Every story needs a hero and a villain. Othello is the well-respected, best warrior, youthful, ladies' man. Everything a woman would want, every woman possibly including Iago's wife. Iago on the other hand is older, in Othello's shadow, not as accomplished, not as respected. He sees all of the good Othello is and all the good he is capable of doing and is envious. In "Othello" by William Shakespeare it is evident that misery loves company and with Iago feeling lonely, he wants Othello to be his company. Although Iago's motivations appear to be jealousy but it could also be the simple reason that Iago is evil. The jealousy is evident in the very beginning of the story. In Act I, Scene 3, Iago says "I hate the Moor And it is thought abroad, that 'twixt my sheets 'Has done my office. I know not if 't be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety.". This quote supports my claim that he is in fact jealous. He says it is over a rumor that his wife and Othello had an affair. This could also support my claim that his motivation could be the simple fact that he is evil because earlier, in Act I, Scene I, Iago says that he hates Othello because he gave the promotion to someone else. Now he brings up the rumor for his reasoning for plotting against him. This makes it seem like he is just trying to come up with excuses to …show more content…
In Act 1, Scene 1, Iago states, "I am not what I am." This quote can be interpreted as Iago trying to state that he is going to later betray Othello but in this case Iago could be admitting that he is not seen as who is truly because no one sees his sexual desire for Othello. Iago's hatred for women could also explain his homosexuality. Throughout the play it is shown clearly that Iago has little to no respect for women. This is displayed by the treatment of his wife and his lack of respect for Desdemona and Othello's