Iago’s Motivations in Othello Literature & Language Essay

Iago’s Motivations in Othello
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Iago’s Motivations in Othello
Introduction
It is strange as to why Iago is so determined to destroy Othello, Cassio, and Desdemona. Iago dramatically destroys Othello and Desdemona. Although there is no apparent justification why he does so, there are possible motivations that might have pushed him in doing so.
He is motivated by frustrated love, racism, sadism, a desire for power, and jealousy.
Jealousy motivates him. Iago might have been jealous of Othello because of Othello is happy in love since he has just got married to an aristocratic Venetian lady, and Casio is popular with ladies, something that Iago is jealous about. His peers highly respect Othello. Whereas Iago is snubbed for promotion, the Duke of Turkey sends for Othello to help in solving the issue of the Turkish invasion. Further, Iago is jealous of Cassio and Othello's general goodness. Iago feels that the two are enjoying life while his life is 'ugly' (p. 179). The level of jealousy that Iago has towards the three is evident in Act 1. Iago cannot figure out his love life and turns down a woman who keeps nagging. He says, “would she give you so much of her lips as of her tongue she oft bestows on me, you'd have enough" (p. 53). He seems not yet settled in terms of marriage, and becomes envious of Othello. Further, Iago is infuriated by Cassio becoming Othello’s new lieutenant, and believes Othello does not know his worth. He envies Cassio for having “a daily beauty in his life" (p. 179) while describing his as "ugly" (p. 179). He feels that he also deserves a ‘beautiful’ life.
The desire for power also motivates Iago. Although Iago is respected, ...