is Iago an artist in villainy?
explain it with examples,please
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is Iago an artist in villainy?
I suppose Iago has his clever moments but I never thought that he differed that much gfrom the traditional Shakespearean villain in a revenge tragedy. He seeks revenge against the tragic hero because of something he has done to the villain either directly or indirectly. In 'Othello' Iago seeks revenge on Othello because he feels that he should've been Lieutenant rather than Cassio. "Off-capped to him: and by the faith of man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place." Moreover he thinks that Othello slept with his wife and also it could be argued from that his use of language Iago is racist and dislikes black people. Stating, "I hate the Moor, And it is thought that twixt my sheets He's done my office." This quote comes from the soliloquy in 1:3:379-381 which shows his reasons for revenge. Iago has the same traits of a villain in a Shakespearean tragedy, such as Lady Macbeth in 'Macbeth'. He manipulates Othello's mind in very much the same way as Lady Macbeth does her husband. Iago's various schemes are also dependent on chance. THere is the scarf that must change hands just as planned and each character must fall under Iago's spell. I deffinately think Iago was good at what he did but would not go as far as an "artist in villainy."
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