In 'Othello,' a world created by Shakespeare, where men are not what they seem, we explore the character of Iago, a suspicious, egocentric and deceitful figure who feels no remorse or guilt. The distasteful pleasure that Iago seems to gain from his insidious actions and his disturbing malicious nature show the man himself and also the consequences of such a nature upon others. Iago's inherently evil nature is illustrated by both his actions and through his soliloquys - the act of talking to oneself and in the process informing to Elizabethan audiences of what is to come.

It is through Iago's soliloquys that his true nature emerges by way of the dissatisfying excuses he makes to justify bringing about the destruction of the Moor. The off-hand nature, with which Iago regards the rumours surrounding Othello and his wife sleeping together, suggests a disinterested husband, which in turn weakens Iago's excuse. "I know not if't be true, but I, for mere suspicion in that kind, will do, as if for surety." Coleridge's interpretation of Iago's c

haracter as "the motive-hunting of motiveless malignity" is well portrayed in the above soliloquy. Iago's lack of motive supports the notion that he is inherently evil, which is further supported by his silence when questioned about his motives by Othello, which maybe interpreted, that Iago himself knows his motives are inadequate.

This concept of evil is further explored in the play as Iago is seen, in a soliloquy, evoking evil spirits. "Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth to the world's light." It is here, that audience's see that Iago, out of his own free will, chooses to be evil. We see the birth of his devious plans, which are born in such a manner that the audience can feel no sympathy him.

However, the extent of Iago's true malicious nature is definitively shown through his actions, rather than his thoughts. It may be argued that the soliloquys represent Iago's wishes, which like most people remain just that. This is the power of soliloquys in theater at this time. While the audience has been informed of Iago's desires, they must nevertheless wait to see if the fulfillment of such wishes is bought to fruition through concrete acts. When such desires a

Some common words found in the essay are:
, Sweet Desdemona, Othello Cassio, Iago Iago's, true nature, malicious nature, pleasure iago, inherently evil, soliloquys actions, iago's soliloquys, actions speak louder, iago's inherently evil, iago feel, nature iago, evil nature, true malicious nature, iago's inherently, inherently evil nature, speak louder words,
Approximate Word count = 794
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)