Othello and Iago Comparison Essay - 553 Words

Othello and Iago Comparison Othello and Iago are different in their characters as well as in their colours. It could be said also, however, that they are similar because of their fallibility. Iago is overcome with his desire for revenge to such an extent that he puts it into action. Othellos love and possessiveness of Desdemona take over him until he eventually would rather kill her than allow anyone else to have her. In this way, despite their contrasts, Iago and Othello both represent the extremity of the same thing - human emotion. Both characters can be viewed like this throughout Act 1. We immediately see Iago as representative of the very basest elements of humanity. He uses crude†¦show more content†¦Another grudge is his suspicion of Othello that twixt my sheets he has done my office Iago has heard a rumour that Othello has slept with his wife, and now he wants revenge. But Iago does not feel betrayal by his wife, or feel that she has been wronged; it appears to be just another excuse to get back at Othello. Whereas Othello does have a sense of self-interest, his interest in other peoples happiness is greater. When confronted with the idea that he has enchanted Desdemona, he replies that if it is true to let your sentence fall even to my life. He would rather be killed than know he is causing his love unhappiness. He would happily sacrifice everything for others - his sense of duty is strong. Whereas Iago is in the army for personal gain, promotion and recognition, Othello is in it for the greater good. Despite being on his honeymoon, he instantly agrees that he should go and fight in Cyprus for his Senate. Neither does he wish his wife to suffer, so he offers her a choice of following him or staying in safety. Othello is an honourable man. Iago, on the other hand, is anything but honourable. He is always forming a devious plot for someone elses undoing. He uses Roderigo as his pawn in revealing Othellos whereabouts and as a source of money. The way he disappears into the shadows away from Brabantios lights is symbolic of his underhand nature.Show MoreRelated The Use Of Animal Imagery In Othello Essay1040 Words   |  5 Pages In William Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Othello† the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. The characters in â€Å"Othello† were often depicted as having animal-like characteristics. Some characters were even compared to animals by other characters in the play. By defining characters in terms of these characteristics one can get a clear description of what the character isRead MoreConventions of a Shakespeare Tragedy1189 Words   |  5 Pagestragic flaw brings the downfall of the hero. 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