Othello

Throughout the play Iago is constantly scheming to hurt Othello; however, his motive are not made perfectly clear. In the beginning of the play it is because Cassio is promoted instead of Iago, but later it is because his wife might have cheated on him.

In the first act Iago begins the play in Venice by arguing with Rodrigo. Iago was upset because, not only had Rodrigo failed in helping him to obtain Desdemona, but Cassio had also received the promotion that he had been hoping for. While one could guess that he would be upset with Desdemona and with Cassio the person he wishes to seek revenge on is really Othello. In addition, later in the play we learn that he is unhappy with Othello for another reason when he says, “And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets/ He has done my office” (1.3.387-38). In this line Iago is accusing Othello of having sex with his wife, which is yet another reason for him to hate Othello.

Throughout the play, Iago makes it his mission to seek revenge on Othello. He does this through manipulation and at the cost of others until the point when Othello finally snaps and murders his wife.

My questions are do you think that Iago could have had any other motivations and do they all have to do with Othello?