In William Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulating people who had previously trusted and confided in him. His sudden change from Othello's loyal ensign to a rage-filled villain seems to indicate that a man can no longer accept his position in life. Iago's plot regarding Othello's disappearance begins with idle talk about a disgruntled 28-year-old career soldier who has not been promoted. Iago believes that such a promotion may never happen after Othello rejects his application and makes it clear that he does not believe it appropriate. He sees that Othello only cares about personal and political gain in choosing Cassio as his lieutenant. When Iago teams up with Roderigo, scorned and desperate for love, he begins to plot Othello's downfall. Iago declares an all-out secret war against Othello, Cassio, and anyone who gets in his way. In Iago's first speech in Act I, Scene II, he proclaims his hatred for Othello and outlines his plan for revenge. “After a while, abusing Othello's ears by telling him that he knows his wife too well (Shakespeare 1473). » Iago intends to orchestrate the disappearance of Cassio and Othello. Ostensibly, winning a promotion was the catalyst for Iago's rage, but bringing down Cassio alone does not satisfy his bloodthirsty rage. Although Iago is cunning and ruthless in his quest to ruin Othello, the plot spirals out of his control and only gains momentum when his wife, Emilia, unknowingly helps him. At this point, Iago is about to fail, but possession of Desdemona's handkerchief provides a key piece of the "ocular evidence (Shakespeare)" that Othello needs to be convinced of Desdemona's infidelity. Iago loses control of the situation. Its stated purpose is to provide ...... middle of paper ...... vice to do so. He became a malcontent who first wanted to supplant Cassio and humiliate Othello. As his plot begins to spiral out of control, Iago becomes more daring and random in his actions. “There is no sense in the play that Iago particularly wishes Othello dead. He would probably allow Othello to live in torment indefinitely, if that were possible” (Zender 232) Works Cited Macaulay, Marcia. " "When chaos returns: narrative and narrative analysis in Othello. "." Academic research completed. EBSCO. Internet. April 28, 2011. (2005): 259-276. Shakespeare, William. “The Tragedy of Othello.” DiYanni, Robert. Literature: reading fiction, poetry and theater. New York: McGraw Hill, 2007. 1455-1543. Zender, Karl F. “The Humiliation of Iago.” Studies in English Literature, 1500 - 1900, Spring 1994. Vol. 34, Iss. 2 Spring 1994: 323.