Iago, Devious Manipulator of Shakespeare\'s

Iago, Devious Manipulator of Shakespeare's Othello

According to the great English essayist and critic William Hazlitt, the character of Iago in William Shakespeare's masterpiece Othello "is one of the most mysterious characters created by Shakespeare's genius," due the fact that Iago's "villainy is without a sufficient motive" (345). However, after a careful reading of Othello, it becomes abundantly clear that Iago's motive for his treacherous actions is based entirely on manipulation which makes him one of the most sadistic and devious characters in all English literature. Literary critic Brook Tucker, writing in 1918, stated that "Evil has nowhere been portrayed with such mastery as in the character of Iago," a man who thrives from his "deadly coldness" and finds "gaiety in destruction" (240).

Iago, an ensign serving under Othello, the Moorish commander of the armed forces of Venice, is undoubtedly the most interesting and perplexing character in Othello. This is supported not only by what he says in the play but also through his actions, both of which enable him to skillfully manipulate those around him in order to increase his ego and drive him ever closer to his evil goals. Tucker adds to this with the observation that most critics can easily comprehend Iago's "chilly, almost passionless egoism," while the other characters in the play see him in a totally different way. "The qualities they all recognize," continues Tucker, "are blunt honesty, rough imperturbable good nature (and) extraordinary cordiality and trustworthiness," but in reality, Iago is concealing his true motives "under the thinnest mask of cynicism" (243) which indicates that Iago is nothing more than a villainous monster with dark desires and yearnings for complete control and manipulation.

As shown in Act One of Othello, Iago is not a typical literary villain, for he is complex, intelligent and persevering; his innate ability to delve into the very souls of his fellow characters is thus utilized to its full advantage. The beginning of Act One demonstrates this with Iago making a complete fool out of his loyal follower Roderigo whom he has deftly taken advantage of via Roderigo's remark "That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse as if the strings were thine" (1.1.21), a sign that Iago has managed to manipulate the monetary fortunes of Roderigo for his own benefit. This scenario is made more complex and devious when Iago demands that Roderigo "make money" (1.3.339) in order for him to buy expensive gifts for Desdemona. Thus, according to K.J. Gilchrist, Iago, "is greedy in more ways than for mere money...," for he holds "an insatiable jealousy for things one believes are (or ought to be) one's own." Also, Iago "inspires discontent all around (and) is himself the most greedy in terms of money" ("Approximations," Internet).

Iago continues his shenanigans by confessing to Roderigo that he "hates the Moor" (1.3.344), a reference to being passed over for promotion by Othello, and through his knowledge that Roderigo is madly in love with Desdemona, Iago uses this knowledge to his advantage in order to swindle money and jewels from Roderigo -- "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse" (1.3.335). With this, it is obvious that Iago not only wishes to manipulate the minds and bodies of his fellow characters but also their assets and their "purses" with Roderigo as a walking bank account.

In Act Two, Iago's villainous nature is increased when Cassio, Othello's chief of staff, is seen by Iago holding the hand of Desdemona which sets into motion another scheme highlighted by the line "With as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio" (2.1.163). Like Roderigo, Cassio submits to Iago's every whim while under the assumption that Iago is only attempting to assist him; but in reality, it is Cassio's downfall that attracts Iago. In addition, since Iago is a very intelligent man, he quickly realizes the advantages that come with trust which he considers as a means to further his goals. As a symbol of his true arrogance, Iago says of himself "I am an honest man" (2.3.245) which is quickly deemed to be a false statement when he has Cassio terminated as Othello's chief of staff.

This devious act is examined in detail by Gilchrist, for he declares that Iago cannot "feel congratulatory when Cassio is made lieutenant," a position which Iago greatly desired. Gilchrist then points out that Iago "fumes on this... For considerable space..." Thus, Iago is "full of ill-humor. And even when Iago sings his festive songs, he sings with the aim of getting Cassio drunk, getting him, literally and metaphorically, off his guard" ("Approximations," Internet).