was just trying to keep Roderigo busy so he would stay out of the picture. And then with Othello he was turning friend against friend, and with Desdemona it was lover against lover. And all the while these people thought he had their best interest in mind.Iago’s behavior really cannot be justified or understood. The reader can understand why he would be mad that he was overlooked for the promotion, but to carry it as far as he did is irrational. Some speculate he “was a homosexual and in love with the Moore”(Epstein 381). He also was said to be like “a scheming politician trying to gain power”(Campbell 167). Either way “by behaving the way he does Iago makes the play work”(Epstein 390). No matter how insane Iago might have been his plan did work. He was able to rile up emotions in Othello that sent him into fits. The reader could see Iago getting into the mind of Othello and all the while Othello would turn to him for advise oblivious to his lies. He was able to use the characters strengths against them. Roderigo was a fool and Iago showed him no pity. He took his money and then lied to him whenever he had to. He then used Othello’s pride and trust in his men against him. I think part of Othello’s foolish pride comes from being a colored leader. He probably was not used to turning to others for help or for advise. This stubbornness is what “wound him up into a web of lies, corruption, and jealousy.”(Campbell 212) Iago knew he would not ask Casio if he was sleeping with his wife because of his pride. He would rather assume the worst and accept it than try to “search out the right answer”(Campbell 234). Iago was sneaky and twisted, but his best villainous quality was his brilliance. He simply “did not go around shooting his enemy”(Epstein 220). He waited like a bird of prey until he saw the best time to make his move. As much as ...
