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Comparing Satan And Iago And Shakespeare's Othello

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Evil is an ever present aspect within the existence of humanity. Satan, a real and powerful being, constantly influences the world through his evil and manipulative ways in order to bring destruction and chaos to earth. Perhaps one of the most evil characters ever written about, Iago, from Shakespeare’s Othello, also portrays many traits that are similar to those seen in Satan. Throughout the Bible and throughout Shakespeare’s Othello, both Satan and Iago share many characteristics and differences of poisonous evil within their manipulative words, origins of jealousy, and their malicious acts, but differ in where this power comes from. Although many may not believe that Satan is a being present in the lives of all, the Bible portrays him as “the father of lies,” and a “thief” whose purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy (King James Version, John 8:44). His purpose is that of pure evil. In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago demonstrates similar characteristics. Utterly consumed by his malevolent desire for revenge, he describes how “nothing can, or shall, content my soul,” until he achieves it (Othello 2.1.223). He will do everything in his power to obtain what he wants, no matter the cost. Iago, like Satan, devotes his entire life to the destruction of others …show more content…

Likewise, they both use similar tactics in their attempts to corrupt others’ lives. Manipulation plays a large role in the plans of Satan and Iago (Fallon, 142). On many occasions, past and present, Satan manipulates people with his words.

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Othello’s confidence for a loyal man to maintain honesty and morals are contradicted through Iago’s actions: “in a man that’s just / They are close dilations, working from the heart, / That passion cannot rule” (3.3.123). Iago, due to the understatement to his name, is not perceivable as hateful. Othello’s willingness to sense Iago’s distress, and to believe his accusations, is because of the lack of awareness Othello has for his vengeance. Iago is of such little power and relevance within societal ranking that if he were to have intentions to sabotage anyone, which he does, are not considered, thus making him easily trustworthy to those of greater dominance. Society’s view of an individual determines how others consider and surmise their persona, though these conclusions may be false.

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