Topic > Analysis of Iago's soliloquy in Othello - 701

This soliloquy shows how Iago tries to deceive Othello by asking Cassio about Bianca who is a prostitute gone mad for Cassio. Because Othello is too jealous of Cassio, so he will definitely misunderstand that Cassio is talking about Bianca, but about Desdemona. Before this, Iago has already put a “worm” in Othello's ears that Desdemona betrays him. Although Othello wants to believe in Desdemona's purity and innocence, Iago continues to pretend things between Desdemona and Cassio. Furthermore, Othello never tries to ask Desdemona and Cassio for the truth; he only listens to Iago's words which become his fatal weakness. It's easy to say that in this play; people's motivations to do bad things are driven by jealousy. Iago, jealous of Cassio chosen by the Moor as his lieutenant, therefore decides to take revenge on the Moor and Cassio. Othello is also jealous of Cassio who “wins” Desdemona, which is why he wants to kill Desdemona and Cassio. Therefore, jealousy is basically the factor that leads to all tragedies. He can easily manipulate people's thoughts and behaviors. So, he's actually a smart person. He knows how to achieve his goal if he makes a decision. And he is the person who brings this comedy to tragedy. From his words it seems that he despises women. In the previous scenes we know that he does not have a good relationship with his wife, even though his wife treats him well. He always scolds his wife and calls her stupid. He does not respect women because he thinks it is the curse of the prostitute to deceive the man. Prostitute is not just a name but a job that strongly refers to men because if there is no man to find prostitutes, they cannot continue this job. Therefore it is not only women's fault, men should also take responsibility for it