Sybil+Errazuriz

The Hidden Truth of Iago Throughout the play, Iago has proved that he is not trustworthy. However, the other characters in this play, Othello, Desdemona, and Cassio, are not aware of this fact. These characters went on, through all the set backs, and they thought it was possibly just their misfortune. Their trust with one another has been manipulated all in Iago’s plot to get what he wants. In William Shakespeare’s //Othello//, Iago is able to make Othello believe that Cassio has been with his wife. With Iago’s words and cunning thoughts, Othello’s jealousy grows stronger in every scene. Iago's scheming skills lead him to one main objective, to deceive and procreate jealousy in others. Iago perfectly knows how to take advantage of any situation. His ability to plant schemes is emphasized in this quote, “I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkin and let him find it. Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ..” Iago-3:3:369. At this point Iago was continuing on his plan to break up Othello and Desdemona. Along with this, he intended to strip Cassio of his title as lieutenant so that he can have it for himself. Emilia had just given the handkerchief to Iago, something that he had been asking for a long time. Desdemona tried to band Othello’s head to make his headache feel better. They got up to leave the room, and without noticing it, the handkerchief fell to the floor. Since the handkerchief was one of the first gifts that Othello gave to Desdemona it was the perfect proof against Desdemona. Iago was astute and knew that he would need more proof to go along with the handkerchief. Iago to Othello, “In sleep I hear him say ‘sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our loves.’” Iago 3:3:475 In the quote Iago was telling Othello that Cassio had been dreaming of making love to Desdemona. This, along with the handkerchief as proof, was enough for Othello to get furious and want to kill Desdemona. Why was Othello so quick to believe Iago’s accusations if they weren’t the best of friends? Othello was, perhaps, too quick to trust Iago because that is his nature. The anger of the thought that Desdemona was unfaithful blinded Othello, clouding his sense of judgment. Iago knew what would make Othello tick and he used it against him. Iago is the type of person who seems like he strives to reach all his goals at any cost. His personality makes him able to manipulate Othello into thinking that there is something in between Desdemona and Cassio. Since Iago always refers to himself as honest, people have no problem in believing anything he says. Although of people also refer to Iago as “honest Iago,“ his main goal is still to separate Othello and Desdemona. He just uses the trust people have in him so that everything goes according to his plan. Iago does not believe that Othello deserves Desdemona and that she will eventually get tired of him. When Iago was talking to Roderigo about their relationship he said, “She must change for youth. When she is sated with his body she will find the (error) of her choice” Iago 1:3:393. Iago is trying to convince Roderigo that the relationship will not last long. Soon enough Desdemona would feel tired of Othello and would want to move on to another person. Although Roderigo wanted to be with Desdemona, it was more convenient to trick Othello into thinking that Cassio was the man who wanted to steal his wife. This way, Iago would kill two birds with one stone. While speaking of his plan, Iago says, “The better shall my work purpose work on him. Cassio’s a proper man. Let me see now: To get his place and to plume up my will in double knavery-How? How?-Lets see. After sometime, to abuse Othello’s (ear) that he is too familiar with his wife.” Iago 1:3:437. This quote also shows how Iago is going to follow out his plan. By saying that Cassio is too familiar with Othello’s wife he means that Cassio has already been intimate with her. Othello has clearly fallen into Iago’s plan. Iago also try’s to exaggerate the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio, “He takes her by the palm…If such tricks as these strip you out of your lieutenancy, it had been better you had not kissed your three fingers so oft, which now again you are most apt to pay the sir in. Very good; well kissed; (an) excellent courtesy!” Iago 2:1:182. By distorting the real meaning of a kiss on the hand or a misplaced handkerchief, Iago was able to use these situations in his favor. With all of these facts put together, Othello would no longer be with Desdemona and Iago would be given the title of lieutenant for being loyal to Othello and telling him of these occurrences. Although Iago’s ability to alter the truth did get him everything he wanted, the way things unrolled were very tragic. Desdemona was murdered by Othello before he found out that Cassio was innocent. As a result of this, Othello killed himself for killing his true love. No one suspected Iago of his bad doings because of the title he held as “honest Iago.” This is just proof of how far Iago was willing to go to achieve what he wanted for himself.