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Lago

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Free Essay Submitted by bignerds on 06/28/2008 08:11 PM

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  • Category: English
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Lago

Iago: a study of his evil character
In the play of Othello, by William Shakespeare, one would suggest that Shakespeare created the character of Iago to show and explore the depths of an evil heart. Shakespeare expands on the major character flaws of Iago that brought his downfall in the story. Shakespeare by using Iago’s character flaw was able to exposed the other flaws of the other characters in the play. Shakespeare used Iago’s love for power, his hatred, deception, and his vengeance to show that the potentiality of an evil heart can due serious damage to the people.
At the very beginning of the play Shakespeare introduces Iago’s evil character. “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago: In following him, I follow myself” (Act I, sc.i, 50). This statement shows that Shakespeare has introduced Iago with an unloyal heart to set the foundation for the evil plan of Iago to destroy the Moor. It also shows that Iago’s love for power is stronger than his loyalty to the Moor. One may suggest that Shakespeare has introduced a picture of a man’s heart when he has been betrayed, in the case of Iago he is full of rage and feels betrayed because Othello has given Cassio the office that belongs to Iago.
It is also interesting to see through out the play of how Iago’s thoughts developed from mere thoughts of displeasure to executing his evil plan in destroying Othello, one may suggest that Shakespeare associates Iago’s character to the common people of those days. Perhaps some husbands were trying to get rid of their wives and through evil planning they were successful in convincing that their wives were cheating on them. Iago is not willing to stop at the level of having displeasure thoughts but he is determined to follow and making his evil desires a reality. “I follow him to serve my turn upon him” (Act I, sc.i, 44). Shakespeare also gives a wonderful picture of a men’s heart when he is determined to achieve greatness whether for good or evil gains....

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