Shakespeare s Othello - Shakespearean Motives From Iago...

Othello: Shakespearean Motives from Iago’s Perspective Shakespeare’s â€Å"Othello† opens with a dialogue between Roderigo and Iago, which foreshadows an explanation from Iago for his displeasure toward Othello in the play. RODERIGO. Thou told’st me Thou didst hold him in thy hate IAGO. Despise me If I do not†¦ (1.1.5-8). These opening lines of â€Å"Othello† between Iago and Roderigo sets the stage for the rest of the play and in turn introduces the audience to motives for which Iago desires to undermine Othello. Throughout this essay I will present textual evidence that suggests Iago was motivated by racial prejudice, as well as by other means, including jealousy, greed, and rejection. Within this essay, Shakespeare conveys a possible motive of Iago as being racially prejudice toward Othello. Racial prejudice can be seen primarily through word choice and use of figurative language in the play. Often times when characters in the play will reference Othello, they will almost never call him by h is actual name, but rather refer to him as â€Å"the Moor†. The word â€Å"Moor†, is a very instrumental indication that Othello was plagued by racial prejudice because the word carries a negative connotation and usually references individuals of African descent or Islamic faith. The consistent use of â€Å"the Moor† also makes it very clear that Othello is an outsider in society based on his skin tone, which can be presumed to be dark. Alongside the constant acknowledgementShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Incomparable Evil in Shakespeares Othello2968 Words   |  12 PagesIncomparable Evil in Shakespeares Othello  Ã‚        Ã‚   Shakespeare?s tragic drama Othello disturbs audiences because of the intense, diabolical evil involved in the plot development. Let?s explore the evil in the play, especially in the character of Iago.    In his book of literary criticism, Shakespearean Tragedy, A. C. 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