Malignant Iago of Shakespeares Othello Essay - 1721 Words

Pure evil is like a cancerous plague that harms all those who come upon it. In the tragic play â€Å"Othello† by William Shakespeare, Iago is a character that represents pure evil – a malignant cancer to all those around him. His evil is exposed through his choice of words, his ability to manipulate people, and his opportunistic ways. First, Iago’s evil is shown through his choice of words that demonstrate his vulgarity and his sinister intentions. Iago’s language is extremely base and forward; he does show any remorse or sympathy in any situation. For example, Desdemona has recently married Othello; when Desdemona’s father, Brabantio, hears the news he becomes enraged. To make the situation much worse, Iago says to†¦show more content†¦An example of his evil imagery is when he says, â€Å"It is engendered. Hell and night/Must bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light.† (Act 1, sc.iii, lines 396-397). His voracity is seen in this quote; he calls upon hell and night to give birth to his evil plan. The way he uses the word, hell and night, associate him with evil which derives from the word devil. Another example that proves Iago’s evil imagery is when he says, â€Å"Divinity of hell!/When devils will the blackest sins put on.† (Act 2,sc.iii, lines 340- 341). In this quote, Iago, once again calls upon hell but this time describes it as divine. Iago’s sinister thoughts are of evil essence because he calls upon the blackest of sins to aid him in his evil quest. Thus, Iago’s choice of words prove his sinister intentions; which also include his ability to manipulate people. Iago’s evil is also demonstrated by his ability to manipulate people and situations through his words and through his actions. The first victim to fall under Iago’s manipulative spell is the half witted Roderigo. Iago recognizes that Roderigo is consumed by lust for Desdemona and would go to the extremes to make her his own. Iago convinces Roderigo that the only way to win Desdemona’s heart is to give her money; â€Å"...Put money in thy purse...† (Act 1, sc. iii, line 339). However, Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo’s infatuation and make himself a profit by taking the money intended for Desdemona andShow MoreRelatedAp Lit- Othello Prompt-1979 Essay628 Words   |  3 Pagesthink.   Avoid plot summary. A man falls into a violent epileptic shock from sheer anger and jealousy. Othello is an aspiring man, who under delusional rage, allows revenge to blind him and so he betrays the trust of friendship and marriage. 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