Iago from the play Othello by william Shakespeare..pls. help.....?

Question

HI i am writing an essay on Iago, how he was very manipulative in this play, Othello. Can you please give me examples from the play??? and explain what you think, why was he so powerful?
Thanks@ lot!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Iago, second in friendship to Othello behind Cassio, spends most of the play attempting to bring about Othello's downfall by leading him to believe his wife, Desdemona, is being unfaithful to him with Cassio, his chief lieutenant. He eventually does destroy Othello's reputation (which leads the Moor to kill himself) but sets the stage for his doom when his wife Emilia reveals his plot. At the end of the play Iago is ordered to be imprisoned by Cassio.

Description of character

Iago is one of Shakespeare's most sinister villains. Shakespeare contrasts Iago with Othello's nobility and integrity. He has more lines in the play than Othello, the most that any of Shakespeare's non-title characters have. Iago is often referred to as "honest Iago," displaying his skill at deceiving other characters so that not only do they not suspect him, but they count on him as the person most likely to be truthful.

Iago fits into the malcontent character type because of his bitter and cynical view of the world around him.

While the play suggests motives for Iago's hateful scheming, many readers feel that a deeper root remains hidden. Iago cites suspicion that his wife has been unfaithful to him with Othello or bitterness that Othello passed him over for a big promotion but many interpretations of the play include the idea that Iago is a representation of the devil.

Answer 2

He pretends to be Othello's friend, while working behind his back to destroy him. Did you read/see the play? It's very obvious. Iago is considered one of the most evil characters in literature; not because he is violent, but because of the subtle deceit, lies, and manipulations. He's a brilliant, wicked character.

You should see Othello by Kenneth Branaugh (with parental permission because of some content). He played an excellent Iago.

Sue

Answer 3

Iago was jealous of his best friend Othello. He envied his position & his wife. Iago constantly whispered in Othello's ear that Othello's wife was unfaithful to him. He planted phoney evidence for Othello to find. As man's basic nature is to distrust, Othello believed the lies Iago told & eventually killed (strangled) the woman he loved. It's really a great story. You should do yourself a favor and actulally read it, instead of asking us to do your homework for you!!