Othello

Othello by William Shakespeare

Iago

Iago is perfect in the art of deceiving others. His understanding of human nature and reputation of being an honest man lead others to put absolute trust in him. For example, in Act III, Othello says, “This fellow’s of exceeding honesty, and knows all qualities, with a learned spirit of human dealings,” (III, iii, 259-261). Iago is two faced and establishes his motives for his behavior early on in the play. Iago strongly dislikes Othello because Iago suspects that his wife cheated on him with Othello. Moreover, Iago is angry that he does not have a high-ranking military position with Othello. Iago’s two-faced nature is exemplified when he says to Othello’s face that he loves him and acts as a loving friend to him when he actually despises Othello. For example, “My lord, you know I love you,” (III, iii, 118). The only person who knows Iago’s nature is Roderigo. However, Iago is even deceiving him by acting as if he is trying to persuade Desdemona to leave Othello. Iago is able to use peoples wishes and motives to align his own scheme.