2/26/2017 0 Comments Deceiving LoveIago is a truly complex character, by his actions and his motives. Iago's motives are never entirely clear, as we are only given bits and pieces as the play progresses. It is obvious that he is afraid that his wife has cheated on him with Othello (I.iii.429-431) and Cassio (II.i.329), but there isn't much clear evidence of his motives. One could argue that he motive is for the lieutenancy, but he doesn't really care very much when he is promoted.
Iago is clearly jealous of others, especially appearances. He says that he wants to make sure that Cassio is killed, because Cassio's beauty makes Iago look ugly (V.i.20-21). He compares his own appearance to the attractive Cassio, even though most married men wouldn't care at all about this. His love for Othello is clearly greater than his love for Emilia, and he doesn't much care for Emilia's affection at all. Iago tells Othello that he loves him (III.iii.134) and that he is Othello's forever (III.iii.546). He explains to Othello how much he loves him and that he belongs to him, certainly something that a lover would say. Iago also explains how he lays with Cassio, and how Cassio had a sexual dream about Desdemona and Iago did nothing to stop it even when Cassio started kissing and grabbing him (III.iii.470-482). Iago shows no interest towards his wife throughout the entire play, and even has no problem killing her. When Emilia gives Iago the handkerchief, Iago thinks that Emilia is speaking of sexual things when she says she has a "thing for you [Iago]" (III.iii.345). He thinks she is saying she wishes to have sex with him, and he doesn't care and says that she has slept around (III.iii.346). However, does this evidence mean that Iago is gay? He married Emilia, so either he isn't gay or he married because it is the normal thing to do. It is understandable for him to have such a close relationship with men, saying he loves them doesn't necessarily mean he loves them romantically. But if his story about sleeping with Cassio and letting him kiss and touch him is true, that would be something truly odd. I don't think that Iago tells the truth enough for us to know his feelings, especially not his sexuality.
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