Iago as a moral character

The idea of morality in the play of Othello differs from the idea of ethics. According to Professor Little's lecture, Iago presents himself as the most moral character in the play; no matter how deceptive and cunning he is in his attempt to gain control of the situation. According to this idea of of Iago of being moral makes us redefine what we think is morality. In this case, Professor Little is suggesting that Iago embodies a set of moral beliefs that resemble those of the audience; no matter how unethical they may seem. The idea that morality is a social construct and allows us to view Iago as a representation of the views of 16th century British citizens. Beyond that, Iago serves as a stable character in the play because of his determination to do what he thinks is right as opposed to the flip flopping ideals of Othello who is not strong in will.
Iago warns of the troubles that a marriage between Desdemona and Othello can cause chaos in British society. According to Iago and the structure of the play, the intrigue into the private lives of Othello and Desdemona creates a sense of perversion among the audience which; as Iago warns, will turn into an inevitable homo-erotic intrigue. Iago martyrs himself to help from having this happen and therefore he is the most moral character in the sense that he rescues the situation and preserves a way of life.
Shakespeare maybe commenting on how these racist and absurd ideals in British society function that although they follow a set moral code, they seem ethically wrong in creating murder and tragedy by the end of the play. Othello causes the audiance to rethink their stance once seeing the cruelty of Iago's moral act.


Leon Khela
section 1E