In the play, Othello, by Shakespeare, the motivation of Othello, as well as Iago, has been questioned by various critics. Can a man, heroic as Othello's character is depicted, fall so helplessly before the petty trickery of Iago? Did Iago lack sufficient motivation in destroying the lives of three innocent people? Many critics with opposing views have answered these questions.
             From the first scene of the play, Iago's hate for the moor is clearly seen. Thus, his first and most dominant resentment against Othello is unveiled to the audience. This resentment stems from Othello's appointing Michael Cassio as lieutenant over Iago, himself. " Certes ," says he," I have already chose my officer." And what was he? Forsooth, a great mathematician, One Michael Cassio, a Florentine ( and Iagoa fellow almost damned in a fair wife), that never set a squadron in the field, Nor the division of a battle knows..."(Shakespeare, Ii, 16-20). Iago sure of his superiority over Cassio for the position of lieutenant, is thoroughly offended by Othello's decision to appoint Michael Cassio instead of him.
             Othello's overlooking of Iago for the position of lieutenant initially begins Iago's devilish plans. His anger is understandable, as explained by William Maginn in his 1839 essay, "Iago had been affronted in the tenderest point. He felt that he had strong claims on the office of lieutenant to Othello, who had witnessed his soldierly abilities. " At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds, Christian and heathen. (I.i.29-30) The greatest exertion was made to procure it for him, and yet he is refused." And so, with this, Othello's fate is practically sealed. Iago is dedicated to make the Othello pay for the injustice he has received.
             Cassio was more innocent in gaining Iago's despise than Othello. Othello didn't appoint Iago as lieutenant and didn'...