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A Motivational Analysis of Othello In the play Othello by Shakespeare the motivation of Othello as well as Iago has been questioned by various critics Can a man heroic as Othellos character is depicted fall so helplessly before the petty trickery of Iago Did Iago lack sufficient motivation in destroying the lives of three innocent people Many critics with opposing views have answered these questions From the first scene of the play Iagos hate for the moor is clearly seen Thus his first and most dominant resentment against Othello is unveiled to the audience This resentment stems from Othellos appointing Michael Cassio as lieutenant over Iago himself Certes says he I have already chose my officer And what was he Forsooth a great mathematician One Michael Cassio a Florentine and Iagoa fellow almost damned in a fair wife that never set a squadron in the field Nor the division of a battle knowsShakespeare Ii 16-20 Iago sure of his superiority over Cassio for the position of lieutenant is thoroughly offended by Othellos decision to appoint Michael Cassio instead of him Othellos overlooking of Iago for the position of lieutenant initially begins Iagos devilish plans His anger is understandable as explained by William Maginn in his 1839 essay Iago had been affronted in the tenderest point He felt that he had strong claims on the office of lieutenant to Othello who had witnessed his soldierly abilities At Rhodes at Cyprus and on other grounds Christian and heathen Ii29-30 The greatest exertion was made to procure it for him and yet he is refused And so with this Othellos fate is practically sealed Iago is dedicated to make the Othello pay for the injustice he has received Cassio was more innocent in gaining Iagos despise than Othello Othello didnt appoint Iago as lieutenant and didnt think that he would be offended This was somewhat ignorant on Othellos part for he didnt even give
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