Iago, Shakespeares Anti-Villain

Iago, Shakespeare's Anti-VillainIt is no secret that the Iago part of Othello is perhaps the most important. Of course, Shakespeare's play never loses its intensity because of this central character, but that is only because his major focus is on him. The characteristics of the Iago character are all over the play, but it is here that we get to learn the real Iago and learn about the tensions he creates.In The Merchant of Venice, Iago says that he has known Nino, the sworn enemy of Desdemona for many years, since he was a boy. He tells her that he has always been in love with her. Nino says she has never loved anyone else and will never get married to another man. Later, when Desdemona finds out about his true identity, she informs Iago, who immediately cancels the wedding.Once the marriage between Iago and Nino is canceled, Iago says he will destroy Nino and Desdemona. This leads to jealousy and mistrust. With his revenge plans, he manipulates Desdemona into accusing Othello of adul tery so that she can be put in the shameful position of accusing Othello of murdering Desdemona.All of these actions lead to Othello's career being ruined. After Othello murders Desdemona, Othello is killed as well. When Othello murders Desdemona, he starts the African slave trade in Venice. Before Othello kills Desdemona, he says, 'To think that you are so careless, so full of yourself, that you cannot see me. You can't have children if you cannot have a husband.'The final part of this literary essay examines Othello's characterization as a 'hare' or 'sheep' in Shakespeare's plays. When Othello accuses Desdemona of adultery, the female roles are further divided: the queen, Desdemona's mother, and Othello's father. 'Hare' characters tend to be male, but in The Merchant of Venice, Othello has the title role.Because the Iago of Othello is so menacing, and because he is a real person, the essay discusses the difference between the one who manipulates others and the one who manipulates himself. Othello manipulates Desdemona by creating the false circumstance for her to be accused of adultery. Then, in order to continue with his revenge plot, he kills Desdemona.With Iago, we also have the same trait that we find in Othello: he has the ability to deceive others. Once Othello is deceived, the play ends up in conflict makes tragedy.If you are interested in learning more about Iago, check out The Tempest, which will serve as the basis for Othello. The second part of this essay will explore the other historical Iago characters, including Hamlet, Richard III, and King Lear.