Iago's Outlaw Archetype Essay

Iago, the notorious villain in William Shakespeare's play Othello, is a complex character whose actions and motivations have been a subject of fascination for literary scholars for centuries. From an archetypal criticism perspective, Iago can be analyzed as the embodiment of the outlaw archetype, a recurring pattern in literature that represents the darker, hidden aspects of the human psyche. In Othello, Iago's character exhibits traits and behaviors associated with the outlaw archetype, including manipulation, deception, jealousy, and a lack of morality, which ultimately lead to his destructive actions and the downfall of those around him.

One of the defining characteristics of the outlaw archetype is its ability to manipulate and deceive.

He serves as a foil to Othello, the tragic hero, by embodying the darker aspects of Othello's personality. Iago preys on Othello's insecurities and weaknesses, exploiting his jealousy and manipulating him into a state of extreme paranoia and rage. Iago also manipulates other characters, such as Desdemona, Cassio, and Roderigo, who represent the innocent and naive aspects of human nature. By manipulating these characters, Iago reveals the darker side of human behavior, exposing the flaws and vulnerabilities of those around him. Moreover, Iago's role as the embodiment of the outlaw archetype is also evident in his interactions with the female characters in the play. He exhibits misogynistic tendencies, viewing women as objects to be used and discarded for his benefit. He refers to women derogatorily, using derogatory language and engaging in sexist behavior “good wench, foolish wife, villainous wh*re, filth”(V.ii.229). For example, he refers to Desdemona as a "white ewe" and accuses her of being promiscuous without any evidence. Iago's treatment of women reflects the darker aspects of the male psyche, highlighting the destructive consequences of unchecked masculine energy when it aligns with the outlaw archetype. Iago's treatment of women in "Othello" can be seen as a manifestation of the outlaw archetype's negative masculine energy. His

He preys on their weaknesses and vulnerabilities, exploiting their flaws to further his own agenda. For example, he manipulates Cassio, Othello's loyal lieutenant, by taking advantage of his drinking habit and goading him into actions that would harm his reputation. He also manipulates Roderigo, a wealthy suitor of Desdemona, by exploiting his infatuation with Desdemona and extracting money from him to fund his malicious plans, “She did deceive her father, marrying you”(III.iii.67). Iago's manipulation of these characters reveals his cunning and deceitful nature, as well as his mastery in exploiting human weaknesses for his own gain. Moreover, Iago's actions and motivations align with the outlaw archetype's tendency to disrupt social order and create chaos. The outlaw archetype is often associated with rebellion against societal norms and values. Iago's actions can be seen as a rebellion against the established social hierarchy, as he seeks to disrupt the relationships and order among the characters in the play. His motivations are not driven by a desire for power, wealth, or love, but rather by a sense of nihilism and a need to cause destruction for its own sake. This rebellious and chaotic nature of Iago's character aligns with the outlaw archetype's tendency to disrupt societal norms and create