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Iago: An Evil In Likeness Or Evil Incarnate?

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Iago: An Evil in Likeness or Evil Incarnate? Othello, one of Shakespeare’s most critically acclaimed plays to date, also referred to as The Moor of Venice. Othello is a tragedy play jam packed with drama derived on the bases of love, jealousy and most importantly deception. In true Shakespearean fashion, there is always a villain or individual of suspicious nature within Shakespeare’s plays. Shakespeare has conjured up the most sinister villain, a character consumed with hatred and jealousy; he is the infamous Iago ensign to the faithful and fearless Lord Othello. The question has been proposed, on multiple occasions especially by critics and scholars of Shakespearean plays on the topic of Iago and whether he is Evil in Likeness or Evil Incarnate. With the use of an objective eye, an extensive look at Iago’s lack of motive and inherent manipulation will support the collusion of him being the essence of evil in the flesh. Immediately at the opening scene of the play, the reader is introduced to Iago professing his hatred for Othello to Roderigo (jealous suitor of Desdemona) because he …show more content…

With Othello, Iago is the honest ensign, to Roderigo he is the friend with the plan to help him win over the beloved fair maiden Desdemona; all of these many personas aided him in the demise of Othello and those that fraternized in close proximity to him. Bradley also makes note of the subtle implication of immortality in the play. Satan, often pictured in several states such as the “under- world” or Hell, it is impossible for him to die if his soul is already dead. Certainly, this is the case for Iago. As it is seen at the conclusion of the play, Iago remains alive in spite of the other characters abrupt deaths. With the presents of immortality, Shakespeare insinuates that evil never dies and that it will forever lurk in the dark corners of our

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