Iago, when No One is Looking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Iago, when No maven is Looking - Essay ExampleIagos soliloquies and asides, in contrast to his speeches in the presence of other characters, fall upons quite clearly his deceitfulness and self-disguise. The reference is non duped for a moment, as, through dramatic irony and our privileged position, we come attain that he is engaged in double-knavery (1.2.318), and not at all the honest and true Iago that others believe him to be. The audience would be amazed at the absolute faith that the character have in Iagos honesty, which we know to be a lie even from his first appearance onstage.Iagos aim throughout the play is to blacken Othellos repute to match the latters face, in revenge for what he sees as a slight in Othellos appointing Cassio lieutenant everyplace him. In his first soliloquy in Act I, scene iii, he gives three motives for his plotting to fatten his scrunch (1.2.308), to get Cassios place as lieutenant (1.2.318), and to make sport on Othello whom he hates (1.2.311 ). He afterward admits that he is somewhat in love with Desdemona, and reiterates his suspicion that the lusty Moor/ Hath leapd into his seat the thought whereof/Doth gnaw at his inwards (2.1.310-14), and that one of his motives is to be avenged wife for wife (2.1.315).Jealousy, susJealousy, suspicion and envy atomic number 18 not only key motives to Iagos actions, but are key elements of his character, as his soliloquies reveal. Not only does he harbor unfounded suspicions that Othello hath done office twixt his sheets (1.2.312-313), he suggests that Cassio also is likely to cuckold him (2.2.320). He gives a make headway reason for his jealousy of Cassio, who hath a daily beauty in his life/That makes him, Iago ugly (5.1.19-20). It is not surprising then, that the method he employs to embroil Othello in jealousy is based on the working of his give birth suspicious mind, where mere suspicion /Will do as if for surety (1.2.314-15). On the other hand, his soliloquies reveal that he is an astute observer of character. He knows peoples nature well, and thus is able to use their weaknesses and foibles to his advantage. For example, he shows neat insight into the relationship between Othello and Desdemona, in particular the latters influence on her husband. As a result, he plans to manipulate Desdemonas liberal tongue and goodness to enmesh them all (2.3.366) and turn her virtue into pitch (2.3.364). He is also aware of Othellos own insecurities, and inferiority complex due to his race. Despite the fact that Desdemona, had eyes, and chose him, Othello is convinced that she is punic and gives as a reason Haply, for I am blackAnd have not those soft separate of conversationThat chamberers have, or for I am declinedInto the vale of years (3.1.402-5),giving Iago fodder to work on his jealousy. Knowing that Cassio cannot hold drink, Iago manipulates him into drinking himself full of quarrel and offence (2.3.48), which action will lead him to a fight not becoming t o his station, discrediting him in Othellos eyes, and allowing Iago to have the coveted position. He also reveals the means by which he will achieve his monstrous ends by insinuating false motives to Cassio, who is handsome, charming, framed to make women false (1.2.323). Iago soliloquies further reveal his real thoughts about these