Explain Your Interpretation of Iago's Character.
In the opening act of "Othello" the audience learns a tremendous amount about Iago. It is obvious that he is a central and complicated character. Shakespeare, in this opening act, manages to show or hint at all aspects of Iago's personality. There is no doubt after Act 1 that he is the villain of the story and an extremely intriguing character.
Iago is not a character who likes to get his hands dirty. He creates the trouble, causes the stir but has the ability and coolness of mind to remove himself from the chaos. Never does he reveal himself, Iago is very underhanded in his dealings. This is shown early on during scene 1, after Brabantio finally takes the bait that Iago has been dangling:.
"Farewell, for I must leave you.
It seems not meet, nor wholesome to my place.
To be produces - as if I stay, I shall - .
Against the moor.".
This man has survival instincts, he is clever and quick witted, for he knows it will not do his reputation any good to be seen as the catalyst of the disturbance. Iago knows the government would not approve of the man who has put them in tricky situation over the employment of Othello - a man they can not afford to lose.
Devious and two-faced are words well suited to Iago. In Act 1 we see this happening several times. First he tells of Othellos mis-doings to Brabantio, then he appears at Othellos side claiming Roderigo spoke the crude words. Both Roderigo and Othello are victims of his trickery.Iago appears to find betraying those seemingly close to him effortless. This shows the plain disrespect he has for fellow human beings, including those above him. Brabantio is an important man with a position that command respect. Yet Iago does not take this or his feelings as a father into account when describing Desdemonda antics.
"Even now, now, very now, an old black ram.
Is tupping your white ewe.".
The language is crude and inappropriate.