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Who Is Iago's Ambition In Othello

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Shakespeare continues to compare his two characters to present two categories of people those that are hungry for love and those that thirst for power; nevertheless, Shakespeare reminds us that one group of people will always be torn down by the other. When Othello regales the readers with a tale of his childhood he recounts “Of moving ancients by flood and field/ of hairbreadth scapes i’th ‘imminent deadly breach,/ of being taken by the insolent foe/ and sold to slavery, of my redemption thence.” (1.3.137-140) By being a black Muslim, Othello has lived an arduous life filled with death and brutality. One simple act of kindness would stand out against everything Othello has ever known, so when Iago pretends to be Othello’s friend he is drawn to him and seeks affection. …show more content…

While talking with someone, Iago reveals his ambitions, “ In personal suit to make me his lieutenant,/ Off-capped to him; and by the faith of man,/ I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.” (1.1. 10-12) Iago is furious that he didn’t get the position he wanted so he devotes himself to demolishing Othello as a route to what he covets. To get revenge Iago plans to go through Cassio “the better shall my purpose work on him” (1.3. 392) he states, ”for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor.” (1.3.

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