Othello Play Analysis

In the play Othello, the character named Lago is an illustration of individuals who do not get satisfied. Regardless of the individuals persuading and making sure that Cassio is integrated into the system, Lago seems to have other issues lying within him. The friend is given the position of lieutenant, a position that Lago feels uncomfortable about when Cassio is in charge. At the start of the play, the individuals struggle to make sure that Othello offers Cassio the place of a lieutenant. When Othello appoints the young and energetic man to serve as lieutenant, Lago is enraged and feels uncomfortable with the position. This action introduces the main reason that Lago develops hatred against Othello. The character is now determined to see that Othello falls. Vengeance because of Othello’s appointment of Cassio in place of a lieutenant is the sole issue that Lago wants to eliminate Othello.

Development of Lago’s Hatred

The fact that Cassio is at a higher rank (Lieutenant) makes the antagonist feel insecure with the boss. The physical appearance that seems to suit Cassio’s new position becomes an issue for Lago. The character does not want to see the new lieutenant perform duties that constitute being in charge of all individuals at a lower rank (Lago being part of them). Lago resents the young gentleman because of his position. In return, Lago equates the actions of the individual to those lacking in human qualities. For instance, in the opening scene, Lago is featured attributing Cassio as a ‘spinster’ and a ‘bookish’(1.1.23) while Lago himself, regardless of being an experienced soldier, just passed over- “…God bless the mark…his Moorship’s ancient”. These actions explain why the jealousy inside Lago tends to grow, and it is excessive to the extent that the individual is determined to eliminate the other subjects. The fact Cassio acts in a mannerly way with Desdemona makes Lago’s fury unbearable. After Cassio learns that his actions are making Lago uncomfortable, he asks the person to let the actions not cause patience in the self. He claims that extending good manners is not a fake thing when Cassio says that “tis my breeding” (2.1.97-99) and also adds that “…gives me this bold show of courtesy.”

Othello is a remarkable character in Shakespeare’s work and forms the central theme of the play. It is through the individuals that the characteristics of other characters become evident. The main plot of the play revolves around this important character, and all other characters are developed through his actions and the manner in which each responds to his sentiments. The noble Moor, also Othello, is the victim of the actions that Lago is undertaking from the start of the play to the end, where Othello ends up ruining his life. All the conspiracy against Othello is presented using the individuals that command respect from him. Othello uses the subject to make sure that plans laid for the downfall of the noble Moor become a reality. For instance, Lago uses the close friend of Othello, Michael Cassio, to show the infidelity of Othello’s wife. Regardless of Desdemona being a loyal and faithful wife, the character ends up being used as bait to trap Othello. The main aim of the antagonist is to make sure that there is revenge due to the actions of Othello, which Lago finds abusive. Rather than embracing the success of others, Lago’s jealousy pressures the individual to perform actions that do not have enough weight to be executed. Lago defines the stereotypic individuals who demand higher that do not match their skills. In order to haunt Othello, the character presents a handkerchief that claim the lieutenant received from Othello’s wife. This makes Othello furious; as expected, the wife or the lieutenant would have to receive the consequences. Lago is relieved of his grief when he learns that Desdemona is dead. The plan to destroy Othello seems to work well on Lago’s side. However, none seems to have perceptions of Lago’s actions.

The other target is the lieutenant; Lago wants to make sure that none is above his position. As a result, he works to make sure that Cassio will no longer work as a lieutenant. It should be noted that assigning Cassio as the lieutenant acted as one of the triggers for Lago’s jealousy and fury against Othello. Therefore, the end of the lieutenant would make Lago feel relieved from his irritating effect. In spite of the character’s elimination from Othello’s faithful individuals, he is more obsessed with finding that Othello has been destroyed completely. According to Lago, Othello is the cause of his grief and needs to be eliminated in order for him to find peace. Lago forms a party with Othello’s envious character (Roderigo). Roderigo is jealous of Othello because of marrying Desdemona. With the help of Roderigo, Lago’s plan to destroy Othello seems to work well. At the end of the play, readers are presented with the death of Othello, which is a result of the hardships imposed by Lago. It is possible to conclude that all the evil actions Lago is doing are a result of jealousy.