What Are Iago's Motives In Othello

The play Othello by William Shakespeare revolves around protagonist, Othello, as he is continuously deceived by a villainous mastermind posing as his most loyal friend, Iago. Although Othello is technically the protagonist of the play, Shakespeare takes a unique approach by allowing the reader to spend most of the play inside the mind of the psychotic Iago as he slowly destroys the life of not only Othello, but everyone who is in a close relationship with him. Many to this day are still unsure of the motives of Iago, and question his twisted pursuit of the destruction of the people around him. His actions; however, can be explained as an irrational and psychotic reaction due to the envy that he held towards those closest to him. Throughout …show more content…
Iago's true reasons for his hatred towards Othello are explained during a soliloquy in scene three. Iago proclaims, "... it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets / He has done my office: I know not if't be true; But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, / Will do as if for surety." (1.3.380-82). In this soliloquy Iago clearly states that he suspects Othello of sleeping with his wife, Emilia. While he has no proof of this encounter, he states that for "mere suspicion" he will continue as if it was undoubtedly true (1.3.382). Here, in this line, the reader can see Iago's compulsive nature and can infer that although his master plan is throughly thought through, the consequences of his actions are not. In this instance Iago's character can be compared to Othello as almost a foil. While Iago is quick to action, and has no sympathy for the reputation of others, Othello demands proof before condemning someone from such serious accusations. Although eventually Othello allows himself to be deceived by Iago, he truly believes he has witnessed concrete evidence before he turns against his own wife. While Iago's master plan to destroy the lives of both Othello and Cassio is driven by envy, Othello's mental breakdown is inflicted by jealousy. While envy is powered by desire for another's possessions or social status, jealousy is a type of protective paranoia that people exhibit when they …show more content…
He holds no true sympathy for anyone, and acts as one of the most honorable men in Cyprus at the time so he can become close to those he truly wishes to destroy. His general demeanor is cold and we can see that he never truly refers to Othello by his actual title. In fact, he most commonly refers to Othello as "the Moor" which is just a description of his nationality. Not only is this title borderline racist, but it also perfectly exemplifies Othello's complete disregard for the lives of those around him.This deep-seeded evil inside of