Othello as the Greater Evil in William Shakespeare’s Othello Essay

Othello as the Greater Evil in William Shakespeares OthelloWhat inducts one person to be considered abomination, while another is considered guiltless? The character Iago, in William Shakespeares Othello, could be considered vicious because of his plot against Cassio and Othello. Othello, could be considered righteous, because he believes his wife has been unfaithful. The line between these two labels, evil or righteous, is thin. Ultimately, actions speak louder than words. Iago is evil in his actions towards Othello, just between the two, Othello is the most evil for reacting to lies in the most violent of ways. The evil in Iago becomes visible from the rattling beginning of the play. He explains at the beginning how he was passed over for the slip of lieutenant by Othello, who gave the position to Cassio. This gives Iago cause for not only hating Othello precisely Cassio as well. Iagos hatred for Othello becomes even more apparent by his simple statement I hate the Moor (Ot h. 1.3.588). His hatred for Othello is partly based on his belief that Othello had an affair with his wife, Emilia. He says, And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets / Hes done my office (Oth. 1.3.588). This belief is based purely on rumor and nothing more. It is during this speech that Iago gives insight into his plot to make Othello think that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. This will ultimately be the fuel that exposes the evil in Othello. Othellos latterly love for Desdemona is the reason behind the deep hatred he begins to feel. Early on Othello proclaims how happy he is and how practically in love he is with Desdemona. For know, Iago, / But that I love the downcast Desdemona (Oth. 1.2.572). Othello also seems consumed with passion for Desdemona.... ...ay. These lies may have been planted by Iago, but it is Othellos own decision to carry out these murders. Should Iagos somebody carry the blame for the lies that had an evil result? Works Cited Mc Elroy, Be rnard. Shakespeares Mature Tragedies. Princeton, New Jersey Princeton University Press, 1973. Shakespeare, William. Othello, The Moor of Venice. Literature and Ourselves. 2nd ed. Ed. Gloria Henderson, annotation Day, and Sandra Waller. New York Longman, 1997. 563-682. Vanita, Ruth. Proper men and Fallen women The unprotectedness of wives in Othello. Studies in English Literature. 34 (1994) 341-58. Online. EBSCO Publishing. 18 June 1999. Available WWW http//www.epnet.com. Zender, Karl F.. The Humiliation Of Iago. Studies in English Literature. 34 (1994) 323-40. Online. EBSCO Publishing. 18 June 1999. Available WWW http//www.epnet.com.