Iago's Self Perception

A detailed Summary of Iago's Self Perception

The play, Othello, is a play that we can read with a great deal of understanding because we can relate it to our society today. We often witness acts of racism, gender bashing, evil people and suicides because of poor self perception. In the play we see examples of all of these. Othello's suicide, Emilia's severe dislike for men and the constant reference to Othello's colour are all examples of the issues that I named above. The issue that I find the most interesting is how Iago perceives himself. I think Iago is not even sure of what he is.

Throughout the play we are shown several different perceptions of people. Most often the characters perceived Iago as honest Iago. I believe that we do not get a clear vision of how Iago views himself. He speaks of himself being evil and cunning, but he also says that we cannot call him a villain because he is not asking a fee for his advice. "And what's he then that says I play the villain,/ When this advice is free..."(II,iii,336-7)

I think that Iago, originally was a character of good morale trying to raise in the state. Iago, did not feel as though he belonged in the Venetian state or the group that he desired to belong. We know Iago, is an outsider becau

Why was Iago so evil and cruel? Did Iago have a psychological disorder? Some people say that it is a possibility. Shakespeare gave Othello, a seizure like disorder. Iago could be suffering from some form of depression caused by jealousy of Othello and all the other things that did not go properly in his life. Iago may concentrate on his failures in life more then anything positive that could have happened to him.

Does Iago perceive himself as evil? None of the other characters perceive him as evil until the very end of the play. I believe Iago does see himself as evil but he thinks that evil is the only way to get to the place in society where he wishes. We may compare Iago to a manipulative businessman who will do anything as he strives to reach the top. Iago, poisons the mind of Othello, and is responsible for Othello's suicide and Desdemona's death. He kills his wife. He kills Roderigo who handed money over when Iago was in need. Finally he attempts to kill Cassio. We ask ourselves was he killing just for a higher position of status or was he trying to quench a passion that sought the death of all those around him? Was Iago, the black devil that he often used to refer to Othello? "An old black ram/ is tupping you white ewe."( I,i,85-6)

If Iago had performed his evil deeds in our society today we would have punished him for life. He would likely have a sentence of life in prison. Iago deserved to be punished to death for the way he manipulated the minds of his peers.

se of Cassio, when he speaks of Iago's kindness. " I never knew/ A Florentine more kind and honest."(III,i,39-40) A possible reason fo

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Approximate Word count = 1091
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English