How Does Iago Deceive

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To deceive can be defined as to be false, dishonest, to cause someone to believe an untruth, trick. In the play “Othello” by William Shakespeare, Iago deceives and lies to everybody in an elaborate plan to bring down Othello. Regardless of the definition, Iago at one stage or another seeks upon these actions throughout the play. The basis behind Iago's acts of deceiving is centred on the jealousy of Othello. Jealousy is triggered when Cassio is promoted to lieutenant, instead of Iago. Combined with the racial hate and his suspicions that Othello slept with Emilia, who is Iago's wife, Iago uses the weaknesses of many to deceive and fool them into thinking and doing what he wants. Iago is either extremely evil, and has no morals. He is able to painstakingly deceive his friends, along with his wife. He has no regard to anyone but himself. The quote “Iago loves evil for his own sake. He clearly delights in what he is doing” (Boyce 147), proves that Iago is evil and selfish by showing that Iago loves doing evil to others. Iago will purposely put people through pain and depression in order to achieve his goals. Iago puts his …show more content…

Although things might seem one way, they might be the complete opposite as we view them. According to a journal entry, “Since appearances are all that Iago can know, he takes a certain delight to them. He is as craftsman to keep a certain urban finesse and polish to his arrangement off action. Dependence of evil” (R. Rappoport). Iago thinks and plans out huge schemes, while taking a delight in all of his acts of deceiving. While referring to Desdemona's murdering, Iago told Othello, “Don’t do it with poison. Strangle her in her bed, the same bed she’s contaminated.” (Shakespeare 4.1.10). This shows that Iago is completely cunning and two faced and doesn’t care about anyone but himself. The way Iago appears to be so friendly, helpful, and honest, isn’t his real