Iago's Motives In Othello

Iago’s unusual attributes that portray him as the antagonist in Othello represent the tendencies humans are originally built with. The mischief and actions of Iago demonstrates his struggle for power over everyone. His fear of being outranked causes Iago to devise evil plans in order to achieve his goals. Throughout the book, Iago has certain motives which exhibits his needs for power. Iago is a narcissist whose selfish actions only benefit himself.

William Hazlitt describes Iago as a character which belongs in a category of his own. Iago’s interests are all about mischief. His mischief can be found throughout the entire book. Hazlitt describes his behavior as “the love of power, which is another name for the love of mischief, was natural to

It is common when only one figure has more power over the other. Iago’s need for power begins at the start of the play. His relationship with Roderigo depicts the dominancy Iago contains. Iago manipulates Roderigo throughout the book by giving him commands. When Roderigo loses hope of Desdemona after revealing Othello has already claimed her, he threatens suicide. Iago responds by telling Roderigo his plan on helping him pursue Desdemona. Iago states “It cannot be that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor- put money in thy purse- nor his to her (1.3.384-387).” At first, Iago suggests that their love will not last forever and Desdemona will eventually leave Othello. The second part of his phrase demands Roderigo to save money for Desdemona. Iago makes Roderigo believe that there is a chance of winning Desdemona with money.The money saved would rather go towards Iago for himself instead of Desdemona. Iago’s need for power causes him to take control of Roderigo. He manipulates him to express his power and importance. Iago does not care what happens to him as long as he has a sense of greater

Othello chose Michael Cassio, a man “That never set a squadron in the field,” as described by Iago. His lack of combat experience causes Iago to become jealous. Iago’s jealousy makes him plan an entire plot to derank Cassio in order for Othello to give him the rank. Iago is afraid that he will not be recognized for his work in battles. Iago states “He, in good time, must his lieutenant be, And I, bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient” (1.1.34-35). He does not want the lowest rank which carries the flag in war. Iago begins his master plan throughout the book to cause trouble and to see Cassio’s downfall. Iago’s fear of no recognition displays his largest motive to gain