Mehmi 1Sam MehmiMs. HanemannENG 3U06 March 2014Words: 1738The evil seed in OthelloPlanting an evil seed will become a tree and as the growth progresses, the evil within it also increases. Similarly in Shakespeare's Othello, Iago is the evil seed that grows on a tree and, despite the great friends it has given him, slowly but surely becomes more malevolent. At the beginning of the play, Iago is jealous of Cassio for his title and plans his plan to get rid of him. Subsequently, Iago begins to carry out his plan and soon gains the advantage of becoming Othello's lieutenant. Finally, Iago's evil nature continues and grows on him even after he obtains the title he so desires. Iago's monologues, manipulation and actions of others bring out the maturation of the suit and the extent of his character. The beginning of the play, Iago was only resentful and hateful for the jealousy he had towards Cassio for the title he so deserved of lieutenant. Iago harbors so much hatred towards Cassio that he begins to plan a downfall that would eliminate him completely. Upset that Cassio was chosen over him, his acts begin by telling Roderigo how the army really works. "Well, there is no remedy. It is the curse of service; / Preference depends on letter and affection, / And not on the old gradation, whereby every second / Was heir to the first." Shakespeare (I, I, 35-38) Iago clearly disdains the fact that he was not selected. This is a key quote that sets the timer for the actions Iago takes throughout the game. Becoming the lieutenant is Iago's primary goal and it is clear to the audience that he will do anything to achieve it. Iago is simply jealous at this point and Jeal... middle of paper... tries to get more. As he grows in power, more and more things start to happen around him and as more things happen, Iago has more evil ideas and grows much more. Shakespeare had created a perfect villain. A villain who solves everything and dominates the stage, bringing the character to life. Mehmi 6 Annotated bibliography Iyasere, Solomon, Marla Iyasere and Janet Adelmen. “Iago's Alter Ego: Race as Projection in Othello's Understanding Racial Issues in Shakespeare's “Othello”: Selected Critical Essays (2008): 286Othello: “One imperfection shows me another.” Ethics and aesthetics in Othello's “Marble Paradise” and Iago's “imperfect” plot. Shakespeare and this "imperfect" world: dramatic form and the nature of knowledge (1997): 206Shakespeare, William. Othello. London: Oxford, 1989. Print.