by Rosemary Barber, Blogging Circle #3
I understand why a character like Iago would be so unlikeable, and his destructive actions throughout the play definitely prove that he is a cruel individual. However, there seems to be sufficient amount of evidence throughout the play that proves that Iago does have a reason behind his actions. When I first read this play a few years ago I was convinced that Iago was a motiveless character who thrived off of chaos and the misery of others. But after thoroughly re-reading this play, I think that there is evidence to prove that Iago’s maliciousness is due to his internal conflict about his sexuality. Early on Iago expresses that he does not want anyone to know who he truly is, he states, “But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve / For daws to peck at. I am not what I am” (1.1.61-71). He indicates that if he wore his heart on his sleeve then people would “pick” at him, which may indicate that their is a part of his identity he may be ashamed about. Also, for him to say that he is not what what people think he is reveals that people are not aware of his true identity. Iago also shares a lot of intimate moments with Othello, and it is clear that Iago deeply understands Othello, since he able to manipulate him by understanding Othello’s strengths and weaknesses. It is not rare for men to share a bond like this, but the other factor causing me to question his sexuality is his constant criticism of women. For example, at one point Iago states, “Come on! Come on! You are pictures out of door, / Bells in your parlors, wildcats in your kitchens, / Saints in your injuries, devils being offended, / Players in your housewifery, and housewives in your bed” (2.1.108-111). He seems to think that all women are the same, and he suggests that even though women look presentable in public, it does not mean that they are good people or that they are satisfying in bed. Iago’s statement seems to reveal that he does not have strong sexual feelings towards women, while he is more than willing to spend an exorbitant amount of time with Othello.
Iago also seems to use the lie about Desdemona being unfaithful in order to spend more intimate time with Othello. Iago subtly suggesting to Othello that Desdemona may be cheating, and Othello states that Iago has to tell him the truth otherwise he is not a good friend. Iago responds to this, stating, “My lord, you know I love you” (3.3.116). He may be continuing his manipulation, but he could also be using the situation to interject his feelings about Othello without repercussion. Iago’s lust for Othello may be causing him to destroy Othello’s love life, in the sense that if Iago cannot have Othello, then no one can. Iago does not ever give one clear answer as to why he is manipulating Othello, in fact, he continually changes his reason for torturing Othello. At first he states that his reason is because Othello did not choose him for the lieutenant position, he states, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place” (1.1.10). However, a few scenes later he states that he is being malicious because he thinks Othello has been having an affair with his wife, he states, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor / Hath leaped into my seat” (2.3.279-80). He seems to change his mind a lot about why he hates Othello, which exposes that both of these reasons probably have nothing to do with Iago’s actions towards Othello. Perhaps Iago realized that not getting the lieutenant position would mean that he would have to spend less time with Othello, and that Cassio would be the one who would get alone time with Othello. Cassio’s ability to spend time with Othello would explain why Iago took vindictive actions towards both Othello and Cassio. Iago’s negative feelings about his sexuality are not an excuse for his cruel actions, but it does provide us with some understanding of Iago’s character and why he is so cruel to others. Ultimately Iago may just be a character who does not know how cope with his feelings towards men, and he creates destruction in other people’s lives instead of taking the time to try and understand his sexuality.
Rosemary, I found this post to be very interesting in fact, I wrote my assignment on Iago’s love for Othello and what may be behind it other than his desire to get the position of Lieutenant. While he does make it clear in the beginning that he wants revenge on Cassio for obtaining the position that he failed to do, it slowly shifts to other motives that may be driving him. For instance, like you mentioned he constantly reminds Othello that HE loves him and his wife DOES NOT. This reiteration seems to be driven by love rather than any other motive because he loses touch with what he was doing in the first place, which was making Cassio lose his job. Even when he does this he still is close to Othello even though his plans of action to get revenge are being carried out flawlessly and mostly by other people helping him. This is more of a psychological love through his manipulation, and it may even have been unintentional. Possibly Iago convinced himself that he was in love with Othello after everything that he did to break him and Desdemona apart. He is possibly just that good of a mastermind at playing games that he just may have fooled himself as well.
