nothing. Shakespeare scholars have attempted to explain some probable . Iago is a unique and complicated character. He is able to keep his true thoughts and motives from everyone. So one night Cassio is supposed to be keeping a party under control Othello tells him good Michael, look you to the guard tonight.Lets teach ourselves that honorable, As a scheming villain, Iago begins to ensnare Othello into his trap of vengeance by echoing in Othellos mind prospect of an affair between Cassio and Desdemona. For that to happen they have to plan on revenge on Othello by making him think that his wife is cheating on him. In addition, he suspected his wife Emilia to be having an affair with Othello which, to the audience, may be another reason why revenge is desired. This suggests he has no motive for his actions and may have acted out of pure entertainment. Iago in Othello | Shmoop What is Iago's motivation for destroying the lives of those around him While Iago continues with discussing his thoughts, he brings up many reasons behind why he is planning to get revenge. With Roderigo's extended silence, it too feels like an extended aside. It contains thousands of paper examples on a wide variety of topics, all donated by helpful students. Accessed 9 July 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. Iago's motives for vengeance are problematic as Iago offers different motives throughout the play. 2023. Iago has set the trap for Cassio to ask Desdemona to possibly try to change Othellos mind which will lead to Othello believing that they are having an affair. In Shakespeare 's play Othello, the character Iago is the same as those tricky people. Scene 1. Moreover, is great example of how Shakespeare was able to impersonate the strength and weakness of humans. (3.) It is not known why but Iago's main objective in the play is to break up Othello and Desdemona. Desdemona, Othello, and Roderigo were all deceived by Iago. Iago's Motives Essay - Summaries & Essays Clearly he has some sort of vendetta against Othello, but is that racism, or rather just bitterness? Far from admiring Othello's quality, Iago sees Othello's honesty to be a flaw that he can easily manipulate. Bloom describes this anger in terms of religion. This final act of defiance does nothing. The social and political gains of Iagos cruelty display how the theme functions in a work of literature and what it reveals about both the perpetrator and victim. His Moorship 's ancient" (I.i.33). Othellos confidence for a loyal man to maintain honesty and morals are contradicted through Iagos actions: in a man thats just / They are close dilations, working from the heart, / That passion cannot rule (3.3.123). During Iagos speech, in 1. ii, he tries to assure himself of the true love Cassio holds for Desdemona when he says That Cassio loves her, I do well believe t. Here, scholars note that the protagonist cannot believe anything of the sort since he knows the Moor intimately enough. This left Iago flabbergasted saying Cassio "never set a squadron in the field" (I.i.22) and he sarcastically says "And I-God bless the mark! Resentful of the prominent position that Othello has achieved in Venice, Iago deliberately sets out to destroy him. Roderigo, a Venetian gentleman, understands Iago when Iago said that he is affined to love the Moor. Othello (by William Shakespeare) is a tragic story, the play is based on the theory that love is meaningless unless the physical attraction is partnered with trust. Your privacy is extremely important to us. Iagos motives are of great number, they appear in an erratic fashion (most frequently in his soliloquies ). There are some other possible reasons behind Iago's behavior that may explain some of his cruel acts, but certainly being unfulfilled, unhappy, and bad in nature make him who he is. This shows a certain evilness in him, as Christianity was widely practised in the time Othello was set. Everything people do is driven by some force they have in their life. Maybe its PTSD. Your free preview of York Notes Plus+ 'Othello: A Level' has expired. When Othello is gone at war, Iago tells him that Cassio and Desdemona were getting too close. He is also very sneaky when he does it. He thought that in this way Cassio and Othello were trying to signify that he was impotent. 1. 10 - 30). Iago then channels his attention towards Othello, the Moor (a derogatory term used for blacks). Copyright 2023 - IvyPanda is operated by, Continuing to use IvyPanda you agree to our, Iagos Motives in Shakespeares Othello Play, The Message of the "Oedipus Rex" Play by Sophocles, Deception in A Dolls House by Henrik Ibsen, Shakespeares Othello, the Moor of Venice, Iago the Gardener`s Behavior in Othello by Shakespeare, "Othello" by William Shakespeare: Summary and Analysis, Shakespeare's "Othello" and Miller's "The Crucible", Othello and Desdemona in "Othello" by Shakespeare, "Othello" by William Shakespeare: Military Honor and Othello, Aristotle's Poetics Ideas in Trifles by Susan Glaspell, The "Inherit the Wind" Play by Lawrence and Lee, Elder Abuse and Neglect in Edward Albees The Sandbox. How did he succeed in his villainous plot. June 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/iagos-motives-in-shakespeares-othello-play/. Similarly, Iago has also made his motives known in the form of deeply rooted revenge. A career soldier, with years of experience and service under his . IvyPanda, 29 June 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/iagos-motives-in-shakespeares-othello-play/. Latest answer posted April 07, 2021 at 11:18:50 AM. Unknown to Othello, Iago was motivated by a cruelty that demanded the utter destruction of Othellos public and private life. Despite the fact that the two are similar in their powerful language and, Throughout Act II of, the tragic play by William Shakespeare, Othello Iago displays his true intentions and feelings throughout a vast amount of soliloquies and asides. Iago's true motivation is never actually expressed which leaves his motives unidentified and actions impulsive. This is another point of jealousy for Iago, he feels they are mocking him with their affections leading him to proclaim, daily beauty makes me ugly. Dont waste Your Time Searching For a Sample, Iagos ego in "Othello" by William Shakespeare, Complex Character of Iago in Shakespeare's Play Othello, Iago's Soliloquy in Shakespeare's Play Othello, "Honest Iago" and "Thrice Gentle Cassio" in 'Othello'. Iago was a highly motivated . "Iagos Motives in Shakespeares Othello Play." The protagonist is not cast out of the circle, a circle into which he wants to re-enter. Dont know where to start? At the beginning, the motive for Iago's focus on Othello is vague, but later we learn of Iago's belief that Othello has had an affair with Emilia. From this time forth I never will speak word. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. The Norton Introduction to Literature, edited by Kelly Mays, Norton and Company, 2021. pp. Desdemona, Othello, and Roderigo were all deceived by Iago. A lack of empathy makes for a true villain.