Spinning a Treacherous Web in Shakespeares Othello :: GCSE English Literature Coursework

Spinning a Treacherous Web in Othello         Like e very(prenominal) Shakespearean t forcedy there is ofttimes an untimely doom that ends the life of the hero or main character of the play. The main characters doom only becomes the outcome when they are futile to better the wrongs they or others had committed. However, in this Shakespearean tragedy the person who drives the participants of this play to their doom, isnt the main character Othello, but Iago, the motiveless character whose jealousy and rage drives him to commit crimes towards the people who believed him and considered him a trusting friend. Iago understood human characteristics, which aloneowed him to get to the root of peoples problems. In Othello he saying innocence, and love in Desdemona he saw purity and kindness and in Cassio he saw a perfectionist. Iago lacked all of these features and so in order to end the happiness of all the characters, he mulish to hit them where it hurt t he most. In doing so he used Desdemona as a tool, because she was the object of everyones desire. Iago is a spider-like creature who in order to quench his hunger, entangles all of these characters into his skillfully crafted web that slowly and unknowingly drives them to their doom.   To better understand Iagos effect on these different characters, it is important to look in to his own character. Iagos motives are not clear, however, it is true that he despises Othello, and that he is jealous of the fact that Michael Cassio had taken over the role of lieutenant a role that Iago wanted very badly. It is in the beginning of the play that Iago confesses to follow Othello but not be loyal to him,   I follow him to serve my turn upon him  Were I the Moor I would not be Iago.  In following him, I follow but myself-  Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty,  But seeming so for my curious end.  For when my outward action doth demonstrate  Th e native act and figure of my heart  In compliment extern, tis not long after  But I allow wear my heart upon my sleeve  For daws to peck at. I am not what I am. (1.1 43-67)     Iago is without any apparent feelings or remorse towards any of the other characters.