Arguementitve Essayabout Iago

Argumentative Essay-Mini Essay I think that picture 2 best fits the role or character of Iago in the play ‘Othello’ In Image 2 the subject has both his hands up, which could be interpreted as mockery. The subjects mouth is also open which means that he is probably speaking, which implies that he is probably confident. Mockery and confidence are both traits that can be found in Iago’s character in Othello. One can also notice that the picture is taken from a low angle shot, which suggests superioty and someone who puts himself on a pedestal. This again shows Iago’s arrogance and over confidence in himself, and suggests that others are inferior compared to him.

Evil can be characterized as a person who causes ruin, injury, pain or harm for their own satisfaction; Iago, undoubtedly, fits this description. Throughout his soliloquies, Iago reveals his true evil nature as well as how he will cause the downfall of other characters. “Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light”.

Iago is self-conceited and enjoys being in the spotlight and this can be represented in the image as there is only one subject in the image. Not only does Iago enjoy being in the spotlight but he is also aware and somewhat proud and boastful of his evil works. That fact that we can only see one half of the subjects’ face in the image, suggests that he is two faced. This translates to Iago’s character in the play because Iago is not what he says he is. “I am not what I am”.

Iago is the opposite of Othello and he plays the role of the devil. Not only is Iago pretentious, but he also enjoys seeing the downfall of others “When Devils will their blackest sins put on, they suggest at first with heavenly sins.” This is the mask of honesty that allows others such as Roderigo, Cassio, Desdemona, Emilia and Othello, to fall victim to his malevolence. Iago has the ability to find and exploit the weaknesses of the other characters, and this makes him an expert in human nature.

Iago is a deceitful liar and is out to harm everyone. He targets good people because they are easy prey for evil because they truly believe that there is goodness in each person. I think that good people are not able to distinguish evil because evil is clever enough to mask its true identity. This is a prime and ideal example of Iago.
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