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Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 3.15.97: Top | Help
First, I'm inclined to agree with John's comments that Iago is cynical about humanity.
Second, I think his motivation is obviously envy of Cassio's relationship with Othello.
Remember, Iago has been Othello's loyal sidekick for many years and has been with him in many battles. Iago describes Cassio as an "arithmatician", not a soilder with practical experience.
You should probably also explore Iago's envy of Othello and Desdemona's pure relationship. Take a look at Emelia's comments about men digesting women and spitting the out when they are done...sorrry, I don't know the citation off hand!
I'm not sure about what Iago tells Roderigo, except that Iago never tells Roderigo the entire truth, only parts. As for the solilogueys, remember who SHakespeare's audience was, he used soliloquey to keep everyone up to speed. THe solilogueys just show that Iago knew that he was doing evil deeds, they are sort of like him talking to himself.Posted by Karen Becker on March 26, 1997 at 18:53:00
In Reply to "Iago's motives in OTHELLO., IS he a "motiveless malignity"?" 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