When trying to think of Iago most people perhaps would describe him as mysterious, evil, liar, manipulative. After reading and doing research of Shakespeare “Othello,” you most definitely would consider Iago to be a villain or a flat out liar. What is an Honesty? Honesty means telling the truth. Those adjectives that are described Iago from Shakespeare's “Othello” In the play Othello ago is considered to be on of the most dangerous people in “Othello” Othello causes so much unnessercery grief between Othello and Desdemona that was unnecessary. He never really had an exact motive as to why he was creating so much drama throughout the play. What Iago did do was just put things in Othello's head which lead him to be jealous with Desdemona when Desdemona is innocent throughout the game.
Whether we want to believe it or not Iago is the cause of the deaths of Desdemona, Roderigo, and Othello. For instance, it's kind of like in a cartoon how there's always the, and in each episode, it's still the “good” people trying to solve for what the villain is doing. In about every scene Iago is the center of attention, he seems always to pop up.It makes it ironic because everyone seems to have this image of “ Honest Iago” even himself. “As I am an honest man” ( II. III.242) Iago is aware of his wrongdoings. Everyone in the play has a personal trust with Iago they see him as no harm when he's up to no good his true colors prove that is not trustworthy or loyal, but in a way, he can pull it off as if he is a loyal person. Once he’s able to gain a trust and a connection with certain people he uses it to his advantage to plot. Each charcater is convinced that Iago means no harm. Iago then again He uses his honesty again to convince people he is trustworthy and he proves this by saying “ But, I'll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am (II.I.190)” That there is him saying it “ I am an honest man” The saying “keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer”I would see a perfect example throughout the play. Iago uses his loyalty and trust to take advantage of people and to take the heat off of him. If there's one thing you should know about Iago is that he has a way with words and can manipulate people through his persuasiveness. You could be the kindest and caring person, and that does not stop Iago from tearing you to shreds. A prime example of this is Roderigo. Roderigo is one of the characters that Iago uses Roderigo follows Iago like a puppy and will do whatever he says and believe everything that comes out of the mouth of Iago. “Good night, honest Iago” It is clear that everyone has a sense that Iago is honest throughout this play, and Iago has used it to his advantage. “When this advice is free I give and honest,“ Thus do I ever make my fool my purse Act I. III.374 When Iago says this he is referring to Roderigo he's taking advantage of Roderigo because everything Iago does is self-interest because he is always up to something. We all know Iago has it out for Othello and Iago is trying to find a reason to give Roderigo to plot against him. Roderigo sticks with Iago even when Roderigo questions Iago's ordered, but still goes through and listen to him. This is a representation of loyalty. I a way Iago is a “Leader” in today's world people may not always agree with the decisions of a leader, but they will still support them no matter what because they have put their trust into that leader and hoped that the leader wants what is best for them. However, Rodrigo has no legitimate reason to harm Cassio; but comes up for a reason to give Roderigo a motive to kill Cassio. Which displays that Iago knows how to work people and to convince them who the “villain” Iago has built a healthy relationship with Roderigo and so Roderigo believe that is is going to be the best choice.
Roderigo truly believes that Iago wants to cause no harm and we can see that because Rodergio says “Iago is most honest.” (Act II. III. 7 ) That came directly from Roderigo which shows us that he has a trust built with Iago and he can count on Iago being the most “ honest” with him. It may seem strange because Iago still listens and acts like he does not have anything against Othello, but Iago despises Othello. Iago says “ I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, and I hate the Moor” (I.III.348-349) Iago says this to Roderigo, “O Sir, content you. I follow him to serve my turn upon him. We cannot all be masters nor all masters, Cannot be truly followed” (Act 1. Scene 2. 41-44). Right then when Iago says that he makes it known that he is “serving” to Othello to manipulate him. In Lagos' eyes, if he can manage Othello, he thinks that he will be able to acquire higher power so that then he can take over the position of being the lieutenant. One by one Iago can bring people close one moment and then take them down one by one by taking advantage of each person throughout the play.
