Why Does Iago Hate Othello

Shakespeare’s tragic play, Othello, is a tale of jealousy, betrayal, and revenge. At the center of this turmoil is the character of Iago, whose deep-seated hatred for Othello drives the plot forward. Throughout the play, Iago’s motives for hating Othello are complex and multi-layered, rooted in personal, professional, and racial factors. This essay will explore the reasons behind Iago’s hatred for Othello, shedding light on the intricate web of emotions and circumstances that lead to his destructive actions.

Personal Envy and Resentment

One of the primary reasons for Iago’s animosity towards Othello is his personal envy and resentment. As a trusted lieutenant to Othello, Iago feels overlooked and unappreciated, despite his loyalty and dedication. This is evident in the opening scene of the play, where Iago expresses his frustration at being passed over for promotion in favor of Cassio, a younger and less experienced officer. Iago’s bitterness towards Othello is fueled by his belief that he deserves the position of lieutenant, and he resents Othello for not recognizing his worth.

In addition, Iago harbors a deep-seated jealousy towards Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. He is envious of Othello’s happiness and contentment in his relationship, especially since Iago himself is embroiled in a loveless marriage with Emilia. This personal resentment towards Othello’s success in both his professional and personal life fuels Iago’s desire for revenge, as he seeks to bring about Othello’s downfall and destroy the happiness that he himself lacks.

Racial Prejudice and Discrimination

Another significant factor contributing to Iago’s hatred for Othello is racial prejudice and discrimination. As a black man in a predominantly white society, Othello faces constant prejudice and discrimination, which Iago manipulates to his advantage. Throughout the play, Iago uses Othello’s race as a tool to stoke the flames of hatred and suspicion, playing on the racist stereotypes and prejudices of the other characters. Iago’s deep-seated racism towards Othello is evident in his derogatory language and derogatory remarks, as he refers to Othello as “the Moor” and uses racial slurs to demean and dehumanize him.

It is clear that Iago’s racial prejudice and discrimination towards Othello stem from a sense of superiority and entitlement, as he views Othello as an outsider and an inferior being. This racial animosity further fuels Iago’s desire to destroy Othello, as he sees Othello’s position of power and authority as a threat to his own sense of superiority. This racial dynamic adds a layer of complexity to Iago’s hatred for Othello, intertwining personal and professional resentment with deep-seated racial prejudice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Iago’s hatred for Othello is a complex and multi-faceted emotion that is rooted in personal, professional, and racial factors. His envy and resentment towards Othello’s success, both in his career and his marriage, drive him to seek revenge and bring about Othello’s downfall. In addition, Iago’s racial prejudice and discrimination towards Othello further fuel his desire to destroy him, as he sees Othello’s position of power as a threat to his own sense of superiority. Ultimately, Iago’s deep-seated hatred for Othello is a potent force that drives the tragic events of the play, leading to betrayal, manipulation, and ultimately, destruction.