How Are Othello And Iago Similar

Revenge is a dish best served cold. The tragic story of Othello by William Shakespeare, centers around the extreme hatred and seeking of vengeance between the two main characters of Othello and Iago. Throughout this play, the similarities and differences between these flawed individuals is illustrated through their self inflicted tragedies. Both of the main characters are caught in serious wrongdoings making them similar in nature. Their differences lie in each’s awareness of the situation. Othello is caught for the brutal murder of his innocent wife and Iago is ultimately caught committing murder and reeking havoc throughout the play. Iago’s role though the play is one of a puppet master who expertly controls and oversees the actions of Othello
Iago’s resentment is revealed to the audience by the following statement made by Iago: "I follow him to serve my turn upon him" (1.1.9). When Iago says this, he reveals that he serves Othello for the sole purpose of plotting his revenge. Iago begins by starting disagreements between Othello and Brabantio (Desdemona's father). Iago tells Othello that Desdemona went out with a “black ram” and committed undesirable acts. As time goes on, Iago begins to realize that he is becoming stuck inside of his lies when he causes a strengthened hatred toward Othello. Iago says, "I hate the Moor, And it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets, He’s done my office. I know not if ’t be true, But I, for mere suspicion in that kind, Will do as if for surety"( 1:3.15.). Iago has such an obsession with getting revenge, that he does not care what is in his way to destroy the life of Othello. Ultimately, when Iago say this, he kills Roderigo, severely injures Cassio, and kills his own wife. Shakespeare shows this determination of Iago because he wants the reader to see the lethal grip that resentment has on the minds of the