Iago - The Ultimate Machiavellian Villain

Othello captures one of the most investigated villains in history and it is not the expected protagonist after which the play is named. Iago is Shakespeare’s greatest villain because of his character development (unlike other Shakespearian villain, see Shylock in The Merchant of Venice) but also due to his multiple deeper motivations that exceed the traditional want for money and power. Iago changes Othello from great general to a ‘green eyed monster’ (a term coined by Shakespeare). The question mainly asked about Iago is the reason for his villainous nature. Is it his xenophobic nature, his jealously of Othello’s position or even a secret unrequited love for Othello?

Iago’s power derives from the unpredictability of events; he is quick witted and reacts to events. His first soliloquy at the end of Act 1 demonstrates his intuitive nature,  he suggests that Othello is ‘led by the nose as asses are.’ This simile demonstrates how Othello is easily led, and although the plan is not yet fully formed, Iago will go with circumstance and this is what gives power to his plans. Iago has been called ‘a God, but with a small g’ while Coleridge views him as ‘being next to the devil, only not quite devil’ (‘demi-devil’, Act 5) and throughout the play, he seems to be the omnipresent puppet master controlling events and people.

However, Iago’s deceitful nature throughout adds to the agonising sense of inevitability as the other characters are so oblivious to his true nature. Many characters refer to him as ‘honest Iago’ despite him admitting to Rodrigo that ‘I am not what I am,’ (1.1.66). This misinterpretation of Iago’s character demonstrates his deceptive nature and reveals a reason for his motivation, he does not want to be outshone by Othello and he believes Othello’s position in society should be his and he is willing to deceive those to allow him to achieve his goal. Ultimately this makes Othello ‘Iago’s play ... Othello’s tragedy’ (Bloom).

Not only does Iago manipulate Othello in the play, Cassio’s complicity to Iago’s plans means he acts not in his true nature but is willing to listen and act upon what Iago says, instead of following his instincts. Cassio plays an important role in the play as he, another rival for Iago is subject to his manipulation and further confuses the motivation for Iago’s crimes. Cassio helps Iago to fulfil his plans as he talks to Desdemona instead of confronting Othello, Iago suggests that ‘our general’s wife is now the general.’ This suggests that Desdemona has a lot of influence over Othello and can therefore control him and Iago uses this to manipulate Othello. However, some may argue that falling for Iago plot is not entirely Cassio fault, after all Othello quick believes Iago’s tales, leading him to doubt his wife fidelity. Cassio may seen as a pawn in Iago’s plans, a small piece of the puzzle which results in Othello’s downfall. Iago is aware of Cassio’s reputation and uses this to his advantage. During Iago’s second soliloquy he suggests ‘Cassio loves her, I do well believe it’ and he later goes onto suggest Cassio will be ‘framed to make a woman false’  this implication allows the audience to see that as Iago could easily believe Cassio would sleep with Desdemona, it is not very far fetched to suggest that Othello would believe it.

Iago exasperates Othello’s insecurities and this allows Iago to feed his doubts, poisoning his mind but is only able to do this as Cassio views himself as a gentleman, so wishes to act in the correct manner. One source of Iago’s motives is because Cassio (privileged) gets promotion over him despite lacking fighting experience, so gets position from status and contacts. Iago’s homeland is Venice making him accepted, but both Othello (a Moor) and Cassio (a Florentine) are outsiders, yet they have higher positions in society than him, due to his xenophobic nature and he sees this as unjust. However, in Act 4 everyone is quick to believe that they have been fooled into believing the eloquent Othello, ‘I am sorry that I am deceived in him.’ (4.1.273) demonstrating society’s highly racist attitudes and Iago’s quick nature as he is willing to play on societies beliefs to destroy Othello.

Iago is successful as villain due to his flexible nature and his intelligence to undermine insecurities which already exist in both individuals and society. This learned villain question the nature of the villain as parts of his personality is often reflected in the audience. Although his true motivation can never really be discovered, I like to think that he causes mischief and strife for his own sadistic amusement.

Who is your favourite villain and what do you think Iago’s true motivation is?

Lots of love,

Elouise

xxx