Iago's Soliloquy In Othello

Iago was a warrior who had fought alongside Othello many times. During their many battles and travels together Iago bonded and respected Othello. Othello stunned Iago when he appointed someone else to Lieutenant instead of him. Finding peace with the decision to make Cassio his Lieutenant proved difficult for Iago. Iago derived a plan to manipulate Othello into thinking Desdemona was being unfaithful and turn Othello against his wife and the people around him, Iago kept friendly this is seen when Iago describes himself to Roderigo, “obliquely, as an equivocator: "Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him I follow but myself" (1.1.57-58). This riddle at once divides and conflates the two, introducing a distinction between Othello and Iago, between the selfsame and the other, even while it describes the dependency of Iago's success on Othello's station.”(Christofides, 2010). Stating that his own success and status is only or is greatly due to Othello helps keep his plans hidden and his true feelings disguised. Iago discusses his horrible plans and deceptive ideas in several soliloquies throughout the play …show more content…
Iago also brings to light the rumor that Othello had engaged in sexual activities with his wife, although he does not know if they are true. Othello, in Iago’s mind, must be dealt with and he develops a plan to play on Othello’s respect and fondness for him, as Iago says “He holds me well. The better my purpose work on him” (Shakespeare & Bevington, 2014, p. 620 Act, 1 Scene 3, 391-392). Iago predicts that that he can gain personal reward/status if he can convince Othello that Cassio is not a proper man and has been “ too familiar” with his wife. Iago believes that Othello’s good trusting nature will allow him to lead him into any where he wants just like