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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 3.15.97: Top | Help
To some degree Iago is motivated by his jealousy of Cassio, and his suspicion that Othello has slept with Emilia, but these are mere example of an overarching theoria. At the core of Iago's villainy is a basic cynicism about all humanity. The most notable manifestation of this sentiment is found in the fact that he cannot seem to fathom the feelings of genuine love that Othello and Desdemona have for each other. He equates love with lust, and derides the man that would kill himself over his being rejected by a "guinea hen" (Iago's word for woman); Iago sees men and women as driven only by animalistic instinct, which is an all too poignant ent. Besides this, Iago's vanity and super-egotism has been injured by Othello's decision to appoint Cassio as his lieutenant. Remember always that Iago is not merely bent on revenge, it consumes him.
In response to your first question: Iago reveals his life principles as a means of manipulating Roderigo, pure and simple. If Iago can indoctrinate Roderigo into his way of seeing things, then Roderigo will continue to seek Iago's aid in gaining the favor of Desdemona, which means Iago will become a very rich man; it is all about self-seeking ends for Iago. Good Luck.
Posted by John D. Thompson on March 26, 1997 at 13:00:54
In Reply to "Iago's motives in OTHELLO., IS he a " posted by Sam on March 26, 1997 at 11:32:36
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 3.15.97: Top | Help