In William Shakespeare's play, Othello, the antagonist, Iago is bent on the destruction of his Superior Officer, Othello. Iago and his crony, Rodrigo, lie and manipulate many of Othello's close companions in order to do so. The real question is what is Iago's motives. What seems to be the most likely cause of Iago's hatred would be jealousy. For one, he hates it enough that he must be submissive to Othello, as Othello is his superior. Furthermore, not only is he not Othello's ranking as a captain but two levels below. This all came to be thanks to Othello's proclivity to his friend Michael Cassio, whom Othello found more fit to serve right under him. Iago says to Rodrigo,
"Three great ones of the city
(In personal suit to make me his lieutenant)
Off-capped to him, and by the faith of man
I know my price, I am worth no worse a place" (Shakespeare Act 1, Scene 1, Lines 9-13)
Despite suggestions by many renowned people to make Iago Othello's second in command, Othello ignored their requests and claimed to have already chosen Cassio. Iago is bitter about these considering how much more experience he has over Cassio, who is truly just a bookworm. Iago also has much hatred for Othello that he believes Othello slept with his wife. The whether this claim is viable or not remains to be seen, however, Othello believes it to be true. All of these reasons that Iago hates Othello are magnified by Othello's biggest difference, he is black. These furthermore ignites Iago's hatred of Othello.
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