Iago

I just really wanted to dedicate a full blog to Iago. Not only because his name is pretty cool (reminds me of Aladdin!), but because he really is a dynamic character. First of all he is rude. He knows he is rude. Every time he has an aside he reminds me of a modern day villain tapping their fingers together laughing maniacally. "But I'll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am." (II.i.195-196). He is a two-timing evil loser. Although His measures do seem pretty drastic, I suppose he does have some pretty good motives for why he acts the way he does. #1 Paranoia. Iago is paranoid and crazy. Now, I do love her too, not out of absolute lust—though peradventure I stand accountant for as great a sin— but partly led to diet my revenge, for that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat." (II.i.270-275). Another motive Iago has is #2 Jealousy. Iago begins the story by explaining the Roderigo that it is not fair that Othello did not choose him to be his lieutenant. "I know my price, I am worth no worse a place." (I.i.11) Iago believes he must seek revenge on Othello for not choosing him as his lieutenant. Finally, Iago's motive #3 Money. of course, now here is something that can relate to culture nowadays! Anyways, Iago has completely tricked Roderigo into paying him for advice and help for breaking Desdemona and Othello up. Shortly after Iago claims to be Roderigo's good friend, he makes this aside: "Thus do I ever make my fool my purse." (II.iii.363). Basically, Iago is an evil person. Hopefully, the theme of jealous that we discussed (it being that person's downfall) applies here.