Explore the Character and Motivation of Iago.
             Iago, who is said to be William Shakespeare's most evil creation, is perhaps one of the most complex characters to understand. Samuel Taylor Coleridge said that the key to understanding Iago's character, was "motiveless malignity". However, this view is perhaps too simplistic. Shakespeare offers us a wide range of reasons which explains Iago's hatred and actions. Adding to the complexity of his character, one may also notice that often we can see Iago justifying or hunting down excuses and reasons for his actions, suggesting that perhaps he himself does not know the full extent of his motives. Iago is said by many to be pure evil. The ultimate villain. However, at the same time, his character is made bearable due to the fact that he is witty and egotistical , making the reader almost find humour in Iago. Despite this, Iago's capability of lying and destroying, added to his superior intellect, makes him one of literature's greatest villains.
             So what are Iago's motives for destroying Cassio, Othello and Desdemona Initially, as the play's first scene suggests, professional jealousy drives the burning hatred Iago has for Cassio and Othello. Having lost his promotion of Lieutenant to Cassio, Iago burns with jealousy. Sharing this hatred with Rodrigo, who is angry at the fact that Othello had eloped with Desdemona, the object of his desire, they both plot the fall of Othello and Cassio. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Rodrigo is but a puppet in Iago's game. Iago manipulates Rodrigo to his own benefit.
             His motives for destroying Othello's happiness is also driven by negative impulses. It becomes apparent that sexual jealousy is a major factor, when Iago suggest that the general has
             " twixt my sheets...done my office." Perhaps this is one of the major reasons Iago uses Desdemona to " enmesh'em all' ".
             A...