This essay examines Iago's complex motivations in Shakespeare's Othello, challenging the notion of his 'motiveless malignity.' The analysis explores how themes of deception permeate the play, from Brabantio's warning about Desdemona to Iago's manipulation of Othello. While Iago cites professional jealousy and racial hatred as reasons for his schemes, the essay argues that his evil stems from pride and a fundamental desire to destroy goodness, comparing him to a devil-like figure who lives to tear down others.
1
The scene sets up what is to come by giving the hint that just because something seems to be one way doesn’t actually mean it is—i.e., there is deception all around. This is laying the groundwork for the theme of deception: Iago is going to try to deceive Othello, and Othello is going to believe that he is deceived by Desdemona. The main evidence for this comes also in the beginning just before Othello and Desdemona set off: her father warns his new son-in-law that “she has deceived me and may deceive thee.”
2
One reason Iago gives for his scheming is that he has been passed over for a promotion that was given to someone else—to Cassio (who also becomes a target in Iago’s plot). Iago also indicates that he hates the Moor, and this may be due to jealousy or even racism, although he never really goes too deeply into his motives. But the fact is that Othello is black and everyone else is white. The senators and Desdemona’s own father view him as an outsider, though they welcome him as a warrior and defender of their city. I don’t believe that Iago’s malignity is necessarily motiveless; hatred for others can be a motive in and of itself—a desire simply to see everything that is good brought to ruin. He hates Othello like the devil hates God. He even says at one point, “I am nothing if not critical.” He lives to tear down and this is likely born of his own pride.
3
You’re 71% through this paper. Sign up to read the full paper.
Sign Up Now — Instant Access Already a member? Log inAlways verify citation format against your institution’s current style guide requirements.