Motives have the power to drive someone into performing terrible actions. Sometimes, motives can become complex to nail down. As shown in Othello, we are not completely sure what Iago’s motives are, but we have an elaborate idea of what they could be. In the play, the main character misplaces his trust in Iago, who is shown is an evil, vicious, untrustworthy character. Iago is known to be evil, jealous, and clever. He managed to manipulate Othello into killing his wife. He even killed his “fool” Roderigo which provided him money. His plans always worked and left no trace. One contemplates on how it is credible for one to be so villainous. Though we may never know his exact impulses for his evil doings, we can support the different claims that…show more content… It can be an instigation for someone to act differently towards people of a different race. As we experience today and in the past how people of different color are mistreated or left out. In Othello, the main character Othello already has some difficulties fitting in because he is black. Simply because he is of a different color, it would be assumed that he would be inferior to everyone. In contrast, Othello is black but he is of high authority and very respected, but the biggest reason why Othello is respected is because he’s good in battlefield. In agreement, Ruth Cowhig’s article says that “If the state had not been in danger, and Othello’s essential to its defense, Brabantio’s expectation of support from the Duke and senate would surely be realised.” (Cowhig 4). Moving on, Iago uses the difference in race as an advantage to ruin his wedding. He exclaims, “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram/ Is tupping your white ewe.” (1.1.97-98). Using the term black ram refers to Othello in a racist way and calling him an animal. You can indicate that Iago must have something against Othello’s race to speak of him in a foul way. He only treats Othello kindly when he benefits to his plan. Also, Iago knew that Brabantio would be infuriated with the fact that his daughter married a black older man. Even though Brabantio respects Othello, he outbursts saying, “thou hast enchanted her.” (1.2.82). He exclaims that Othello had…show more content… We come to the conclusion that Iago was motivated to get what he desired. Even though we couldn’t narrow it down to one cause, these three critics tied up the knots that showed us Iago’s incentives and their backgrounds. He had a big ego and was afraid of hurting. In addition, Iago was very jealous of Othello’s success and deep down had something against his race. To sum up, we may never know Iago’s one sole motivation, but we can conclude that he is an evil and intelligent that gets what he