We know by now what Iago is capable of we realize he means harm and likes to play the villain throughout the play, but can disguise that and come off as the “good guy” he knows when to turn on the switch and know what to turn it off. One of the biggest lies of them all is when Iago lies and insists on telling Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. He used Cassio because he knows he is vulnerable. This was probably super easy for Iago because Othello trusts Iago and in a way is his “right-hand man” An example of this is when Iago lies to Othello and says “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus, not jealous secure.” Right there his Iago is putting ideas in Othello's head that Cassio is sleeping with Desdemona, by Iago telling him that, that makes Othello thinking “wow that guy really has my back and it looking out for me” Once again we cross paths with another one of Iago's treacherous lies and still makes him self-look like the bad guy. For some reason, people believe the untruthful s lies, and it ends up hurting people.
You’d be surprised how much a person is capable of through Lagos manipulative personality he uses his wife, Emalia in his treacherous plans. Emilia plays a very viable role in this play how Iago plans on using Emilia is by having his wife take Desdemona's handkerchief so that he can plant the handkerchief inside of the home of Cassio. "My husband hath a hundred times / Wooed me to steal it” (III.III.291-293). Iago insists on Emilia stealing Desdemona personal belongings without any explanation. It says a lot about a person when they drag in their loved ones into something that can get really messy. His wife confides and believes that Iago wouldn't cause any harm and for him to drag her into his evil doings is just wrong. He knows that she will do anything for him, he knows her loyalty is with him and that she won't ever questions him because she wants to please ago because that's what a “wife” should do I Lagos eyes. Iago's wife is just one of the many people he has been able to use to get what he wants. Just like the rest, Othello is one of the many victims of Iago and what we know by their relationship is that Othello has complete trust and faith in Iago and knows that he has Othello wrapped around his finger. The biggest lie to Othello is convincing him that Desdemona is having an affair with no such proof to demonstrate that anything is going on between those two people. Iago know the damage he has caused and is willing to get in the others head, even more, when Iago says this to Othello " She did deceive her father, marrying you, and when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, / She loved them most” (III.III.206-208) Those exact words are what pushed Othello to the edge and helped Lagos evil plan in making other o believe that Desdemona isint the woman he thinks she is and that she is cheating on him.
Othello’s jealousy was the main reasoning for Desdemona’s death. Towards the end of
The play Othello started getting more and more jealous of Desdemona and didn’t have a lot of trust in his wife. Iago had a plan to make up that Desdemona was having an affair so that Othello would believe it and leave her. “Your mind perhaps may change” (III.III.452.) The term reverse psychology was used on Othello to make him leave Desdemona for cheating. Desdemona uses the handkerchief from Othello as a symbol of his love. After the handkerchief was given to Desdemona. “By heaven, I saw my handkerchief instead. O perjured woman! Thou dost stone my heart and makes call what I intend to do. A murder, which I thought a sacrifice: I saw the handkerchief .” (VI.II.61-66.). Othello uses this after he notices his handkerchief in Cassio’s possession. After Desdemona’s death, Othello killed himself because he was the reason for her death.
In Shakespeare's play, Othello, we are able to realize that innocent people were hurt throughout the play which ultimately resulted in the death of these innocent charters Desdemona, Othello, and Rodergio. These deaths would have occurred if it wasn't for Lagos lies, manipulation, dishonesty. Iago created this self-image image of himself as I stated int he beginning of this paper Iago kept his friends close, but kept his enemies closer. In the end, you’re able to realize that “Honest Iago” isn't as honest as everyone thought and people paid the price for it.
Iago’s character in Shakespeare’s play, Othello His deceit and manipulation of Othello ultimately cause the death of three innocent characters Desdemona, Othello and Roderigo. Iago deceivingly takes advantage of people; he lies while making himself look highly regarded and manipulates people that will bring him closer to his goals. At the end of the play you are finally able to realize that “Honest Iago”(II. III.242) Iago wasn't who he claimed to be, he wasn't honest at all, which led to innocent people paying the price for it in the end.