As mischievous as he is, Iago is one of the smartest characters within Othello. Focusing on Act 1, the reader is launched into a pool of mischief, evil genius and hate toward the character. Iago has the ability to persuade persons to believe what he intends, planting corrupt information within them, which in turn leads them to act out of the ordinary. Iago’s start goal was to be lieutenant, nothing will stop him from getting his desire. What feeds his desire, reminds me of Ravana’s sister, Surpanakha, from The Ramayana. Jealousy drove both characters to manipulate and puppeteer others in order to fulfill their wants. Using the wants of others, they allow other characters to dirty their hands in order to fulfill their wants all while helping them in the process. As others do the heavy lifting, Iago and Surpanakha sit back and rile them up. Both characters used similar tactics to carry out their desires. Iago builds his friendship with Rodrigo, leaving Rodrigo to believe that he is on his side. From there he plants information into his head, frustrating the character which leaves him vulnerable. In this example, “Make all the money thou canst. If sanctimony and a frail vow betwixt an erring barbarian and supersubtle Venetian be not too hard for my wits and all the tribe of hell, thou shalt enjoy her” Act 1 Scene 3, Iago persuades Rodrigo not to kill himself. Rodrigo becomes convinced that Desdemona will become weary of Othello, thus he will have his chance to lie with her. Now Iago would have had no problem for letting Rodrigo die, however without Rodrigo becoming lieutenant would be near impossible. This simple act of kindness proves to be more of a manipulative gesture.
Surpanakha lusts for Rama, however it is near impossible for her to be with him as he is married to Sita. In order to be with Rama, Sita must be dealt with. Powerless, a scapegoat is needed to fight her battle. Why not her all mighty brother Ravana. Surpanakha is able to convince her brother to pursue Sita, doing so would give her the chance to marry Rama. Ravana believed his sister was doing what was best for him, on the other hand, it all boiled down to using Ravana’s power to get to Rama. Both characters display jealousy which fueled their manipulative power in order to quench their thirsts.
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VALERIA KUBLIY // May 6th 2015 at 1:47 pm
Your interpretation and comparison is very interesting. I think that this parallel could also be drawing through Othello’s predicament, since he also was tricked by Iago’s manipulation. And in this case, Sita would be in a same position as Desdemona, who was trying to prove her innocence, while Rama would be in a same position as Othello, manipulating by social prejudice and traditional views, which cause Desdemona’s murder and Sita’s exile.