Othello

Iago cannot bear Othello's being a superior figure. Iago comments on Othello's going to war as "Another of his fathom they have none/ To lead their business." (lines 153-154) Iago insults Othello's skin color profusely behind his back. As the first part of his plan, Iago seeks to arouse Brabantio to the fact that the Moor has "robbed" (line 88) him of his daughter. Iago refers to Othello as an "old black ram/ tupping your white ewe." This tasteless reference pictures Othello's ugly black skin with Desdemona's beautiful white skin. Iago convinces Brabantio that he must rescue his daughter from "the devil," another racial reference to Othello's black skin. Iago never identifies Othello except with remarks such as "the Barbary horse" mounting Desdemona. Brabantio's cousins, Iago rages "will be jennets," (line 14) black Spanish horses. The racism and hatred behind Iago is only worsened by Othello's high position and high popularity with the people; far higher than Iago will ever reach. Thus, Iago hatches a plot, not out of sheer malice or insanity, but out of a pathological jealousy beyond comprehension.

Othello demonstrates his noble nature when confronted by Brabantio. He coolly remarks "I must be found./ My parts, my title, and my perfect soul/ Shall manifest me rightly." (lines 30-32) This remarkable presentation even causes Iago to swear in appreciation, "By Janus." He is insanely jealous over Othello's skill. The Duke does not even notice Brabantio just greets Othello as "valiant Othello." (line 48) Iago's first plan is foiled by the composure and sheer power of Othello. This only maddens Iago.

Later, Iago scorns the Moor and Cassio. While his many accusations are unbelievable, they present motive and a pathological desire to ruin these people's lives for specific reasons. Iago believes that Othello won Desdemona, not by stories of perils, but by "bragging and telling her fanatical lies." (line 216) Iago also denounces Cassio as "a slipper and subtle knave, a finder out of occasions, that has an eye can stamp and counterfeit advantages, though true advantage never present itself; a devilish knave." (lines 229-231) Iago is able to denounce anyone through fictitious reasoning. In this way, he can make up reasons to seek revenge on innocent people. He also scoffs at Cassio's courteous remarks to women. He says that Desdemona is a