Othello: Literary Essay on Iago Essay

Hu musical compositions are born with a subjective capacity for good and evil. As an individual develops, he or she is taught to distinguish between the two in order to strengthen a sense of right and wrong. Through Shakespeares play, Othello (Heinemann Advanced Shakespeare, 2000) we are introduced to a meticulously devious voice, Iago. Ironically affiliated with the military, a substandard moral compass, channels his unreasonable code of conduct. Well ameliorate on human behaviour, his lack of ethics enables his character to exploit this skill set to deceive those around him, ultimately disguising his true character. Between self-perception, opposing character perceptions and consultation perception, Iago portrays a brilliantly, manipulative villain whose two dimensional nature is concealed beneath sheets of false sympathy, integrity and empathy.Beyond all else, Iago considers himself a man of true wit and distinction. In Act I, he furiously declares, I know my price (p. 3). By this statement, he admits to Rodrigo, that upon oversight for the position of first lieutenant, his sanctified service and efforts have been in vain. Having served at the front lines of the war, Iago adamantly deems that his echelon of experience proves him a to a greater extent deserving candidate, than young Cassio. More so, an over confidence in his abilities, lead to the belief that he is of a superior authority, I am worth no worse a place (ibid). Continuing his argument of non promotion, Iago sees it unbearable, flush shameful that he has been regarded with such insignificance. A man of his status and self imposed importance should not be degraded to such a hapless standard. In having lost out on the appointment, Iagos pride and dignity have been considerably impaired.Once a devoted soldier under Othellos command, Iago believed it was his rightful place to gain promotion to lieutenant. When these expectations werenot met, it brought out the worst in Iago and the decision w as interpreted as a personal offence to his proficiency. Although having already, move up to adequate ranks, Iago could not fathom the injustice. His superior and extensive knowledge had been undermined. In comparison to the present era, this form of injustice is experienced frequently in professions where favoured parties retrogress out on coveted positions to seemingly less experienced oppositions. Victims feel at loss and that their competence has been jeopardised. Due to varying circumstances, these conceited opinions cannot be mild as it translates into bad character and conduct. Consequently, Iago set out on a conquest for supremacy. Uncannily, abiding by modern day author, Robert Greenes, Law 3 Conceal your intentions, of The 48 Laws of Power (1998), detailing observational aspects profitable in a rise to command.Within the community of Cyprus, Iago gave no obvious reason for opposing characters to suspect his cunning. In this respect, he was constantly referred to as Hone st Iago (p. 41). Specifically, Othello, affectionately used the term, Honest Iago, My Desdemona must I leave to thee. I prithee let thy wife attend to her (ibid). not only does Othello impart trust with ease, but he mistakes Iago as a dear friend. One who would never think to bring harm to Desdemona or he. This malposition of faith encourages Iago in his surreptitious endeavours. On several more occasions we declare other characters mistakenly confer with and about Iagos sincere nature. quest a grave night for Cassio, he bids a farewell of, Good night, honest Iago (p. 99) unaware of Iagos key role in his ruin. Desdemona continues the chain of hunch when she speaks, O, thats an honest fellow (p. 113) of Iagos phony grievances of Cassios unfortunate predicament.An individuals nature can be concealed in diverse forms within the company he keeps, Law 12 Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victims (Greene, 1998). Iago, around such company manipulates and deceives his companions that he is faithful. Having grasped an misgiving of human behavior, this wisdom is disposed through cruelty and brutality. In persuading the Cyprus population of his sincerity, unkn give birth to the other characters, Iago fuels his perception of his superiority. Such is his witthat for a much of the play, his delusion goes undetected. When it appears that a character may unknowingly expose Iagos ulterior motives, he buries the potential realisation beneath artificial concern.Among the audience, the consensus is that Iago is purely composed of arrogance, green-eyed monster and hostility. Triumphant in his succession to provide false evidence of Cassios incompetence, Iago announces, And whats he then that says I play the villain, When this advice is free I flag and honest(Shakespeare, p. 99). Arrogance radiates from his gloating manner, of having provided Cassio with ingenious and true advice. Jealousy held as incentive to which Iago brought about the demotion and dis credit of Cassio. Moreover, this envy fuelled his ploy in planting a seed of convincing doubt to which Othello was wrongly mislead that his wife, Desdemona, was unfaithful. Not only in determining the detriment of the secures marriage, Iago displayed hostility through his own relationship with Emilia, To have a foolish wife (p. 133), consistent with yet another law, Law 20 Do not commit to anyone, (Greene, 1998).Only to the audience is Iagos evil nature revealed for a significant portion of the play. We are exposed to his ulterior motives, lies and ultimate betrayal, I follow him to serve my turn upon him (Shakespeare, p. 5). contradictory any other character in the play, Iago is not fazed by the level of destruction he causes, neither to whom. In subsequent scenes, viewers witness the steady yet gradual downfall of the Moor. Unsuspecting, characters, indirectly aid Iagos cause, particularly his ignorant, praise seeking wife, Emilia, which furthermore increases his arrogance of hi s unmatched brilliance. To the audience apiece move Iago makes is calculated methodically and only adds to the current chaos of the present scene.Iago possesses an astute two dimensional disposition. His objective throughout the play is to ensure the Moors eventual ruin. He becomes the bane of Othellos existence, through conniving, unforgivable means, only recognized by the audience if not himself. Born of a natural capacity for good and evil, it is evident that Iago acquires no good, a concept hidden from other characters within the play. In relation to the present, Iagodemonstrates the extremity to which an individual will go in order to sabotage the happiness and prosperity of an enemy. Persecutors hold a high opinion of themselves, as Iago displayed. Yet, by all means this strategy to take after such an attack is achieved through clandestine, surreptitious modes. Iago can distinguish between right and wrong but still, he opts for the latter.As Nobel Prize laureate, William Gol ding, once said, We subscribe more humanity, more care, more love. There are those who expect a political system to produce that and others who expect the love to produce the system. (Nobel Lecture, Dec 7, 1983). good-will is defenceless against the erroneous nature of individuals like Iago. Repeatedly throughout Othello (Shakespeare, 2000), his master scheme endures unnoticed. As children, we are prompted to recognise virtue and vice (Zak. J. P. The Moral Molecule, 2011) to instil a sense of ethicality, nonetheless, alongside such vindictive figures like Iago, the system (Nobel Lecture, 1983), political or military, regresses on any potential advancement, stunting humanity, more care, more love (ibid). Humanity is susceptible to evil, regardless encouragement otherwise. As long as rouges exist, an eternal battle will ensue between good and bad, unmistakably demonstrated through Iagos performance.BibliographyNovel ReferencesGray, C. (Series 2000). Othello. Heinemann Advanced Sha kespeare. London Briddles Ltd.Website ReferencesGolding, G. W. (Dec 7, 1983). Nobel Lecture. Retrieved Aug 27, 2013, from http//www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1983/golding-lecture.htmlKeltner, D. (2007-08). The Power Paradox. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http//greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/power_paradoxUnknown Author. (No date). The 48 Laws of Power. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_48_Laws_of_PowerZak, J. P. (Feb 10, 2011). The Moral Molecule ar Humans Good or Evil?. Retrieved Aug 28, 2013 from http//www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-moral-molecule/201102/are-humans-good-or-evil