Discuss Iago as a Machiavellian character/artistic villain.
Othello is a notable literary work by William Shakespeare. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Othello.
Answer
Discuss Iago as a Machiavellian character/artistic villain.
or, Discuss the character of Iago in Othello.
Iago, the main antagonist in William Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) play “Othello” (1622), is often considered a Machiavellian character. Machiavellian characters are typically ruthless, manipulative, and cunning. In Niccolo Machiavelli’s (1469-1527) book “The Prince”, it is found that whatever the situation, Machiavellian characters use any means to achieve their goals.
Iago as a Machiavellian Character: Iago’s manipulative nature and Machiavellian tactics are central to his character. It makes him a fascinating study in psychological manipulation. His ability to deceive and manipulate those around him, including Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona, is enchanting. One of the most iconic lines reflecting Iago’s manipulative expression is when he says:
“I am not what I am.”
This declaration is expressed by Iago at the very outset of the play when Othello promotes an aristocrat named Cassio above him.
Master Manipulator: Iago is a master manipulator. He uses his knowledge to control those around him. He believes that, he deserves the promotion more than Cassio. He is jealous of Cassio, and this jealousy fuels his desire for revenge. So we find him saying,
“I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor.”
He convinces Othello that his wife is unfaithful despite no evidence supporting this claim. He also manipulates Cassio into getting drunk and losing his job.
Deception: Iago is a skilled liar, able to convince those around him of almost anything. He lies to Othello, telling him that Desdemona is unfaithful, and also lies to Roderigo about his plans for their joint venture. Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona. Iago is helping him win the love of Desdemona. He convinces Roderigo to give him money, which he uses to further his own interests. He convinces Roderigo to aid him in his schemes by promising him that Desdemona will fall in love with him if they disrupt Othello’s happiness. Iago cunningly declares:
“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;”
Lack of Conscience: Iago does whatever it takes to achieve his goals. He has no remorse about destroying other people’s lives or causing them pain. Iago doubts his wife, Emilia. He suspects that she maintains a secret illicit relationship with Othello. So, he decides to destroy the conjugal life of Othello and Desdemona. For this, he uses Cassio. He tells him to go to Desdemona and request her in his favour to Othello. So, Cassio goes to her. Here, Iago manipulates Othello by playing on his insecurities about his marriage to Desdemona. He plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, making him believe that Desdemona is unfaithful.
“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.”
Towards the end, Othello kills Desdemona by the influence of Iago. When everything becomes clear to him after killing Desdemona, he commits suicide.
Iago’s Machiavellian nature is evident throughout “Othello.” He is a complex and fascinating character, one who embodies the worst aspects of human nature.