"Othello": The Pivotal Role of Iago

     Looking back at the past four acts in Othello by William Shakespeare, Iago's numerous lies and manipulations of various characters begin to fall perfectly into place, making his role pivotal in the plot line.  Iago's countless lies have set off a chain reaction.  One vicious untruth leads to the downfall of them all.  Moreover, by Iago indirectly firing Cassio, Desdemona spends more time with Cassio, trying to reclaim his position.  Then, when Iago plant a false send of Desdemona's unfaithfulness in Othello, the couple turns against one another.  Eventually the intensity of Othello's hatred for Desdemona urges the desire to "...Strangle her in bed..." (Shakespeare, IV.i.191).  Clearly, Iago's plotting goes past the point of simply wanting a higher position in the military.  Because Iago suggests the killing of both Desdemona and Othello, I predict that the two will soon both perish.