Examples Of Greed In Othello

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Greed’s Power over Humans Whether in fiction or reality, any world with humans will suffer the human characteristic of greed. Being no exception to this, the character, Iago, from Shakespeare’s Othello, falls victim to this greed. He then goes on to deceive Othello into believing his wife had an affair with Cassio to gain power and revenge over them. Throughout the play, Iago deviates immoral plans [such as, using trickery, involving those who are unrelated, and even killing others] to satisfy his greed. By using these efforts, Shakespeare illuminates how one’s desire for power consumes one’s life through their decisions and emotions. Those who are blinded by their lust for power often use trickery to fulfill this greed. Like a drug addiction, they become trapped in this cycle of dishonesty. In Othello, Iago deceives Roderigo into assisting him with his scheme by feeding him false claims to get him and Desdemona together. With that, one of …show more content…
For example, Iago cowardly kills Roderigo and comes up with a lousy excuse for it. Not only does Iago use Roderigo, but he disregards him as well once he finds Roderigo no longer useful to him. Furthermore, this is shown as a sign of disrespect and an inhumane act that Iago has [again] no remorse for whatsoever. By Iago’s emotions on the subject, he is characterized negatively as someone who only uses others for his only benefit. Another instance of his inhumanity is the murder of his wife, Emilia. With everything Emilia has done for Iago he repays her with death. To be able to so easily eradicate the people who have assisted him is a cold-blooded act. Had Iago not been so hung over power, to take on such extreme measures he would not have been made out to be such a reptile. Seeing how he shows no guilt, his satisfaction is filled by his greed that has dictated who he is as a
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