was passed over for general and Cassio was chosen instead. We see from the start how he plots against Othello and he involves several characters in his plans. “And what’s he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free. I give and honest, probal to thinking, and indeed the course to win the Moor again? For tis easy Th’ inclining Desdemona to subdue in any honest suit; she’s framed as fruitful…”(2:3:295-300). Throughout the entire play, Shakespeare develops the character Iago as evil and willing to do anything to get revenge on Othello. Another example is in a conversation when Iago advises Cassio and says: “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness.”(2:3:288-289). That was not the case because Iago was neither sincere nor honest.Shakespeare develops the theme deceit in The Tragedy of Othello, especially in his character Iago. In the play, Iago deceives several characters including: Othello, Cassio, Roderigo, Desdemona and Emilia. The following is a conversation between Iago and Roderigo, “Two things are to be done. My wife must move for Cassio to her mistress; I’ll set her on; myself to the while draw to the Moor apart, and bring him jump when he may Cassio find soliciting his wife…”(Oth.2:3:340-346). While Iago plans and plot against Othello, he makes him believe that he wants to help, “My Lord, you know I love you.’(3:3:116). Iago even involves his wife Emilia in his plans against Othello after she gets Desdemona’s handkerchief, “ I will in Cassio’s lodging lose this napkins, and let him find it. Trifles light in air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writs…”(3:3:322-325).We see several examples of Renaissance humanism in William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Othello. He does this through his characters and themes throughout the play. ...
