How Clever Is Iago? How Motivated? Why Is He After Othello?.
Written by Shakespeare, the play, "Othello", is about Iago's manipulation of other characters, especially Othello. He is clever enough to make an effort to disguise himself in an honest manner, to present falsifying evidence that appear believable and to skillfully use the power of language to subtly manipulate others further and further into a tragic ending. Iago is not sufficiently motivated by his longing for power and his suspicion that Othello has an affair with his wife but his pleasure in torturing others has made him who he is. His calculating mind and lack of motivation is not paralleled by any of the other characters in Shakespeare's play.
Iago disguises himself under the deceptive honesty, which is evident of his evil character. His conversation with Roderigo in which he recognizes himself as the kind of people who "do well thrive by [their lord], and when they have lin"d their coats/ Do themselves homage", truly captures the essence of his diabolic intellect. He attempts to appear honest in order to lead others into his devious trap. This proves his understanding in the mind of human beings.
Iago's ability to present falsifying evidence that appear real to others is another indication of his shrewdness. He plots the scene where Othello hide behind a screen overhearing Iago and Cassio's conversation and makes Othello believes that Cassio is boasting about his winning over of Desdemona. Again, this shows his amazing knowledge in the weakness of other characters. Iago also deliberately leaves in Cassio's lodge the handkerchief that Othello gives Desdemona as a token to convince him that Desdemona commits adultery. Iago's ability to incriminate others without people doubting him is truly amazing.
However, Iago's cleverest way to manipulate other characters is by an artful command of language. He utilizes reverse psychology and ostensibly speaks on the behalf of other characters.
