Why does Iago stand for motive-hunting of motiveless malignity?

Answer

Iago stands for motive-hunting of motiveless malignity. Do you agree? (2019) 

Iago is one of Shakespeare’s (1564-1616) most wicked and mysterious villains. In “Othello” (1622), he appears as the man who destroys others for no strong reason. His cruelty and deceit shock the readers. Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834) called him the “motive-hunting of motiveless malignity.” This phrase suggests that Iago commits crimes not from genuine motives, but out of his evil nature. He is evil for evil’s sake. His words, actions, and tactics reveal that he is a devil-like figure who takes pleasure in destruction.

Evil without Real Motive: Iago’s hatred for Othello has no apparent cause. He gives many reasons, but none are true. He says he hates Othello because he made Cassio his lieutenant. But this reason is weak. He also says Othello may have slept with his wife Emilia, though he has no proof. He says, 

“I am not what I am.”

This line reveals that he hides his true face. He is false by nature, not by need. His evil comes from within, not from reason.

Jealousy and Hatred Mixed Together: Iago’s mind is full of envy and anger. He is jealous of Cassio’s promotion and of Othello’s love and fame. He feels small beside their greatness. When he sees Cassio’s polite manners, he says that Cassio has “a daily beauty in his life that makes me ugly.” His jealousy burns like fire. But his actions go beyond jealousy. He wants to destroy good people simply because they are better than him. His hate is senseless yet powerful.

Love of Evil and Deceit: Iago takes pleasure in his wicked acts. He lies and cheats only to taste the joy of evil. When he begins his plot, he says, 

“Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” 

These words show his dark joy in planning sin. He fools Othello, cheats Cassio, and uses Roderigo as his toy. He says