Iago's Motives for Disgust

Scattered throughout Act 1 of William Shakespeare’s Othello are various stated motives for Iago’s actions against the high ranking Venetian General. Hints of jealousy, disgust, and hatred create an interesting contrast within Iago’s character, between his personal side and his public side, that cannot go unnoticed. Below are some of the various motives:

Motive 1: Iago is jealous of Cassio’s appointment to Lieutenant under Othello’s campaign, and he expresses this envy in the very first scene of the play.

“But he, sir, had th' election; / And I, of whom his eyes had seen the proof / At Rhodes, at Cyprus, and on other grounds / Christian and heathen, must be belee’d and / calmed / By debitor and creditor. This counter-caster, / He (in good time) must his lieutenant be, / And I, <God> bless the mark, his Moorship’s ancient” (I.i.28-35).

·         Iago is certainly disappointed that he did not get the nomination to Lieutenant. He strongly believes that his experience in battle should outweigh the mind and wit of Cassio, who has merely been schooled. Since it is Othello’s responsibility to appoint the Lieutenant, Iago feels betrayed, as he has proven his skills to Othello in battle before. Iago expresses this bitterness to Roderigo and agrees to help his cause by turning Brabantio against Othello.

Motive 2: In the soliloquy that concludes Act 1 Scene 3, Iago expresses more distaste for Othello, citing his fear that Othello has slept with his wife.

“I hate the Moor, / And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets / He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true, / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, / Will do as if for surety” (I.iii.429-433).

·         Expounding upon the bitterness Iago experiences earlier in the play, he emphasizes his hatred for Othello in his concluding soliloquy of the act. Iago claims to have heard rumors of Othello sleeping with his wife, but is still unaware of their validity and truth. However, this does not stop Iago from denouncing the claim upright; in fact, it encourages him to believe the claim to be not only a “suspicion” (432) but a “surety” (433). The readers can only expect more mischief from Iago’s character as his demonizing hatred for Othello rages forth.