I really like your take on Iago’s motivations, particularly with attention to a modern worldview applied to the time in which Iago exists. I think having all of Iago’s actions described by him trying to hide his sexuality seems a little far fetched, because as much as repressed feelings might get someone to act negatively, I think the amount of planning and forsight that Iago exhibits proves that his actions are done with intent, rather than flippantly because of frustrations. I think the most telling piece of evidence of Iago potentially being homosexual is not so much his relationship with Othello, as much as how he treats Emilia, and how he uses her as a tool to accomplish his goals. I thought at first that Emilia could have been used more effectively, more like a partner, in Iago’s schemes, because it seems she would have been more than willing to participate. However, Iago ignores that potential relationship and instead goes at it on his own, and in a way “seduces” Othello. Likewise, he does not aim to seduce Desdemona himself or through anyone else, so it seems his sensitivity around heterosexual relationships is evident and effects his decision making. In the same vain, I like your point about him almost being jealous of Cassio, and how that drags Cassio into the equation where he didn’t really need to be. Finally, I think his relationship with Roderigo is telling, because he really despises Roderigo’s chasing after Desdemona, perhaps because the heterosexual ideals continue to disgust him, making it easier for him to eventually kill.
Rosemary,
Wow! Great response. I was intrigued from the start. Iago is such an enigma that we are left to our own devices to figure something out about him. Your observations were well established and all your points were valid. I caught on to this idea at some points, but figured during this time period, it was the way very close, intimate friends speak to one another (unlike today with men, especially). Iago never gives us a real motive and so we are left to wonder. I believe his struggle with his sexuality to be a credible hypothesis, due to his intimacy toward Othello but also the way he speaks how deeply he cares for Cassio as well, not to mention his utter disgust with women. His default to coping method may be through creating misery and destruction that he feels internally. This post got me thinking in a whole new perspective—again, great job!
Rosemary, this was such a captivating and insightful blog post! It is so hard to accept the evil Iago committed without a clear-cut motivation. We naturally want answers and, honestly, your theory is the most compelling one I have heard thus far! Even with the Othello film we viewed in class, there was a certain intimacy in Othello and Iago’s relationship. Whispering, touching, a certain tenseness in the air. I would say it supports your findings because director’s never do anything on accident. Every single stage direction or action was planned. In addition to Iago’s sexism towards women and quotes that allude to shame or hidden sexuality, I would say that Iago’s constant racism could reflect the possible romantic connection to Othello too. After all, in psychology, projection occurs when one takes their own “unacceptable” characteristics, thoughts, feelings, etc. and projects them onto someone else. Therefore, he appears racist—and essentially is—to avoid feeling anything different (or possibly sensual) towards Othello himself. This would explain his constant belittling comparisons of Othello to animals and lesser things.
I too, read Iago as a character severely trouble with his identity. However, I did not think of Iago as conflicted about his sexuality until I saw the evidence you present. I think I would also have to re-read the play to firmly agree or disagree, but after a quick review of his character I found some evidence that goes along with your idea. There is definitely a deep jealousy in Iago. One of the first things he says is, “Were I the Moor, I would not be Iago” (1.1.55). The footnote has a couple of interpretations and mentions that this line could “suggest a deeper self-loathing and identification with Othello.” A gay Iago who is attracted to Othello would no longer be Iago if he were the Moor because part of Iago’s being is “lover of Othello.” Thank you for sharing this analysis of Iago, it is fascinating and I would not have picked up on it on my own.
Hi Rosemary! I found your analysis to be extremely insightful and and intuitive, and your blog post immediately grabbed my attention because simply put, I had never thought of Iago’s actions in that way. I had always chalked up Iago’s motivation to pure insanity with the added possibility of racism. While I still believe that those are plausible motives, I had never considered the possibility that Iago harbored homoerotic feelings towards men (Othello to be specific) and internalized these feelings to the point where they emerged as internalized homophobia. In Act I, Scene III, Iago states,
“I hate the Moor,
And it is thought abroad, that ‘twixt my sheets
‘Has done my office. I know not if ‘t be true,
But I, for mere suspicion in that kind,
Will do as if for surety.”
I had always assumed that Iago was using false information regarding Othello and Emilia as an excuse for his motive-less actions, but I suppose if you were to read it in a different light, he is jealous of Othello being with anybody else, rather than because he believed him to have slept with his wife. It is interesting how you bring up how Iago devotes a large amount of time to talk to, and console Othello, all on the basis that he possibly loves him. I had always seen this as Iago simply attempting to get into Othello’s good graces, all so he could pull the trigger on his plans. Again, it is an element of Iago’s character that I had never previously considered or explored. In fact, this analytical hypothesis actually makes me want to reread the entire play with this possible context in mind, just so I can explore this idea for myself.
