Characterisation of Iago (Shakespeare's Othello)
Uploaded by ProcrastinationStartsHere on Oct 23, 2007
A master of human psychology, the characterisation of Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello shows an intimate understanding of human nature in his deceptive and often villainous behaviour. Often considered as a most sinister and insidious villain, Shakespeare’s characterisation of Iago shows great understanding and insight into the complexities of human nature. This psychological insight into individuals allows for the effective exploration of the key thematic concerns of deception, manipulation and jealousy. The pertinent observations of humanity explored within Othello and the enduring nature of Iago’s characterisation within the exploration of these ideas ensure the play’s continued relevance.
A cunning master of deception, Iago’s interactions with other characters highlights his profound understanding of humanity in his ability to perceive other individuals’ weaknesses and motivations. In this way, Iago’s ability to utilise his own strengths and cunning wit he is paradoxically able to exploit the weaknesses of others. Iago’s veracity and integrity of character, as perceived by numerous characters within the play in their repeated use of “honest Iago” to address him, is immediately undermined by his own admissions of dishonesty of character, in a soliloquy declaring that “When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, As I do now…”. Diabolical imagery and images of darkness and sin are here contrasted with the purity of heaven, in this way exploring the theme of deception in Iago’s explanation of his own behaviour. The theme of deception is also employed in the characterisation of Iago, the duplicity of character built through classical allusion to the god of two faces, Iago swearing “by Janus!”. It is through this deception that Iago is able to inspire trust in other characters, allowing their thoughts to be infiltrated by his suggestions. In manipulating Roderigo to give him control of his finances, Iago appeals to Roderigo’s sense of simple logic. He uses gentle rhetoric, the repetition of “put money in thy purse” enough to convince Roderigo of his integrity. Through the interaction of Iago with other characters, his insight and understanding of others is notable by the way in which he is able to transform his appearance in order to appeal to different characters.
Through the use of elaborate rhetoric and a deep understanding of Othello’s character, Iago is able to manipulate Othello and convince him of his wife’s unfaithfulness. Words are Iago’s choice in poison, using subtle suggestion and innuendo to instil jealousy...