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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help
The following are the standard reasons given as
Iago's motive for the acts he carries out.
First, Iago believes, though with no corroberating evidence,
that Othello has had an affair with Emilia, Iago's wife.
Secondly, Iago is upset that Cassio has been chosen to be
Othello's second in command(the exact name for the posision
eludes me right now). Iago believes that he is better for
that repsonsibility becasue, unlike Cassio who has only been
taught about military strategy in a classroom setting, Iago
has a lifetime of real service in battle for which he is highly
praised. Still, the best answer may be the one given by
S.T. Colerige which simply states that Iago is "motiveless
malignity" meaning that he has no motive and is simply evil
because he is an evil person and for no other reason at all.
These are the standard answers. Whether they are satisfying
or explain his evil well enough is another question.Posted by Steven on April 02, 1997 at 14:40:48
In Reply to "Othello" posted by Edie on April 01, 1997 at 22:25:12
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries & Replies From Everyone Else 3.15.97: Top | Help