There is a type of person who cannot be called by any other name than “Magnificent Bastard”. They are masters of deception, damned brilliant, unstoppable in achieving their goals even when it means reducing others to the dust, yet they are so talented, so charming in character, that they are often admired even by those who are wronged by them. . Iago in Shakespeare's play Othello is one of these characters. The public may love him or hate him, but either way they have to admit that he commands the spotlight. Despite this, why Iago behaves this way is shrouded in mystery. Even when speaking directly to the audience about his motivations, Iago is not always truthful. In fact, while Iago takes great pleasure in manipulating others, his primary motivation throughout the entire play is his own jealousy; from being unrecognized for his greatness, to the impossible love for Desdemona and the virtuous characters around him. A classic megalomaniac, Iago suffers from an enormous ego, and therefore feels intensely jealous when a talent other than his own is recognized. The play opens with Iago announcing that he hates Othello: "Despise me if I do not." Three grandees of the city, in personal capacity to appoint me his lieutenant, without cap before him; and by the faith of man I know my price, I am not worth a worse place" (1,1,8-12). It is Othello's pride and partiality towards his friends, Iago claims, that led him to choose Cassio as lieutenant over his “Old One”. While Iago is understandably offended that a man, whose knowledge of warfare came from a book rather than the field, has been appointed to a position above him, saying that it was Othello's pride that produced Cassio's promotion suggests that Iago t... . middle of paper...really sweet to her. When Desdemona asks Iago to distract her from worries about Othello, who might be lost at sea, Iago complies by using his wits on her. This particular conversation does not serve to further his plot by increasing his good image, as it praises rude people, nor does it create a future situation. It's simply conversation. However, Iago recognizes that his love will forever remain unrequited even if Othello were to die, and so his passion turned bitter and he jealously decided that if he could not have her, no one could. Pushing Othello into blind jealousy, he also restrains the Moor with warning words, like restraining a mad dog while prodding it with a stick, so that once released, there is no chance of the madness vanishing in the midst of the bite. Iago wants to make sure that when Othello says, "I will tear her to pieces" (3.3, 447), he will actually do it.
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