Othello Essay O Damn'D Iago! O Inhuman Dog!

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Roderigo calls out “O damn’d Iago! O inhuman Dog!” How far do you agree that this is a true reflection of Iago’s character and role?

Machiavellian, clever, deceitful villain, Iago deceives everyone, turning them against one another and still making them believe he is their friend. Iago manipulates; Bianca, Emilia, Desdemona, Othello, Roderigo and Cassio. All these characters become entrapped in Iago’s devious plan. “Comes from my pate as birdlime does from frieze” Iago is not fully inhuman as we do see a side where he shows his human side for the fair Desdemona; “’Tis done at your request. But let her live” Iago shows his feelings of love for Desdemona as he doesn’t want her to die. This affection is however short lived!

“Do not poison; strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated” Quickly we see Iago’s change in mind and heart, as Iago suggests to Othello that instead of poisoning her, brutally strangle her in her own bed. Iago’s inhuman nature is portrayed here as Iago’s affections for Desdemona are forgotten and he uses her to achieve his plan.
“I know not that; but such a handkerchief I am sure it was your wife” Deviously Iago plants the handkerchief in Iago’s chamber, sowing the metaphorical seeds of doubt for Othello. We see Iago’s inhuman side here, as although his love for Desdemona is obvious to the audience, he uses her for his evil cunning plan to punish Othello and Cassio for his promotion; “He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, and I, god bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient.”

It is clear to the audience that Iago has no respect for women at all; his language is disparaging and degrading. Iago uses derogatory language towards them and treats them like a common slave; “wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your bed.” Slandering women,
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