Rosemary,
Your ideas here are incredible! You provide an excellent amount of evidence to support your claim and I really think you might be onto something here. I think it’s also very telling that we don’t see Iago’s reaction to Othello’s death. We could gain so much more insight into how he truly felt about the general if Shakespeare had chosen to include the emotional response or lack thereof when Iago watches his “friend” die before him. We could see if this was his plan all along or whether he was hoping that Othello would be by his side forever. Either way, we may never know, but I think your idea holds alot of weight and would be a great essay topic!
I think this was a really interesting post! I never even thought of the possibility that Iago could be hiding these deep dark feelings for Othello. It is true that we never learn his motives and he never shares any with us (at least not that we believe to be true). I did notice his language towards women, especially his wife. I never believed he loved Emilia and honestly I was wondering why on Earth they are even married in the first place. He has no respect or love towards females and sees them as more of an annoyance. He even kills his own wife and doesn’t feel even the least bit sorry for it. I always thought he just talked to Othello that intimately to convince him of his evil plan, but this post reveals even more possibilities of Iago’s secrets.
This is my favorite blog post because there’s so much to think about and it might actually be true! I never thought about this before but you do give quite a lot of good evidence. Though your title kind of threw me off a little bit. Homophobia might not be the appropriate word since your blog post is about Iago himself being gay not that he’s hating on other guys because they are gay. It would make more sense to title this Iago’s Internalized Homosexuality. The only thing I don’t 100% agree with you on is the part where Iago tells Othello: “My Lord, you know I love you” and you say that’s his way to actually tell him his feelings. That is definitely a possibility but the tone for that line has always been more like just something one says to assuage someone else or something like that. I also took it to be kind of sarcastic. But then again, it definitely could be his way of admitting his feelings (if any) to Othello and by blowing it off as sarcastic. But after reading your post, it reminds me of little kids who crush on each other. Boys especially bully and pick on the girls they like — maybe this is also part of Iago’s cruelty. He handles his emotions like a child.
Rosemary,
Your post was very insightful! Iago’s motivation for being so cruel and heartless is an interesting topic of discussion. I was content with our class discussion in which we observed that perhaps there is no answer for what motivates Iago because that is a fact of reality; we often never know why people do terrible things. However, your analysis and the proof you provide in your post have made me reconsider my reading of this part of the play. Considering the possibility of an internal conflict of sexual preference would explain a lot of Iago’s actions, especially his choice to be silent at the end of this play. Is he himself aware of his potentially homosexual motivations? Does he perhaps choose to be silent because he still can not admit it to himself, let alone others?
Rosemary,
Very interesting post regarding Iago’s sexuality which possibly lead to his malicious nature. I am not a fan of Iago, for it seems his evil has taken over him making the play at times predictable and lengthy. I enjoyed your close reading, perhaps when he states he is not what he appears to be is him referring to his hidden sexuality. This may be the driving force for his desire to take down a powerful man, for he is spending quite a lot of time with Othello. However, I also feel that in the nature of masculinity men typically want to be more powerful than the men around them, thus, Iago’s desire to take down Cassio in efforts to increase his position. During one of our class discussions we talked about the “vow” like interaction between Iago and Othello, which relates to your post illustrating the sexual conflict Iago experiences.
Rosemary, this was an incredibly insightful response to Iago’s motives in Othello. Honestly, I never imagined Iago conflicting with his own sexuality and pursuing Othello in any way. Still, I wonder why Iago wanted to sleep with Desdemona in order to get revenge on Othello for potentially having sex with his wife? Also, he says “I hate the Moor” at the end of Act I while he’s completely alone. Does this suggest that he hates Othello out of jealousy or that he’s just completely confused about his feelings? Or does he sincerely hate Othello for promoting Cassio instead of himself? It’s hard to assume that’s his only motive considering the evidence you present. Moreover, he does say that “Cassio’s a [handsome] man” (2.1.374) regarding his plans to turn Othello against Desdemona. It’s surprising that Iago wouldn’t hate Cassio more for being handsome and being closer to Othello if he truly loves the Moor of Venice. Ultimately, great response Rosemary, and I imagine this would be an amazing essay if you decided to build upon it.