Iago is the archatypical villain

A detailed Summary of Iago is the archatypical villain


Iago is the archatypical villain; this point stands true only when compared to more modern literature. In essence, Iago's persona and the evil that drives him is not a new concept to literature. However, Iago's behavior and plotting can be considered a literary archetype when applied to more contemporary villains. Using the word 'contemporary' loosely, villains from Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, George Orwell's Animal Farm, and from the movie Ghost will be compared to behavioral standards set by the honest Iago.

Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist is a tale of the social injustices in England, during the early 1800's. Dickens' second novel tells the story of the orphan Oliver set against the seamy underside of the London criminal world. The main villain Fagin, is a crafty old Jew who ran a band of young thieves. Fagin's character is introduced when the main character, Oliver Twist, takes up with Fagin's band of thieves.

Fagin's deeds are like Iago in that he exploits others to achieve his goals. Iago subtly manipulated Othello's court to accomplish his goal of revenge against Othello, whereas Fagin directly manipulated his recruited thieves to do his dirty work and earn him money. The primary pa


Great Expectations, one of Dickens many classics, is the story of a poor English boy's rise to "high society." The poor unrefined Pip (Phillip Pirrip) is first selected to join high society by an elder eccentric lady named Miss Havisham. Havisham is a very rich and grim old woman. Although Havisham is a seeming unlikely villain; her wicked motives are similar to Iago.

What makes Iago an archetype? He is a thinking villain. Iago is well aware of his spiteful nature and embraces it to thwart his enemies. Another recurring theme for contemporary villains to model Iago methodical behavior; in order to carry out a preconceived plan of malice, involve other characters as pawns and implements of destruction.

Napoleon twists Snowball's behavior as Iago did Cassio's, to give the appearance desired. Napoleon's persuasion is aimed to reveal Snowball as a criminal against the farm; ultimately give Napoleon power to eliminate Snowball. In Iago's case Cassio's actions were manipulated to give the appearance of unfaithfulness of Desdemona. Both the farm animals and Desdemona were manipulated to serve in the villain's plan. Napoleon again fits Iago's mold in his ability as an inte

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Approximate Word count = 801
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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