Essay on the Motivations of Iago
Explore what motivates Iago. Is he simply the devil incarnate who is malevolent without reason? Is he an "evil genius"? Or was he justified in his actions?
Iago is perhaps
one of the most vicious and complex characters of Shakespeare. In fact, may
regard him as an artist of evil as he delivers his schemes with utmost
craftsmanship and cleverness. However, what is more fascinating about this
character is the utter lack of any clear motivation and agendas for his
actions. Throughout the play, Iago offers numerous and often times,
incompatible motives for doing a certain act. In the first scene for instance,
he claims to have a grudge against Othello for overlooking him for the
lieutenant position. As the story progresses, Iago reveals his suspicion that
Othello may have slept with his wife, Emilia. This is evident in the lines:
“twixt my sheets,
He has done my office”
(Shakespeare 369-370).
Iago continues
to elaborate this thought at the last part of Act II in Scene I. He reveals his
desire and lust after Desdemona as he wants to take revenge by exclaiming “a
wife for a wife” (Shakespeare 286). Nevertheless, none of Iago’s claims seem to
offer an adequate explanation behind his deep hatred for Othello. This is
because he does not stop at Othello alone. Instead he plots revenge on almost
everyone who provokes his plans – this even includes his wife, Emilia.
Some scholars
suggest that Shakespeare has created the character of Iago based on the concept
of the devil. In Act I, Iago says that “I am not what I am” (Shakespeare 65).
This line is a reminiscent of a similar line from the Bible where God says” “I
am what I am” (Exodus 3:14). If the line “I am what I am”, directly represents
God, then it is possible that Shakespeare intended to make Iago’s line “I am
not what I am not”, a representation of something that is opposite to God which
is the devil. In the play, Iago exhibits devil-like qualities such as lying and
using people’s vulnerabilities to deceive them which will ultimately lead to
their destruction. More importantly, Iago does this not for any clear reason,
but simply for the sake of doing evil. These qualities are evident in his
scenes with Rodrigo as it showcases his abilities to manipulate other people.
He also shows such qualities at his attempts to pull Othello, Desdemona, Cassio
and Emilia in his schemes. This only shows his insatiable obsession of
destroying people as well as his indifference to the concept of what is moral
and good.
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On the other
hand, some literary scholars suggest that Iago’s motivation may have stem from
his lust for Othello. Some scholars suggest that the play may have had some
homosexual undertones wherein Iago may have plotted of those schemes in order
to woo Othello away from Desdemona. It is apparent how Iago enjoys and puts in
an extra effort in preventing Othello from having a marital happiness with
Desdemona. At the same time, Iago often expresses his love for Othello
throughout the play.
It is also
evident how Iago spends most of his time beside Othello despite the fact that
he has promoted Cassio for the lieutenant position that he also desires. In
addition, Iago’s dissatisfaction with his relationship with Emilia is also
apparent throughout the play. In fact, Iago even murdered his wife in order for
him to properly implement his evil schemes.
Regardless
whether Iago’s malignancy is motiveless or it comes from pure lust for Othello,
the fact remains that his plots and evil plans are the main source why this
story has revolved and ended into a tragedy. Iago’s lies and deceptions have
put the entire play to motion and at the same time, it ultimately led to the
destruction of the other characters as well his own. As such, it could be
argued, that perhaps, Iago is the main character of this play.
Works
Cited
Shakespeare,
William. Othello. Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press, 2005.
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