Every act contains an evil plot set up by Iago. They all play into his "grand scheme". In the very beginning of Act 1 Iago displays his hatred for Othello. He is angry at him for making Cassio the lieutenant. Jealousy is his first motif.
When Benedick says he does not like the dish, he is being disrespectful not only to Beatrice but to the people of the time. He also states that no woman will be let in to his perfectness until the woman is perfect herself. Benedick loves teasing people but will not accept the fact that people tease him. Shakespeare illustrates benedick in more detail which allows the audience to understand what type of character
There is no doubt in « Othello » as to the role Shakespeare has given Iago, he is the villain, masterful at deceit he generates most evil in the play. The clever soldier, his incredible acting allows him to be two or three completely different people. During most of the Act the audience finds itself constantly trying to find a motive for Iago’s actions but finds none that can justify what he is about to do. What does seem to come back again and again is his view on women which he sees as sex rapacious and a danger to his machiavellian plans. Scene 1 offers us a good preview as to what Iago is going to do for the rest of the Act and ultimately the rest of the play.
Because Iago’s career path is blocked by a mere lack of paper qualification he first begins to start developing feelings of revenge on Cassio who stole his job. It is also quickly established that Iago is the master of masks. He appears to be “honest Iago” to his fellow citizens but at the end of his soliloquy in Act 1, he himself confesses, “I am not what I am” (1.1.66). Iago appears to be nice, friendly and the perfect citizen but in reality he is the master who likes to pull all the strings and he quickly establishes a net of intrigues and lies around him and his environment in order to satisfy the craving of power. Tied in with the jealousy he feels towards Cassio is the racial hatred towards Othello.
In all the tragedies, the hero has to suffer the tragic flaw. He is the only responsible of his downfall. In Shakespeare's play Othello, Othello brings all his misfortune on himself. His actions are led by his jealousy, his stubbornness and his gullibility. One of the main factor which push Othello to his death is his gullibility.
However, at this point in the play Othello’s own safety remains in doubt. The conversation that takes place is seen as Desdemona trying to suppress her fears for her new husband’s safety by passing the time in light-hearted conversation with Iago, although the subject of their discussion, the characters of women, proves to be highly relevant to Iago’s plots later in the play. Iago cynically devalues women; he accuses them of hypocrisy, deception and wantonness. He accuses women of being blatant hussies and shows very little respect, especially towards his wife, Emilia. Iago noticeably dominates this passage; his comments slip from general conversation to sharp, cynical comments with regards to women.
When Hamlet discovers that Polonius and the King are hiding nearby he explodes in a fit of rage, violently attacking her verbally and physically almost like a mad person would. This goes to show that it is all an act. Hamlet is distressed and hysterical, but he still is able to plan and evaluate his situation while still in control of himself, a thing a madman
Othello is usually regarded as the greatest tragedies among Shakespeare’s tragedies (Shakespeare and Honigmann 1). Iago has a unique place in the drama as a dramatic character placed on a pedestal of human incarnation of evil. The first glance at Iago’s character speaks of pure evil, but as he progresses into play the villain comes out as as amoral rather than immoral. Iago exhibits villainy tactics deeply embedded in his characterization. Iago’s soliloquies award the audience with a distinct perspective into the episodes of the plot (Shakespeare and Honigmann 31).
The character of Iago is presented to the viewer early on as the obvious villain of the play. His initial exploitation of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage makes the viewer aware of his calculating and manipulative nature, which is further emphasized by his continual deceit of Othello. Despite the ease with which he enacts his controlled and cunning plans, Iago sometimes seems to the viewer as an irrational, vengeful character acting out of jealousy. This trait can make him appear illogical and unreasonable but emphasis his pure evil nature. Iago’s initial soliloquies reveal his deceptive nature, he is presented as Janus, the 2 faced man, as he reveals his plan which becomes more and more complex and reliant on his continual manipulation of the people around him.
As Othello’s ancient, Iago has a strong pull over Othello which he utilizes in order to seek revenge on him. He begins with a reason for ruining the lives of everyone possible; however, as the play progresses, ruining lives becomes sport for him and he loses sight of his prior reasoning for ruining the lives of Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, Emilia and Bianca. Conflict and Resolution: Person vs. Person: Othello vs. Iago: As Othello’s right hand man, Iago is able to manipulate Othello and turn him evil. This is easy for him because Othello believes he is an honest man and puts all his trust in him.