Iago's Last Soliloquy Analysis

The character Iago in Shakespeare’s Othello, the Moore of Venice is a cunning individual whose jealousy is his sole purpose for existence (Bevington, 2014). Moreover, Iago is a student of human weaknesses, likely due to his military background, that becomes adapt a manipulating those around him. Also, manipulation to serve his purpose is not enough, but rather he intends to ruin the lives of those around him whether or not they have truly harmed or disrespected him. So, the picture of Iago is an angry, jealous, manipulative individual who takes pleasure in the pain of others. Consequently, Iago appears to understand and plans for these potentially severe consequences, and disregards the misery of those around him; therefore, it is likely that Iago suffered from a personality disorder of extreme magnitude.

During the very beginning of the play, we see that Iago realizes that he is the very opposite of everything that he portrays to others, and in fact is intentionally done so (Shakespeare, 2014, 1.1.67). Consider the discussion between Iago and
While Iago ruminations imply that his advice to Cassio is good, his declaration “When devils will the blackest sins put on, They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, as I do now.” (Shakespeare, 2014, 2.3.345-347), speaks to his intent to deceive. Moreover, Iago admits his deceptive intent saying, “And out of her own goodness make the net [t]hat shall enmesh them all.” (Shakespeare, 2014, 2.3.355,356). Here we observe Iago manipulating Cassio’s desire, Othello’s insecurities, and Desdemona’s naïve virtue, all under the guise of helping others. Within this scene Iago’s behaviors are deceptive and manipulative, which presents possible psychopathic or sociopathic tendencies; however, is this evidence