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Machiavelli was into the whole "feared but not hated" deal, which is exactly what Iago was. He was in a position of friendship with his victims, so he was not hated at all, and yet, like you said, he was feared. He also used cruelty o get what he wanted. Machiavelli also figured that a person had to have other qualities such as mercifulness, faithfulness, humaneness, frankness, and religiousness, but that a person could reject them when they didn't suit his purpose, which is exactly what Iago did. And he also said "The mob is impressed by appearances, and the world is composed of the mob." So Iago made himself look good to get followers, and then used his power to get his revenge.
I hope this helps!Posted by Romeo's Girl on April 15, 1997 at 17:01:14
In Reply to "Iago as Machiavellian Model" posted by Samantha on April 15, 1997 at 14:53:12
Replies | Post Reply | Shakespeare Queries From Genuinely Interested Students 4.2.97: Top | Help