Othello

Act 2 creates Iago’s character and, in doing so, reveals some crucial details about his plot. In scene 1, Shakespeare elucidates the differences between Iago’s public appearances and private intentions. When the characters land in Cyprus, Iago uses rhyme to insult women. He says, “If she be fair and wise, fairness and wit/The one’s for use, the other useth it" (2.1.144-145). He says that the only thing useful in a woman is her beauty. His actions cause people to see him as the lowly ancient that he is: vulgar, witty, and plain. Iago acts like this so that the other characters do not suspect him- evil genius does not fit the picture he paints of himself. However, in Iago’s soliloquy, he establishes himself as jealous and rank conscious. He says, “I do love [Desdemona] too…partly led to diet my revenge…and nothing can or shall content my soul/till I am evened with him, wife for wife” (2.1.312-3.21) proving that Iago seeks revenge with Othello and Cassio because he believes they slept with his wife, something he considers to be one of his jobs. In Scene 3, Shakespeare shows the extent to which Iago has control over the characters and situations. In doing so, he details Iago’s plans further. In the beginning of the scene, Iago is able to get Cassio drunk by convincing him to drink “to the health of black Othello” (2.3.33). Iago knows people well- he is able to use their virtues and twist them to work for his plan. He demonstrates his power over situations when Cassio drinks with “three of Cyprus, noble swelling spirits/that hold their honours at a wary distance/the very elements of this war-like isle” (2.3.57-59). Iago sets up a situation in which someone powerful is likely to be offended, insuring Cassio’s dismissal. In his soliloquy, Iago says, “When devils will the blackest sins put on/They do at first with heavenly shows/As I do now” (2.3.371-373). Iago know exactly what he is doing; he knows it is wrong but he has no qualms about it. In creating Iago’s character, Act 2 reveals some crucial plot details.