Othello #1: Iago's Motives

     In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, the reader meets Iago. Iago is a sneaky character who appears to manipulate others for his own benefit. Namely, Iago wants to take down Othello. Although these manipulations make Iago seem selfish, Iago may have reasons to dislike Othello. First, Othello made Cassio lieutenant of the army which is a position Iago was hoping to attain. Iago says, Cassio “never sat a squadron in the field” (I.i.23). Since Cassio is much less experienced in warfare than Iago, Iago believes Othello was wrong to make Cassio the lieutenant. However, Othello is already experienced in warfare and may want an intellectual man to be the second in command. Cassio is an intellectual man who may be a good complement for Othello. Another contributing factor towards Iago’s hatred for Othello is that Iago suspects that his wife has slept with Othello: “it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheet / ‘Has done my office” (I.iii.430-431). However, Iago is unable to conclude whether or not Othello has in fact slept with his wife. Iago is jealous of Othello and therefore may be trying to come up with reasons to hate Othello. Iago’s jealously also shows when he describes Othello: “But he, as loving his own pride and purposes, / Evades them with a bombast circumstance” (I.i.13-14).  Iago describes Othello as very arrogant. Although Othello may overestimate himself at times, Iago definitely exaggerates Othello’s pride. Iago is most likely jealous of Othello since Othello is a highly respected army official even though Othello is also a Moor. All in all, Iago is unhappy that Othello chose Cassio to be lieutenant of the army over himself. Thus, Iago attempts to convince himself that Othello has done many wrongs in order to justify the hatred Iago feels towards Othello.