Shakespeare\'s Othello Iago\'s View of Sexual Desire

Shakespeare's Othello

Iago's view of sexual desire contrasted with Othello's

In the play Othello, William Shakespeare is showing the conflict of sexual desire between a man and woman. This is taking place, when Othello (a military commander) marries a woman named Desdemona. However, her father (Roderigo) is upset about this relationship. The reason why, is because he has heard some negative rumors about Othello from Iago (his aide). Iago, was supposed to be promoted to lieutenant, but was passed over by Othello for an inexperienced soldier. This creates a conflict between the two with Othello, by telling Roderigo a number of stories about their relationship. Once this occurs, is when Roderigo will do anything to kill Othello. ("Plot Overview," 2011)

Then, there was news that the Turks have invaded Cyprus and Othello was order to the region (by his superiors). Iago returned to his unit and began to use the sexual desire that Othello has for his wife against him. The way that this was accomplished was through letting Othello believe that Desdemona was having an affair with Cassio. He is a decorated soldier that made others in his unit jealous based on: his leadership ability, career advancement and the respect that Othello has for him. To exploit this, Iago decided to convince Othello that Cassio was sleeping with her behind his back. At which point, Iago hides Desdemona's belongings in Cassio's room as proof of an affair. ("Plot Overview," 2011)

To extract revenge of Othello, Roderigo wounds Cassio. While Othello, confronts his wife about the affair (with him not believing her denials of the relationship). The reason why, is because Cassio has been named the new military commander of Cyprus. However, if Roderigo killed Cassio, Othello will be forced to stay in Cyprus. This is when he can eventually finish off Othello. The problem was that after the attempted assassination, the plot was quickly discovered. This is when Roderigo died after he attempts to murder Cassio. The reason why, is because Cassio orders his security detail to find the perpetrator and discovers Roderigo. While this takes place, is when Othello will kill Desdemona for her infidelity. It is at this point, that Iago is discovered for being a fraud, with the woman who gave him Desdemona's personal belongings claiming that they were planted on Cassio (Emily). This is when Othello tries to kill himself, but is unable to do so (as he is placed under arrest for the murder). The new military commander (Graziano) orders that Othello is sent to Venice (to stand trial for the murder of his wife) and for Iago to be executed. ("Plot Overview," 2011)

These different elements are important, because they are showing how Iago had different views of sexual desire. Where, he felt that this was something that could be used to create animosity and jealousy among the various parties. This is different from Othello's beliefs, as he wanted to see unconditional love based upon his sexual desire for his wife. The reason why, is because this relationship was seen as something that is not supported by Desdemona's father. Once Iago was passed over for lieutenant, is when he would use Othello's relationship with her to anger him. ("Plot Overview," 2011)