Mini Essay
Hannah Gush
Although Iago is devious and manipulative, his character is tragic, and flawed with deep
insecurity. It is evident, from the start of the play, when Othello dismisses Iago, and
instead presents Cassio with the position of second in line, that Iago is consumed by
jealousy, anger and thoughts only of revenge.
He feels that he has been overlooked and his divisive and treacherous actions are
driven by paranoia, resentment and insecurity. He intends maximum harm for Othello,
wishing to destroy him and his life, regardless of whether he hurts others in the process.
Iago employs various tactics in order to take revenge on Othello, including pretending to
be an honest soldier in order to manipulate and exploit Othello. Iago says that “[he
follows] him to serve [his] turn upon him”. Iago gains Othello’s trust, and then convinces
him that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. Iago does this despite
revealing that he believes Othello will “prove to Desdemona a most dear husband”. His
malicious and cunning ways are demonstrated by his underhand and devious actions,
which cause harm not only to Othello, but also to Desdemona, Cassio and Roderigo.
Roderigo, who is completely blinded by infatuation for Desdemona, is easily
manipulated and exploited by Iago for his own gain. Iago twists Cassio’s innocent
courtesies and polite mannerism when he tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with
Cassio. He recommends that Roderigo “find some occasion to anger Cassio” in order
for a fight to begin and Cassio to be demoted from his position of power. Roderigo, who
believes that this is for his own gain rather than for that of Iago’s, is convinced and says
“[he] will do this”. Iago’s harmful intentions and deceit are once again revealed when he
proceeds to call Roderigo “this poor trash of Venice”. His venomous plan to take down
Othello comes at great cost to all around him – including Cassio and Roderigo.
Iago’s character is manipulative and scheming. He twists the truth and plots Othello’s
downfall, using malicious and devious means. He manipulates innocent characters such
as Roderigo, in order to bring harm to Othello.
There is no doubt that his actions and decisions are the result of his own malice.
(374 words)
Hannah Gush
Although Iago is devious and manipulative, his character is tragic, and flawed with deep
insecurity. It is evident, from the start of the play, when Othello dismisses Iago, and
instead presents Cassio with the position of second in line, that Iago is consumed by
jealousy, anger and thoughts only of revenge.
He feels that he has been overlooked and his divisive and treacherous actions are
driven by paranoia, resentment and insecurity. He intends maximum harm for Othello,
wishing to destroy him and his life, regardless of whether he hurts others in the process.
Iago employs various tactics in order to take revenge on Othello, including pretending to
be an honest soldier in order to manipulate and exploit Othello. Iago says that “[he
follows] him to serve [his] turn upon him”. Iago gains Othello’s trust, and then convinces
him that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. Iago does this despite
revealing that he believes Othello will “prove to Desdemona a most dear husband”. His
malicious and cunning ways are demonstrated by his underhand and devious actions,
which cause harm not only to Othello, but also to Desdemona, Cassio and Roderigo.
Roderigo, who is completely blinded by infatuation for Desdemona, is easily
manipulated and exploited by Iago for his own gain. Iago twists Cassio’s innocent
courtesies and polite mannerism when he tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with
Cassio. He recommends that Roderigo “find some occasion to anger Cassio” in order
for a fight to begin and Cassio to be demoted from his position of power. Roderigo, who
believes that this is for his own gain rather than for that of Iago’s, is convinced and says
“[he] will do this”. Iago’s harmful intentions and deceit are once again revealed when he
proceeds to call Roderigo “this poor trash of Venice”. His venomous plan to take down
Othello comes at great cost to all around him – including Cassio and Roderigo.
Iago’s character is manipulative and scheming. He twists the truth and plots Othello’s
downfall, using malicious and devious means. He manipulates innocent characters such
as Roderigo, in order to bring harm to Othello.
There is no doubt that his actions and decisions are the result of his own malice.
(374 words)
