Analysis of Iago's Soliloquy

After Iago convinces Roderigo to anger Cassio in the night, he is left alone on stage to deliver a soliloquy. He tells the audience that he thinks Cassio and Desdemona are in love: "That Cassio loves her, I do well believe't. That she loves him, 'tis apt and of great credit" (II.i.280-281). At this point in the play, nothing prominent has occurred to suggest that Cassio and Desdemona are in love. Desdemona seems enchanted by her husband Othello, and Cassio appears to be loyal to the general. Iago does not truly believe that Cassio and Desdemona are in love, but he wants to convince the audience that they are. Iago plans to convince Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are unfaithful to the him, breaking up Othello's marriage and ruining Othello's relationship with Cassio. If Cassio and Desdemona end up falling in love, Iago will gain the trust of the audience from the truth of his claim. In addition, Iago will have demonstrated the effectiveness of his malice and his skills of deception.

As Iago's speech continues, he offers reasoning for why he hopes to ruin the lives of Othello and Cassio. Addressed previously, Iago reiterates that he thinks Othello slept with his wife, but Iago adds that he thinks Cassio also committed adultery with Emilia: "For that I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat [...] [and] I fear Cassio with my night cape too" (290-301). Unoriginally, Iago is trying to provide justification for his hate for Cassio. He wants the audience on his side, so he attempts to curb their curiosity as to why he hates his superiors. Iago's continuous suspicion of his wife's infidelities suggests that, along with his evil and deception, Iago is paranoid. Iago is dishonest and creative, and it would have been easy for him to think of new reasoning for his hatred. Iago's numerous uses of the adultery claim suggests that he truly believes that his wife was unfaithful. It is already known that he is jealous of Othello and Cassio for their higher positions in the navy, and Iago is searching for more justifiable reasons for his hatred. Iago is quick to jump to conclusions due to his petty anger and jealousy. In addition to his desire to convince the audience that his hatred is justified, Iago also feels the need to convince himself.