Iago's Soliloquies in "Othello"

Paper Summary:

The paper states that throughout the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare, the only character to speak to the audience directly and intimately, is the character of Iago. He speaks to the audience and discloses his true motivations for his treacherous actions in the world of the play. The paper comments that Shakespeare uses this literary device specifically to show the audience the true colors of Iago. In the last passage of Act 1, Act 1.3.375-396, Iago's soliloquy is a glance at his manipulative psyche, where he believes himself to be the master of the other characters. His excessive pride and deception later result in the tragic end of the play. The paper notes that the audience develops a strange, but special, relationship with Iago through his manic ridden soliloquies. In the end, however, Shakespeare chooses to end Iago's term as master of the play and reclaims his position as playwright from the arrogant Iago.

From the Paper:

"He uses his role as confidant to the other characters to manipulate them into believing he has their best interest in mind, when really he plays them pawns against each other for his own goals. Iago shows the audience his dislike for Roderigo, which therefore allows the audience special access into the real world of Cypress where Iago pulls the strings, and not Othello. This passage also shows the depth of Iago's deception. As seen when he discusses Othello later in his soliloquy, Iago takes great pains to make himself the innocent confidant, when his true purpose is to destroy those who trust in him."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Shakespeare William. Othello.

More papers on Iago's Soliloquies in "Othello":

• Analytical Essay # 51885 : "Iago and Othello"
• Book Review # 128389 : "The Villainy of Iago"
• Analytical Essay # 68352 : "Iago: Elusive or Illusive?"

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