Iago's soliloquy explores Iago in great detail and gives an insight into the events that are to follow. Iago's character, frame of mind and the situation at this point in the play is conveyed through various methods. In this soliloquy Iago's wicked nature and sadistic obsession to create a catastrophe is shown. He also demonstrates how manipulative and deceitful he is. The soliloquy highlights how Iago displays signs of madness.The soliloquy shows the raging evil within Iago. Up to this point in the play, Iago has had a racist attitude, always insulting Othello. His racism is seen through him calling Othello "the Moor" in the soliloquy instead of his actual name. Iago uses the term "black ...view middle of the document...
Iago refers to Cassio as an "honest fool," which suggests that Iago will attempt to fool Cassio in some way. Iago deceives Othello and Cassio through their weakness of being too good-hearted and trusting, which in fact becomes gullibility. Iago observes their trusting personality by uttering "To counsel Cassio to this parallel course Directly to his good?" Iago is also confident that his manipulation will work by mentioning Desdemona "shall undo her credit with the Moor." The manipulation that Iago has used thus far and how he will use more in the soon future is seen very clearly by this soliloquy.The strange mentality of Iago is demonstrated through what he says in the soliloquy. Though there are times where Iago is proud of being a villain who is tormenting Othello's life, in this soliloquy he tries to convince himself that he is in fact not a villain. He says such remarks as "he then that says I play the villain When this advice is free I give, and honest" as well as "How am I then a villain." Iago persuades himself that he has many motives to avenge Othello yet none of them are justifiable reasons. He ends up falsely believing in his...
