First Impression of Iago Essay

My first impression of Iago is that hes a manipulative and hypocritical man who tries to make up for the overlook of success and happiness in his life by destroying that of others. In Iagos first appearance in the play, hes seen manipulating the wealthy just now foolish Roderigo into giving him m oney. He claims to be taking this money to acquire extravagant gifts to woo Desdemona on Roderigos behalf, but he keeps the money for himself.Iago, who hast had Roderigos purse/ As if the strings were his is clearly taking advantage of the jealous suitor of Desdemona (I. i. -3). As Roderigo is threatening to dr have got himself, Iago says to him, If the/ balance of our lives had not one scale of reason to poise/ another of sensuality, the blood and baseness of our/ natures would exile us to most prepostrous/ conclusions (I. iii. 325-329). This is hypocritical of Iago because he is scolding Roderigo for letting emotions and desires prefer over his life, but Iago lets rage, jealous, and his thirst for revenge take over his life. As a result of the lack of happiness and success in his own life, Iago feels the need to destroy that of others.When Cassio is promoted to lieutenant, Iago conspires to have him fired by suggesting that hes having an affair with Desdemona. When Othello marries Desdemona, Iago tries to turn Brabantio against his new son-in-law. Iago is un keen with his life he doesnt have the job he wants, and his marriage isnt a happy one so he tries to compensate by making the lives of others touching as well. Iago appears to be a typical villain whose plots are make in an attempt to get revenge on the protagonists. His manipulative and hypocritical ways help conceal his wicked thoughts from the foolish Roderigo and over-trusting Othello.