Iago Character Analysis Essay
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Transcript of Iago Character Analysis Essay
I am not what I am- Iago character analysis
Iago, the triumphant villain within Othello is a complicated character- his true
intentions are shrouded in the layers of deception and deviance that help create his
false visage. The heinous crimes he sets out to achieve are unfathomable, yet
without this peculiar character the play itself would be little more than a light
romantic drama. Iago is the villain we love to hate; he makes the play and at the
same time breaks all the characters within it, he is the sole instigator of the tragic
eventfulness within Othello. And yet still Iago is one of the most complex characters
within Shakespearean tragedy.
To for fill the plot outline, it was essential that Iago was depicted as the epitome of
evil, and this is accomplished within his particular characteristic traits.
His heightened devious nature comes across only within his many soliloquies, and
Shakespeare used these to evoke frustration within the audience; the true dramatic
irony of his character only seeps out during these extended asides. The intention was
to stir up pity towards the other characters, who are tragically fooled by Iago’s split
personality.
“Honest Iago…O good Iago” Desdemona, in seeking his advice.
We see the deceptive web that Iago has wound around everyone but himself, and
the irony is the characters truly believe he is an honest being. Shakespeare repeats
the word ‘honest’ over 50 times during the play, obsessively throwing the word
around so to exaggerate the contradictory meaning within Othello’s context.
The self obsessed cloud that remains around Iago’s head throughout the play, is only
revealed to the audience. Towards the other characters, he maintains his master
disguise of loyalty and truthfulness, when in actual fact he is conspiring against them
all. The innate evil within Iago is only truly revealed at the end of the play, when he
has done the damage. 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, we 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.
Othello- “Why he hath thus ensnar’d my soul and body?”
Iago- “Demand me nothing; what you know, you know.
From this time forth I never will speak word”
The cunning nature of Iago is so dramatised, that we almost cringe as each thing Iago
sets out to do; he accomplishes with great success. However the question arises,
really how clever is Iago? As he said himself, he does not have a master plan- his
innovation and eagerness to exploit are the true reasons for his success as a villain.
Iago seizes every opportunity to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of his victims,
and in doing so he personally succeeds. This is reinforced by the proud ego covering
his true insecurities; Shakespeare makes this apparent as he displays Iago’s
uncertainty regarding himself.
This in turn brings light to the issue of Iago’s insecurities, the somewhat
subconscious moral to why he goes about causing destruction. In Iago’s world, the
hate comes first and then the fabricated motif follows. It is an example of his
constant need to rationalize himself. The beliefs of adultery involving Othello and
Cassio are fantasies that feed his hate. To work his hatred into rage, he invents hurts
to justify his heinous actions.
What he does not realise is that his urge to hate Othello is a product of the deep
psychological problems that exist within himself; these remain unmentioned in the
play however the audience comes to make assumptions that Iago is not entirely sane
In order to feel superiority, Iago also expresses his hatred towards women- treating
them as sexual objects to satisfy men’s desires and nothing more.
Iago- “You rise to play/And go to bed to work.”
To add towards his apparent loathing towards women, at the end of the play Iago
murders his own spouse; Emilia. This reinforces the idea that Emilia is seen more as a
servant than a companion in Iago’s eyes. This behaviour is heavily contrasted with
Othello’s passionate love towards Desdemona; however although both relationships
are juxtaposed against each other- both men commit the same crime; the act of
murdering their own wives. This denotes towards Iago’s tremendous influence over
Othello’s behaviours.
The certain techniques Shakespeare has used while constructing Iago’s speech allow
the responder to build a dense image of the villain. Lacing Iago’s words with dank
imagery, bestial images and sexual innuendo indicates his dark conception of the
world in general; this language reflects the depravity of his mind.
Iago- “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram
Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise;”
…
“I am one, sir, that comes to tell you’re your daughter and
the Moor are now making the beast with two backs”
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.
The character of Iago is so layer that one could delve significantly deeper into his
nuances and personality; however it is undeniable that Iago plays the main role in
plot development within the play. With fine usage of techniques that hint at Iago’s
haunted personality- Shakespeare is able to conjure up a villain that has fascinated
audiences for centuries. At the end, we leave without fully understanding the
reasoning behind the tragic conclusion; we are left unsatisfied yet intrigued by Iago;
a being who eternally remains unknowable.
975 words by Asha Forsyth 2009