Othello Iago Appearance vs. Realality - 2420 Words

Iago is one of Shakespeares most complex villains. Initially you get the impression that the character of Iago is one of pure evil. Right from the start of Act 1, it becomes obvious that he is capable of most anything. You see right away that he is able to give the appearance of one thing, but in reality be something quite different. He has been acting like he is interested in helping Roderigo by bringing gifts and messages to Desdemona for him. Iago is in reality using Roderigo who is very gullible and in fact not too bright. Iago plays him like a fool, even taking money from him as payment for doing him favors. Criticism # 1 A. Introduction Ââ€" The theory that Othello is a play about the jealousy of one man, not Othello but Iago, is†¦show more content†¦Roderigo questions this by saying to Iago I would not follow him then (7 41). Iago quickly turns things around by responding to Roderigo O, sir, content you; I follow him to serve my turn upon him (7 44-45). Iago is telling Roderigo that he is only following Othello to a certain point. He is revealing the fact that once he reaches that certain point, he will not follow Othello any longer. This clearly shows Iagos use of deceit. No matter what, Iago will take advantage of Othello any time that he can. Due to the fact that Othello trusts him, he will be easily led to believe the lies of Iago. Othello put all of his trust in Iago during times of war and during his marriage to Desdemona. Trust of Iago made him completely unaware that he was lying to him. As previously mentioned, everyone considered Iago as honest and it would therefore be out of character for Othello to believe any differently than everyone else. For example, Othello had told the Duke, So please your grace, my ancient; a man he is of honesty and trust. To his conveyance I assign my wife, with what else needful your good grace shall think, to be sent after me (49 306-309). Despite his being manipulative, deceitful, scheming and conniving, Iago constantly tries to convince himself that all of his actions are justified. We see this in his soliloquies. For