Comparing Othello And Iago's Jealousy

Othello and Iago are two sides of the same coin, although they are poisoned by similar traits, they are not the same. In William Shakespeare’s Othello, the two characters both execute shameful actions. Iago, the play’s antagonist, is motivated by malicious jealousy. Othello, although positive things originally motivate him, is infected by Iago’s slanderous words, which leads to his tragic catastrophe. In this play, Othello and Iago display their two-sidedness through their words, actions, and motives. Othello and Iago exhibit their characteristics through their words. Iago exemplifies his malicious intentions, stating, “Thus do I ever make fool my purse” (1.3.20). He says this after he has manipulated Roderigo into trading and selling everything

Iago’s evilness is shown when he says, “I’ll pour pestilence into his ear” (2.3.38). In this quote, the beginnings of Iago’s destructive plan involving Cassio and Desdemona are shown. Iago informs Cassio that he should consider speaking with Desdemona about gaining his spot as lieutenant again. In reality, Iago desires to destroy Cassio’s chances of gaining his spot; by “destroy”, I mean ruin his chances. The antagonist also tells Cassio to speak with Desdemona, setting him up to be seen as too close with Desdemona. Othello’s good will is shown when he says, “With all my heart” (1.3.17). He asserts this after he announces to the Duke that he will fight for him. He demonstrates his goodness by willingly venturing off and leaving his life and wife to go assist them in an impending war. Some may say that Othello is just like Iago in that they both have partake in disgraceful actions. The two are similar in that they are both infected with jealousy and they kill their wives, but Othello is still different from Iago because he only did those malicious deeds because of what he was informed of. Through their actions, Othello and exhibit their two sides of the same

When Iago states, “or do each do kill the other, every way makes my gain” (5.1.78). Iago displays his motives are to remove everyone from his path only to benefit himself. He desires to sabotage everyone around him solely based on his jealousy of Cassio. Iago’s motives were also to gain vengeance against Othello for demoting him. Lying to Othello to being his destructive plan certainly did not do him any good. Othello displays his goodness when he states, “Cassio, I love thee; but never more be officer of mine” (2.3.35). His motives on firing Cassio were based on solid facts and not speculation. Othello had to relieve Cassio of his duties because it was the right thing for him to do as a responsible leader. Othello displayed his integrity by giving Cassio the consequences for his poor decisions. Through this play both characters have displayed their two sidedness on many different