To be frank, incidents happen. All. The. Time.
The universe intervenes, and there’s nothing you can do, but sit back and hope for the best. But once everything is set and done, you pick yourself back up, rub the tire grooves off your back, and proclaim to yourself, “This won’t get me down!” Just like every normal individual does during a crisis; however, guess who doesn’t? Iago. You know, from Shakespeare’s twisted tragedy known as Othello. Iago is the perfect example of what not do to after something doesn’t quite go your way, and honestly, his actions are what make him to blame for the outcome of Shakespeare’s fatal work.
What makes someone so potent?
That’s right, their ability to invade your brain – a skill that Iago happens to excel at. How does he do this, you may ask? He is able to do the one thing that so many of us mere mortals are unable to do: make the entire audience around him trust him. They are convinced that he is an “honest” (II.iii.285) and “noble” (III.iii.420) man that they can turn to, with the flick of the wrist, during a time of need.
They’re wrong.
Something they don’t realize – Othello and Desdemona to be precise –- is that he utilizes the information that they reveal to him by altering it to fit his purpose. In other words, Iago is able to manipulate not the only the information that is burdened upon him, but he is additionally able to manipulate the people that are sharing the information; their true heart is enlightened to him, and he uses their openness to pick at their brain. This is shown when he plays off of Othello's diffidence to force him to believe that Desdemona is a "strumpet" (IV.ii.94). Iago is the devil’s advocate that is perched on their shoulder; he feeds off his victim’s insecurities, until finally they snap, and complete his bidding for him.
And what is Iago left as in the optics of a person peering in, as his prey sprawls out onto the floor?
An honest fellow.
Now, one would think that a wicked, witty person –- who is able to possess someone’s body –- would be capable of communicating when he is upset. Well, sorry to burst your bubble folks, but you’re mistaken. Iago is incapable of sharing his feelings, and that’s the true reason Shakespeare was even able to scribe Othello. Iago was devastated, spiteful that he had not been crowned by Othello as his lieutenant, and instead of confronting Othello about his resentment, he devised a plan to enact revenge. Mal move.
In the end, Iago’s actions led to the demise of Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo, Emelia, and of course, himself.
Imagine if Iago had ceased tormenting humans, expressed his emotions, and just remembered that uncontrollable things happen. Would the outcome of the play have remained the same? No, it wouldn’t have. Iago was the mastermind of the tragedy, and without him, Shakespeare would be Othello-less. So, in a way, the demon known as Iago should be thanked for his remarkable contribution to literary society. Ugh, s*** happens.
The universe intervenes, and there’s nothing you can do, but sit back and hope for the best. But once everything is set and done, you pick yourself back up, rub the tire grooves off your back, and proclaim to yourself, “This won’t get me down!” Just like every normal individual does during a crisis; however, guess who doesn’t? Iago. You know, from Shakespeare’s twisted tragedy known as Othello. Iago is the perfect example of what not do to after something doesn’t quite go your way, and honestly, his actions are what make him to blame for the outcome of Shakespeare’s fatal work.
What makes someone so potent?
That’s right, their ability to invade your brain – a skill that Iago happens to excel at. How does he do this, you may ask? He is able to do the one thing that so many of us mere mortals are unable to do: make the entire audience around him trust him. They are convinced that he is an “honest” (II.iii.285) and “noble” (III.iii.420) man that they can turn to, with the flick of the wrist, during a time of need.
They’re wrong.
Something they don’t realize – Othello and Desdemona to be precise –- is that he utilizes the information that they reveal to him by altering it to fit his purpose. In other words, Iago is able to manipulate not the only the information that is burdened upon him, but he is additionally able to manipulate the people that are sharing the information; their true heart is enlightened to him, and he uses their openness to pick at their brain. This is shown when he plays off of Othello's diffidence to force him to believe that Desdemona is a "strumpet" (IV.ii.94). Iago is the devil’s advocate that is perched on their shoulder; he feeds off his victim’s insecurities, until finally they snap, and complete his bidding for him.
And what is Iago left as in the optics of a person peering in, as his prey sprawls out onto the floor?
An honest fellow.
Now, one would think that a wicked, witty person –- who is able to possess someone’s body –- would be capable of communicating when he is upset. Well, sorry to burst your bubble folks, but you’re mistaken. Iago is incapable of sharing his feelings, and that’s the true reason Shakespeare was even able to scribe Othello. Iago was devastated, spiteful that he had not been crowned by Othello as his lieutenant, and instead of confronting Othello about his resentment, he devised a plan to enact revenge. Mal move.
In the end, Iago’s actions led to the demise of Othello, Desdemona, Roderigo, Emelia, and of course, himself.
Imagine if Iago had ceased tormenting humans, expressed his emotions, and just remembered that uncontrollable things happen. Would the outcome of the play have remained the same? No, it wouldn’t have. Iago was the mastermind of the tragedy, and without him, Shakespeare would be Othello-less. So, in a way, the demon known as Iago should be thanked for his remarkable contribution to literary society. Ugh, s*** happens.