Shakespeares Othello - Iago’s Motives Plus Othello’s Weaknesses Equals Tragedy :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Iagos Motives confident(p) Othellos Weaknesses Equals Tragedy In some ways, Shakespeares play, Othello can be considered didactic as in the case in classical tragedy, the fighters falls arises as fault of a hamartia on his part, a fault which plagues humanity. In fact, throughout the work, Othello is revealed to have many more faults and fatiguednesses than a man of his stature should posses, providing a reason for his downfall. The works main protagonist, the scheming Iago, ultimately has his own reasons for his actions actions that, at first, might await to be inherently evil and motive slight. A third variable here, the use of goods and services of the setting, and its part in the tragedy also helps to explain the reasons for it. Through Iagos motives, and Othellos inherit weaknesses, the tragedy of the play is meaningful for the audience. By examining Iagos actions and his soliloquies the audience is able to discern that Iago does indeed have motives for his actions, howe ver weak they may be. Despite Iago recognising that indeed the moor is of a free and fall in nature (Oth second 1 Sc. 3 ll. 381), he still does loathe him. Iago has to be examined closer to discover his motives of course, he is jealous of Cassios designation as Othellos lieutenant and this is an ultimate irony in itself as he later mocks Othello for his own jealousy, having succumbed to the green-eyed monster. There is also of course Iagos blatant racial slurs and hatred towards Othello, and his paranoia regarding the supposed unfaithfulness of his wife, And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets hes done my office (Oth Act 1 Sc. 3 ll. 369-370). However, the latter excuse may seem less reasonable, considering that Iago also utters later that he believes that Cassio has also slept with his wife. Iagos attitude to the subject, severalise with Othellos view of sex as a unifying force, is that it is something inherently dirty and revolting, increasing his paranoia . Iagos main v ice however is his starve for power. Ultimately, his aim is not to rise to the rank of lieutenant, but to go as far as he is able to. This point is justified by his plotting not only against Cassio, the man who holds his coveted position, but Othello, the general of the Venetian army himself. Ultimately, Iago is surprised by how easy it becomes to manipulate Othello and by the discontinue of the play is even a little sorry for the ease at which his plan has come to fruition.