Othello #3

            In his soliloquy near the end of Act 2 Scene 3, Iago appears to be justifying the fact that he behaves like the devil. He begins by asking, “And what’s he, then, that says I play the villain […]?” (2.3.356). Iago seems to wish to dispute this misconception and explain his side of the situation. However, none of the characters in the play see Iago as a villain; indeed, Cassio, Othello, and Roderigo all believe that Iago supports them. Thus, Iago must be addressing the audience and the concerns that he anticipates people have after watching his behavior. His soliloquy does not function as a confession or an analysis of his actions, but instead it serves as a means of justifying his actions and manipulating the audience into agreeing with his point of view. Since it is a soliloquy, the audience assumes that Iago is being honest with them. However, Iago is really using the same techniques on the audience that he uses on other characters in order to trick them into trusting him. First, Iago capitalizes on other characters’ predominant traits, spinning them in a negative way. For example, in his soliloquy Iago explains how Othello’s love for Desdemona is so great “That she may make, unmake, do what she list, / Even as her appetite shall play the god / With his weak function”  (2.3.366-8). Iago casts Othello’s extensive love as the potential detriment to their relationship. The audience, with its attention directed at Othello, may miss the fact that Iago is orchestrating the entire event. In the same way, Iago convinces Montano that Cassio is a drunkard and that he is unsuitable to be lieutenant; Iago’s role in influencing Cassio’s decision to drink is overlooked. Iago appears to be strikingly honest as he explains, “When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now” (2.3.371-3). Iago blatantly admits his plan to behave like the devil in order to corrupt other characters. He will take advantage of Desdemona, just as he takes advantage of other characters, in order to “enmesh them all” in his trap (2.3.382). However, the audience should be wary of his candidness. Iago seems to be very honest with all of the characters he interacts with and manipulates; everyone thinks that Iago is on their side. The audience believes that they are in cahoots with Iago as well, but there is no way to determine whether he is truly on their side.