The Demi-Devil (Iago) An indepth look at Iago as Satan

Iago is portrayed as perhaps the most malevolent and conniving character in classical literature. In William Shakespeare's tragedy, Othello, Iago manipulates the people around him through masterful and clever tactics. Through these devices, Iago brings forth a nearly apocalyptic end that leads to his torture and the death of many around him. Iago's malevolence and his complete mastery of it is clear to even the most cursory observer. But, more than this, Iago is the …

…is distinctly tragic because of the Satan inside Iago. Shakespeare forms Iago as Satan to help not only explain perhaps the motivations, but also account for the pure evil of Iago. Work Cited Honigmann, E. A. J. Othello. London, England: Arden Shakespeare, 2001. "Satan." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2003. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 22 Nov, 2003 <http://search.eb.com/eb/article?eu=67536>. Shakespeare, William. Othello. London, England: Arden Shakespeare, 2001.