What Is The Marxist Perspective On Othello

Othello is a play written by Shakespeare that features a top ranking military official, Othello. The main focus of the play is the love between Othello and Desdemona and how it became poisoned by a man named Iago. The Marxist perspective best impacted my understanding of Othello because of how the main plot was heavily subjected to Iago’s lust for power and wealth. Iago took advantage of people to propel his agenda. An example of this was when he used Roderigo’s emotions toward Desdemona to his advantage. Iago instructed Roderigo to “put money in thy purse” (Oth.1.3.287-290). He claimed that Desdemona would soon fall out of love with Othello if Roderigo did this by telling Roderigo that “It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor” (Oth.1.3.290-291). Roderigo wasn’t aware that Iago was pocketing his gifts intended for Desdemona.
He tries to make him think that his wife is sleeping with Cassio. When he was conversing with Othello, he makes a subtle remark explaining that “She did deceive her father, marrying you, and when she seemed to shake and fear your looks, she loved them most” (Oth.3.3.209-211). Iago’s metaphorical seed eventually sprouted in Othello’s head. He became convinced that Desdemona must be cheating on him and that “Even then this forked plague is fated to us” (Oth.3.3.280-281). At this point, Iago was feeling that his plan was succeeding. He made Othello feel that his love is being untrue to