Iago is often classified as the embodiment of pure evil to the farthest extent capable of being reached by human. Both Claudius and Iago plot against, torture, and cause the downfall of other characters in their respective stories to create and upkeep a boastful reputation. Both characters know that what they are doing is considerably wrong, but only Claudius feels any remorse for his crimes. They both recognize in soliloquy what they are doing and even discuss with themselves further planning. Iago manipulates all the crucial components of his plot with ease, while Claudius on the other hand is discontent and unhappy with the events taking place.
It represents him as almost inhuman as he has more serpent-like qualities. What is also interesting about this, is that he admits to the fact he is ‘a ful vicious man’ yet ‘A moral tale yet [he] you telle kan’. There are alternative responses to his confession, on one hand it shows the awareness of his wickedness and yet in spite of his character can achieve goodness but on the other hand it could be showing pride in the fact he is as sinful as he states. He is shown to be proud of his contradictions which in turn create irony because he is a man that is proud of his deception. This pride is carried throughout the tale due to him being confident enough to preach false vows and sermons to the people of the towns he visits.
Othello: A Tragic Hero Othello is the epitome of a tragic hero. He starts out as a rather respectable and rational General, but was eventually consumed by jealousy and anger. A tragic hero must start out high in power and have tragic flaws that lead him to ultimately a tragedy. Othello’s tragic flaw is that he is easily manipulated, leading him to trust the wrong people. The play begins by showing the readers that Othello is a noble General.
Iago from Shakespeare’s play Othello is also a power hungry villain who enjoys having people under his control, he is driven by extreme jealousy and the motivation, revenge. In order to accomplish these goals he manipulates his subjects in deceiving ways by utilizing their weaknesses against them. This differs from the Duke in “My last Duchess” by Robert Browning as the duke does not manipulate people in any way. Both Iago and the duke are driven by extreme jealousy to the villainous actions that they take. All three villains may differ in many ways, yet it seems they share a common urge for power, control and a use of sadistic measures.
While it may seem, that the tragedy of Othello was caused by the evil villain Iago, I believe that he was not the only one to blame. Although Iago played a big role in destroying his enemy, it was Othello’s character flaws that led himself to his own downfall. It is because of Othello’s gullibility, lack of trust in others, insecurity, and jealousy that he becomes a victim of his own tragedy. Othello is a very gullible person, and it is because of his gullibility that he is easily tricked into this situation by Iago. There many points in the play that show just how gullible Othello is***He trusted Iago; even after realizing Iago had a “monstrous” plan in mind Othello still trusted him, in 3.3.106-107 Othello says “by heaven, thou echoest me, As if there were some monster in thy thought.” Othello suspects Iago of having an agenda, in 3.3.118-119 when he asks Iago why he is weighing his words so carefully before he speaks, “And for I know thou’rt full of love and honesty and weig’st thy words before giv’st them breath.” In this quote we can see that Othello is on to Iago, he realizes how careful Iago is and even gets the feeling that maybe he is hiding something from him but what does he do?
Othello – Downfall Othello: Despite being heavily influenced by Iago, Othello is still responsible for his own actions. Iago planted a seed of jealousy in Othello’s head which, fuelled by Othello’s unwavering trust in Iago and his own insecurities, led to Othello’s tragic downfall. Othello was respected by many noble and educated people as a leader and commander in battle. However it seems to be more of a grudging respect as Othello is often referred to by his race, colour and physical characteristics then by his name. “The moor...black ram...thick lips...” In the beginning of the play Othello is so confident in Desdemona’s love for him that he would give his own life if she said otherwise.
Iago, who is known as the Machiavellian villain perpetuates the tragedy by bringing forward a hamartia or a fatal flaw from Othello. As soon as the play begins, Shakespeare used dramatic irony to illustrate Othello’s view of Iago as an honest and trustworthy man through his repeated description of “honest Iago” and “a man of exceeding honesty” to the audience. Of course that is not the case, the audience views Iago to be “Janus-faced” and deceptive through his constant declaration of “I am not what I am” and how he “hates the moor”. This juxtaposition is created so that the audience can empathise with Othello. I know I can definitely empathise with him.
Othello Literary Essay William Shakespeare’s play Othello, showcases one of the most evil villains in literature: the manipulative and dishonest Iago. I will show how Iago is trusted and loved by many because he displays an outward show of loyalty and honestly yet in reality he has an ulterior motive of evil and destruction. Through his devilish ways, he gains control over Brabantio, Roderigo and Othello. Iago is the epitome of a narcissist and he brilliantly manoeuvres his victims in order to take control over all those around him. They become victims as they mindlessly follow him.
We may go round our history books either lambasting or extolling powerful leaders, but we will always come to the conclusion that power does corrupt a man. The thirst for power is unbounded and the lamentable consequences often quash a man. Getting power is just the onset of melancholy, disaster, lugubriousness and sorrow. All the leaders throughout history were undoubtedly very strong and were feared but we often learn that they were sordid, uncouth, perpetrators, lascivious, perplexed and unscrupulous. They often committed a myriad of staggering sins and believed they were masters of perpetuity.
Throughout the play, he is manipulative, deceptive controversial, and often without a clear motive. It is because of this questionable personality and ruthless disregard of morals and honesty that makes Iago the most interesting character in the play. Iago is a heinous character and by no means halfwitted. His villainous character in accordance with intellect makes Iago a very powerful character. He exploits the advantages of passive aggressive manipulation, as a means of achieving so called retribution for Othello's overlooking of his promotion as lieutenant.