Prince Machiavelli and Othello

During the previous lecture, Professor Little was mentioning many key themes in regards to the play, “ Othello.” Among the many interesting things that were discussed in class, one of them was the fact that the character of Iago functions as a “Machiavellian” character or stage figure. This term is one that is coined for Prince Machiavelli. Machiavelli is famous for his political treatise, "The Prince" which espouses, among other things, that the ends to power always justify the means. In drama, when stating that a character is “Machiavellian,” it means that this figure is using his ambition and will to do whatever he must do in order to succeed. It is evident that Iago’s constant plots and plans to destroy the relationship between Othello and Desdemona exemplify this. Through Iago’s ambition and will, he fools and manipulates those around him, in order to attain what he desires. Professor Little mentioned that in Miachiavelli’s discourse, he writes that the politician is an actor which, “must be a skillful pretender and dissembler, he must seem to have the virtues of good faith, charity, humanity and religion.” Therefore, the character of Iago functions as a stage figure who exemplifies this very philosophy. However, Iago’s behavior is a slightly exaggerated form of it.

Deanna Ashikyan
Section 1F
Friday (5-5:50)