Iago as the Hero of Shakespeares Othello :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Iago as the Hero of Othello           Roderigo, a soldier in Othellos army, is in love with Desdemona and is deceived by Iago into telephoneing that Desdemona bewilders some affection for him. Iago, who is Othellos ancient or his counselor, desires to hold Othellos position and so tries to devise a plan to become general. As proved by the outcome of the play, Othello was too naive and kindhearted to properly reach an army. Iago felt that he should have been promoted to be Othellos lieutenant but Cassio was promoted instead. The outcome of the play also proves that Iago was more efficient in achieving his goals. Iagos plan is one that involves Cassio, Othellos stand by in command, Roderigo and Desdemona. Iago is better qualified than either Cassio or Othello if he devised such a plan without either of them noticing. The same strategies he uses in everyday deportment he would be able to employ in battles. Iago has proven to be the ultimate so ldier. Iago instills jealousy in both Roderigo and Othello by leading each of them to think that Desdemona and Cassio are having an affair. He accomplishes all this without being discovered until the end. During the course of the play, Othello is further deceived by Iago to believe that Desdemona is unfaithful to him. Emilia, Iagos wife, unknowingly helps Iago fool Othello when she gives her husband the handkerchief that was attached to Desdemona by Othello on their wedding night. Desdemona always keeps this by her side, as a result of Othellos command. When Iago tells Othello that he has seen Cassio with his gift to Desdemona, Othello becomes enraged and vows to kill her. He also makes Iago wander that he will kill Cassio. Through Iagos planning, Roderigo gets a chance to kill Cassio but fails. When Iago sees Roderigos failure to carry through with the plan, he wounds Cassio in the leg and kills Roderigo. When Othello hears disturbance in the streets below he thinks that Cassio is dead and smothers Desdemona. When Cassio, Gratiano (relative to Brabantio), Montano (Cyprus official), and Iago hear Emilias screams from Othellos bedroom they discover what he has done. Iago is revealed as the culprit and he then kills Emilia. After this Othello commits suicide and Iago is taken away to be punished. Iago was seeking a revenge that can be justified because he felt that Othello had had an affair with Emilia.