Iago's Evil

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Morgan Rhodes wrote, “Evil is a choice one makes, not a natural state of being.” Evil is defined as immoral wickedness acted out by an individual. The main character in Tragedy of Othello, Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare, Iago, is evil through the whole play. Iago shows actions that normal people do not express. Iago’s process is evil because he acts upon his feelings to ruin Othello. From the beginning of the play, Iago tells Roderigo that he hates Othello because he does not get the ranking he thinks he deserves. “‘Despise me / If I do not. / I know my price, I am no worse a place’” (I.i.8-12). The audience knows from this line that Iago is out to destroy Othello, however, they do not know the degree he goes to. Iago does not get the …show more content…
Therefore, he wants to make Othello believe Desdemona has cheated on him. He says, “‘That cuckold lives in bliss / Who, certain of his fate, loves not his wronger, / But, oh, what damned minutes tells he o’er / Who dotes, yet doubts- suspects, yet soundly loves’” (III.iii.171-174). He then goes on to say, “‘Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio. / Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure’” (III.iii.201-202). Iago wants Othello to believe his wife has cheated on him, therefore, he tells him this lie. Iago’s evil process is not only to make Othello believe this, but he wants Othello to do something to his wife about this situation. After Iago reminds Othello repeatedly that his wife has cheated on him, Othello confronts Desdemona. “‘Was this fair paper, this most goodly book, / Made to write ‘whore’ upon? What committed? / Committed? O thou public commoner! / I should make very forges of my cheeks / That would to cinders burn up modesty / Did I but speak thy deeds’” (IV.ii.75-80). Iago’s wicked scheme causes Othello and Desdemona’s relationship to die. Later, Othello confronts Desdemona of her “crime” that she has no memory of committing. At the end of the play, Othello kills Desdemona because he believes she has cheated on him with Cassio from the words Iago has told
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