Iago's Cruelty
Iago is one of the most notorious and mysterious villains of all time. He spends all of his time plotting against Othello and Desdemona, eventually convincing Othello that his wife has been cheating, despite the fact that Desdemona has been completely faithful. Iago's capacity for cruelty seems limitless, and no motivation he gives for his actions seems enough to explain the incredible destruction he wreaks on the lives of the people he knows best.
Although readers tend to think of evil people as being brutal and insensitive, or at least disconnected from the people they hurt, Iago, on the other hand, is able to hurt Othello so much because he understands him so well. He even grows closer to Othello as his plot progresses. Iago manipulates …show more content…
The concept of evil is so overplayed that it seems Iago’s actions are motiveless; he does not have a specific reason for desiring to bring down his fellow characters. As an audience, the readers cannot truly believe the justifications he gives along the play, due to his overwhelming deceptive tendencies. And when questioned, he replies with a tone that exposes nothing.
Immediately Iago’s thoughts towards Othello and Desdemona's Elopement are evident within his tone. He refers to Othello as an old black ram - indicating his racially charged hatred towards Othello. The metaphoric reference to Othello and Desdemona making love is full of detestation and loathing; it is clear that whatever affection he later displays towards Othello- it is all part of his act.
No matter how one chooses to interpret it, it is clear to see that Iago is often our focus in this play. Readers follow his storyline more than Othello's as well as spend more time with him than Othello. The audience watchs him in a variety of relationships – his manipulation of Roderigo, his treatment of his wife, his pseudo-friendship with Othello. If it weren't for the fact that Iago undergoes basically no changes, one could even argue that he's the main
Although readers tend to think of evil people as being brutal and insensitive, or at least disconnected from the people they hurt, Iago, on the other hand, is able to hurt Othello so much because he understands him so well. He even grows closer to Othello as his plot progresses. Iago manipulates …show more content…
The concept of evil is so overplayed that it seems Iago’s actions are motiveless; he does not have a specific reason for desiring to bring down his fellow characters. As an audience, the readers cannot truly believe the justifications he gives along the play, due to his overwhelming deceptive tendencies. And when questioned, he replies with a tone that exposes nothing.
Immediately Iago’s thoughts towards Othello and Desdemona's Elopement are evident within his tone. He refers to Othello as an old black ram - indicating his racially charged hatred towards Othello. The metaphoric reference to Othello and Desdemona making love is full of detestation and loathing; it is clear that whatever affection he later displays towards Othello- it is all part of his act.
No matter how one chooses to interpret it, it is clear to see that Iago is often our focus in this play. Readers follow his storyline more than Othello's as well as spend more time with him than Othello. The audience watchs him in a variety of relationships – his manipulation of Roderigo, his treatment of his wife, his pseudo-friendship with Othello. If it weren't for the fact that Iago undergoes basically no changes, one could even argue that he's the main