Iago in Othello

[randomer]

I am interested to hear some views on the character of Iago in Shakespeare's Othello. What do you think his motives are? And also on which side is Othello on in this war? Turkish or Cyprian? I understand that they are actually from Venice? Could someone please clear this up for me. Thanks.

[stoo_pid]

(2 parts cos AB is messing me about today!)

There are various opinions cited for the motives behind Iago's actions but the main themes are that he was jealous of Othello's position; he felt that Othello was a fool and had little respect for him; he was resentful at being passed over for promotion by Othello; and he suspected that Othello had been sleeping with his wife, Emilia.

[stoo_pid]

(Sorry, looks like it'll be more than 2 parts)

Iago's soliloquy gives us a few clues:

Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;
For I mine own gained knowledge should profane,
If I would time expend with such a snipe
But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets
H'as done my office. I know not if't be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do, as if for surety. He holds me well;
The better shall my purpose work on him.

[stoo_pid]

Cassio's a proper man. Let me see now:
To get his place, and to plume up my will
In double knavery. How? How? Let's see.
After some time, to abuse Othello's ears
That he is too familiar with his wife.
He hath a person and a smooth dispose
To be suspected--framed to make women false.
The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so;
And will as tenderly be led by th' nose
As asses are.
I have't! It is engendered! Hell and night
Must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light.

[randomer]

Cheers.

[mike b]

Which side is Othello on?! (There's a clue in the title...)

The play is set in the later 16th century; the Islamic Ottoman (Turkish) Empire, had gradually taken over the Middle East and the old Christian Byzantine/Eastern Roman Empire (fall of Constantinople 1453), and its expansion in the Mediterranean was only now being slowed down and halted by various alliances of European Christian powers, including the Venetians, a small Italian city state, but with a far-reaching commercial empire, including Cyprus etc. (If you're interested check out the Siege of Malta 1565 and the Battle of Lepanto 1571). The Ottomans remained a major threat to Europe for at least another century, the turning point probably being their unsuccessful siege of Vienna in 1683, and did not lose their European possessions antil the 19th century and finally WW1, when the Empire collapsed. Now they want to join the EU...

[jump79]

Iago is a bit of a Machiavelli character in the play; he likes to be in power and use it for his own means (usually diabolical).

In this case, he has gained power and control over Othello's mind. Othello's own insecurities and inferiority complex allow Iago to succeed in completely brainwashing him.

Iago's motives are numerous:

-He's a racist and jealous of Othello
-He wants to restore his own 'rightful' status by getting 'rid' of and replacing Othello
-He enjoys the feeling of power and scheming and plotting against others; if he's suffering, he wants others to suffer more
-Revenge against other characters and society as a whole
-He personifies Evil in the play

For more ideas, look it up in www.sparknotes.com