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Othello: Iago and Machivellian Motive

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In Othello, a great deal is learned about Iago from his soliloquies (when he speak alone and is alone). I need help with this essay by selecting three of these soliloquies, and deciding what they tell about Iago. Form a thesis that relates to Iago's overall understanding of himself and his actions.

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Solution Summary

Iago's soliloquies are presented in part, as support for major points behind what Iago represents and how he is motivated. 670 words to discuss this, with references.

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There are many places to begin when speaking of Othello within its Renaissance context; in other words, take these indeed as notes instead of a prioritizing of that context. Work with what you can the best and, at least structurally, put the weakest points you can develop towards the middle (it's always best to end with the strongest point). That said:

The first place I'd want to go would be the question of the relationship between religion and what we'd now term 'secular humanism'. This relationship would be divisive for some time, and would create plenty of challenges for people. We need look no further than Iago to start examining that relationship in Renaissance times. A few reasons for this:

- Iago tends to symbolize the embodiment of evil.
• His duplicity is obvious. He offers multiple reasons for anything, often trying to make an argument (either to himself or to the audience) in order to justify his actions. In reality, we know Iago will do what he wants to do anyway.
o "In following him, I follow but myself". Act I, Scene i
o "I hate the Moor,/And it is thought abroad that ...

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