1 of the most intriguing and exotic characters in the tragic play “Othello,” by William Shakespeare, is “Sincere” Iago. At initial glance, Iago seems to be the essence of “motiveless malignity.” Nonetheless, regardless of Iago’s unquestionable malignancy, the motivation behind his actions lie extra in Iago’s quest for private obtain, as opposed to just being evil for evil’s sake. Iago’s rapacity can be validated by examining his manipulation of Roderigo, Cassio and, most importantly, Othello.
Iago’s main interest is the destruction of Othello. The explanation becoming that Othello has selected another man, Cassio, as his second-in-command, preferring him to Iago. This resentment, accompanied by Iago’s fabricated accusations of adultery and his blatant racism, trigger Iago to despise the kindly moor, and shortly thereafter, begin to conspire against him. Because Iago is considerably as well wise to instantly kill Othello, he proceeds with the arduous process of dismantling him emotionally. Iago also knows that he have to distance himself from any of the harrowing occurrences that transpire, so he cleverly gets other men and women to do his dirty operate.
The initial to fall victim to Iago’s illiberal manipulation, is the half-witted Roderigo. Iago knows Roderigo is consumed by lust for Desdemona, and would do something to make her his own. Iago tells Roderigo that the only way to win Desdemona’s appreciate, is to make funds to procure gifts for her. “…put revenue in thy purse..” (Act 1, Scene 3, Line 339). However, Iago is just taking these gifts intended for Desdemona and maintaining them for himself, and in doing so, producing a substantial profit. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (Act 1, Scene three, Line 376). Roderigo eventually begins to question Iago’s honesty. When faced with this accusation, Iago merely offers that killing Cassio will help his result in and the asinine Roderigo falls for it. “I have no great devotion to the deed / And yet he has provided me satisfying reason,” (Act 5, Scene 1, Line eight). In doing this, Iago keeps Roderigo in the dark and continues to profit from him monetarily. Roderigo is also utilised as a device in each Cassio and Othello’s downfall. Iago’s actions demonstrate his monetary and puissance based motivations, invalidating the claim that Iago is evil for evil’s sake.
Cassio, like Roderigo, follows Iago blindly, thinking the complete time that Iago is trying to help him, when in-fact, Iago, motivated by his lust for power,…