Shakespeare intended that Iago be a static character, but he is in no way described as a simple man. Iago was created to be the catalyst of the play, a character fuelled by jealousy. In Othello, Shakespeare utilized the theme of jealousy so that the audience feels powerless to help the circumstances within the play. We are given soliloquies that give insight to Iago's true character and intentions, enough to know and understand that he is a two-sided character. The humble companion and friend he is to Othello, is not the man who the audience interpret him to be. At times Iago is almost devilish in his ways, and it is easy to forget that he is a human character, as susceptible and capable of emotion as you and I. Iago wears a mask when facing other characters, the mask of honesty. However when he finally throws his mask down, his true conniving nature is revealed. Shakespeare created Iago as the spitting image of Satan, such as Iago has his own mask; Satan works with his own disguises. A classic example is in the biblical story set in the Garden of Eden. The audience views that Iago manipulates the power of jealousy that has taken control over him to control other innocent characters and corrupt them also. It would be unfair to say that Iago is a simple character; rather, Shakespeare uses various techniques to make him the complex man he truly is. Though soliloquies provide a clear insight into Iago's true nature, the means by which Shakespeare utilised situational irony to further characterize Iago is an important aspect to consider when contemplating his manipulative nature. Shakespeare understood that for Iago to have influence in the plot he needed to deceive the other characters. Iago needed to be immoral, knave and completely contrary to the 'honest' man he claimed to be. .
There are several traits inhibited in both Iago and Satan that extends the complexity of Iago's character and ability to manipulate others.
Iago also plays Roderigo. ... Cassio follows Iago thinking that Iago is trying to help him. ... Othello doesn't kill Iago because he says Iago is a devil. ... Iago could be compared to the devil. The "devil" has tricked Othello and others with his evil. ...
Throughout the play, Iago portrays himself as an wicked figure and can be compared with the devil. ... Iago describes how the devil uses the appearances of something good to disguise the various temptations that we know are evil. ... The devil also deceives by lying and twisting the truth. ... The devil and Iago, both, have a unique way of twisting appearances into looking like truths. ... Iago has proven to be the essence of evil in that he uses the same tactics that the devil does to get what he wants. ...
Iago is hinting that everyone thinks Othello and Emilia, Iago's wife, are sleeping together. ... Most of the animal images belong to Iago, himself being a serpent (devil). ... Throughout the play, Iago is often referred to "honest Iago.... Iago replies, "'Zounds, sir, you are one of those that will not serve God, if the devil bid you" (1.1.108-109). ... Maybe he is the devil, and we cannot understand the devil on human terms. ...
Iago is not your ordinary villain. ... Iago is smart. ... He gave Iago depth and spirit. ... Othello takes every word Iago says for truth, and whenever he does question Iago, Iago keeps himself undiscovered by soothing Othello with more lies. ... Othello does not kill Iago, he says that Iago is the devil, and the devil cannot be killed. ...
From the outset, Iago sets up his plan and motivations. ... 'I Shall ensnare them all', Iago says. ... So successful was Iago's scheme that Othello can only think that Iago must have been a devil. 'I look down towards his feet- but If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee'. ... Iago is very per...
(Iago,1,3,396) This quotation clearifes how devil is Iago and how sly he is, because of his plans. ... Moreover the proofs continous by Iago's asides. ... Moreover, the language Iago uses is also shows his treachery. ... In the same way, Iago uses it because of his jealousy. ... In a word we can say that Macbeth second face (devil face) is the reflect of his love and so his wife. ...
From this reference we are able to immediately understand Iago's true feelings and motives for Othello. ... Iago's coarse animal related language conveys Iago's feelings against Othello's marriage in a much more pronounced way. ... Iago then associates Othello with the image of "the devil" (1.1.92) because of Othello's color, Iago warns Brabantio that he has "lost half [his] soul" now that Desdemona is married to Othello. ... Instead of having a character describe Iago for the audience, Shakespeare allows Iago to paint his own character portrait. Although Iago starts...
Look again at Iago's first three soliloquies. ... Iago remains, alone and delivers his soliloquy. ... Iago gets Cassio drunk. ... When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows As I do now' Iago's painstakingly carefully constructed fazade has slipped, there is no longer any doubt that his motives are malicious and essentially evil. ... Iago is trusted by all but trusts no one. ...
Shakespeare creates the character of Iago as the villain of the play. ... For example, when Iago uses the word Moor in 'his Moorship's ancient!' ... The manipulation of Roderigo demonstrates how Iago can convert a wealthy, powerful man like Roderigo into a man who is willing to aid Iago in his conspiracy to overthrow Othello. ... Iago's overall argument is that Othello is a selfish man who treats Iago as a slave and gives nothing in return for all of Iago's hard work and 'knee crooking'; Iago positions Othello as a man who takes advantage of people. ... Th...
