The action centers on his plot against Othello. As it advances the other characters are drawn in. Othello, a black man, has gained the love ofDesdemona, the daughter of a wealthy citizen. They marry in secret and although that is frowned upon by the city authorities Othello is a military...
Iago and Othello share another common trait. At the play's conclusion, when Othello is detained and Iago is brought before him, Othello remarks, "I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable" (V.ii.287). He is checking to see if Iago has cloven feet like the devil he now bel...
Draws, and wounds RODERIGO. RODERIGO O, I am slain! IAGO from behind wounds CASSIO in the leg, and exits. CASSIO I am maim'd for ever. Help, ho! murder! murder! Falls Enter OTHELLO. OTHELLO The voice of Cassio: Iago keeps his word. 30 RODERIGO O, villain that I am! OTHELLO ...
Iago is using jealousy and anger as excuses to perpetrate evil. Even if Iago had received the promotion; even if he had no suspicions or jealous feelings, he would invent other motives to provide the framework for the diabolical mischief he must create. To Iago, the ruination of Othello is...