Othello Iago

Iago’s plan and his motives are disclosed through a series three of conversations. He speaks with Roderigo twice and Cassio once. These three conversations show how Iago manipulates others to gain his own ends, and they also give motives for Iago’s behavior. The conversations all follow the same pattern. Iago first speaks with Roderigo and Cassio to forward his plan, and then

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Iago planted a seed of hope in Roderigo, and the next time they speak Iago uses this hope to turn Roderigo against Cassio. This is a good idea for two reasons. Iago has no reason to hate Othello, but because he is an evil person Iago wants to ruin Othello’s life. Instead, Iago destroys Othello’s marriage, which is illogical given Iago’s stated motive. Roderigo will also want to win Desdemona from Cassio, who Iago described as unworthy of Desdemona. Now that Cassio has been removed from his position as Othello’s lieutenant he is very vulnerable, and wants only to win Othello’s trust again. Therefore, breaking up Othello’s marriage does not get Iago revenge in any way. Provoke him that he may, for even out of that will I cause these of Cyprus to mutiny, whose qualification shall come into no true taste again but by the displanting of Cassio (261-264). However, Iago never makes any attempt to sleep with Desdemona, and he never tries to revenge Emilia’s honor. Iago tells Roderigo to "put money in thy purse" (333) . When Cassio fights with Roderigo, Iago will create a riot in Cyprus and blame the cause on Cassio.

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Approximate Word count = 2531
Approximate Pages = 10 (250 words per page double spaced)

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