In Shakespeare's "Othello," Iago carefully and masterfully entraps Othello into believing that his wife, Desdemona, is having an affair with Cassio. He does this through a series of suggestions and hesitations that entice and implant images into Othello's head that lead him to his own end. More importantly, Iago gives Othello the motive to murder his own innocent wife Desdemona, satisfying Iago's huge appetite for revenge.

The motive for Iago's devious plan is initially made clear in the first of three major soliloquies, in which he proclaims Othello has had an affair with his wife, Emilia: "And it is thought abroad that t'wixt my sheets/ He's done my office" (I.iii.). The irony behind this line is where he continues: "I know not if't be true/ But I, for mere suspicion in that kind; / Will do as if for surety"(I.iii.). Iago is so paranoid and insane that he will go far as murdering, and even fool a general into murdering his wife.

At the same time Iago conducts a plan to take over Cassio's position as lieutenant, using Desdemona's weakness; her naivety. He disgraces Cassio by intoxicating him enough so he strikes Roderigo. Othello then discharges Cassio of his Lieutenancy when

The love and honesty Iago falsely shows upon Othello and Cassio makes it an impossible idea to either that Iago could ever set either of them up in such a way. The irony of all this is throughout his declarations of love, Iago is deceiving them.

he says: "Cassio, I love thee, / But nevermore be officer of mine" (II.iii.). It was therefore understandable that he would fall to the mercy of Iago, completely unaware of the inevitable effects. Iago reveals his plan to the reader in his third soliloquy when he states:

That she repels him for her body's lust,

The relationship between Iago and Emilia is very vague. She doesn't seem to know her husband very well and neither does he. This is could be due to Iago's animal like attitude to love and life. He is very individualistic, concerned only of himself and his needs. He is very self-centered, and this is made clear in the first scene when he shouts at Brabantio.

That she may make, unmake, do what she list,

While Cassio is talking to Desdemona about asking Othello to take him back, Iago is implanting sexual images of Cassio and Desdemona in Othello's mind. The more Desdemona pleads to Othello about this matter, the more Othello believes that Cassio is sleeping with his

Some common words found in the essay are:
Iago Othello, Desdemona Othello's, Iago Emilia, Lieutenancy Cassio, Othello Cassio, Othello Iago, Cassio Cassio's, Desdemona General's, Moore I'll, IagoI Florentine, desdemona othello, wife desdemona, declarations love, othello iago, iago's character, wife emilia, iago carefully, revenge othello,
Approximate Word count = 837
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)