Iago and the
Ambiguity of His Motives in Shakespeare’s Othello
Jenny M. Djundjung
Iago’s motives for vengeance are
problematic as Iago offers different motives
throughout the play. Shakespeare scholars have attempted to explain some
probable answers for the problem. Yet, none of the answers is definite that Iago’s motives remain vague. This article explores the
ambiguity of Iago’s motives by negating Iago’s explanations, as they do not correspond to his
actions. He plays his role skilfully that he can act as a confidante to all of
his victims that he masters them and pushes them to helplessness and
desperation. His skilful mastery over his victims’ lives can be compared to
that of a devil who destroys the lives of his victim
and that of a skilful artist who decides on the fates of his characters. If an artis creates a work of art, then Iago
cerates destruction.
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Djundjung, J. M. (2002). Iago and the
ambiguity of his motives in Shakespeare’s Othello. K@ta,
4(1), 1-7.
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