Examples Of Iago's Soliloquy In Othello

In Shakespeare’s quest to develop a character and create dramatic irony he uses a soliloquy, which is an internal monologue delivered by a character to introduce their innermost thoughts or feelings. In Shakespeare’s Othello, he uses a soliloquy spoken by Iago, to develop the character and create dramatic irony. By looking at Iago’s soliloquy in Act 1, Scene 3, we can see that Iago is the selfish character who uses other to create destruction, which most readers don’t see; this is important because Iago’s destruction of himself and others imperative to the story. Iago’s character is manipulative, he uses the other characters to get what he wants, he does not interact with any of the characters unless they are part of his plan. Throughout

Beginning with, “and it is thought abroad that my ‘twixt my sheets He’s done my office. I know not if’t be true“ (Shakespeare 367-377). Iago has no proof, but he thinks Othello has slept with his wife. Iago really has no motivation except for his imagination. Which develops the theme about the corrupting power of jealousy. Iago believes that “the Moor is of a free and open nature” (Shakespeare 379). This means Iago has no reason to do what he is doing except to make a good man look bad, his jealousy is going to corrupt the image of a man who hasn’t done anything wrong. Iago is creating a plan that is going to bring a lot of sadness into Othello’s life and Othello “will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are”(Shakespeare 381-382). Iago is going to lead Othello in a direction that will cost him his place in the hierarchy, and this will open up the position for Iago to take. Shakespeare uses this metaphor to create the image that Othello is only as smart as a donkey that will place its trust in someone who is only out to hurt him and use him. This is the base of Iago’s plan constructed by the corrupting power of jealousy, which Iago sees as a new beginning. This is ironic because a new beginning was seen as a positive, but in this play it is negative because it is foreshadowing a negative outcome. The irony is further developed by Iago’s thought that his plan “is engendered. Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light” (Shakespeare 383-384). Which personifies his plan as a birth that will take place as result of his villainous acts. Iago’s plan was created solely because of his jealousy about Cassio and Othello’s positions as a higher power than Iago. By using manipulation he will take the both of them down and get the position that he believes he