Othello the Moor of Venice

Othello

The audience is aware of Iago's nefarious nature from the opening scene of Othello. During his conversation with Roderigo, Iago confesses his hatred of both Cassio and of Othello, his commanding officer of whom he says, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him," (I.1.42). Iago's rage and vengefulness drive the play's plot forward, leading to the death and downfall of many of its main characters. Thoroughly humiliated by his being passed over for a promotion by Cassio, Iago sets forth to plan the destruction of Othello and Cassio, and along the way has no qualms about killing Desdemonda, Roderigo, and even his own wife, Emilia. Never once does Iago show the slightest hint of humanity, sadness, or remorse. He never catches himself or comes to terms with the core feelings that drive his murderous scheming. Therefore, Iago embodies a character of true evil, a man who premeditates murder and manipulates others for no other reason than to inflict pain. Like a classical tragic hero, Othello does exhibit the fatal flaw of pride and because of that never directly confronts Desdemonda to permit her to give her side of the story. Yet more than his personal pride, Othello's trust of Iago led to his downfall. Were it not for Iago's machinations and manipulations, Othello never would have reached the level of madness that he did.

Iago first begins to plot the fake affair between Desdemonda and Cassio in Act II, scene 1, when their boats arrive on the shores of Cyprus; this plotting directly causes the eventual downfall of Othello. When Iago sees Cassio taking Desdemonda's hand in a sign of friendship, Iago sees the perfect opportunity to frame the couple. He states, "He takes her by the palm: ay, well said, whisper / with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as / Cassio," (II.1.178-180). Later, Iago does all he can to promote the myth that Desdemonda is sleeping with Cassio. Just as he secures Othello's confidence throughout most of the play, Iago also has Cassio's trust. Cassio confides his fears in Iago, who tells him he should go through Desdemonda to win back the respect of Othello. In Act III, scene 3, Iago leaps at the opportunity to frame Desdemonda and Cassio. His machinations in Act II scene 3, including the added bonus of the stray handkerchief, cause the naturally passionate Othello to believe that his wife is cheating on him.

Othello does overreact and to his discredit, believes Iago without properly confronting Desdemonda or Cassio first. However, as a newlywed man already prone to passion and adventure, Othello can be forgiven his reactions. In fact, Shakespeare sets up Othello to be the tragic hero who was manipulated by the cold-hearted and cruel villain Iago. Othello demands if Iago: "Make me to see't; or at the least so prove it," (III.iii.407). The audience can easily sympathize with Othello's reluctance to confront his wife directly, for Othello keenly senses his encroaching rage. Not knowing why Iago might lie, Othello naturally trusts him. Iago takes full advantage of Othello's weakened mental and emotional state, and aims directly at the Moor's masculinity to goad him on: "Are you a man? have you a soul or sense? -- " (III.iii. 418).