Iago is the villain of Othello, a tragedy by William Shakespeare. He is a cunning and manipulative character who plots against Othello, the Moorish general and the hero of the play. Iago uses his words, actions, and schemes to plant doubt, jealousy, and suspicion in Othello’s mind, and to ruin his reputation, his marriage, and his life.
Below are quotes where Iago manipulates Othello. These quotes showcase Iago’s manipulation and cunning as he plants seeds of doubt, jealousy, and suspicion in Othello’s mind, ultimately leading to tragic consequences in the play.
I am not what I am.
Men should be what they seem; or those that be not, would they might seem none!
I know my price; I am worth no worse a place.
O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.
The Moor is of a free and open nature that thinks men honest that but seem to be so, and will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.
Demand me nothing. What you know, you know. From this time forth I never will speak word.
I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat.
And what’s he then that says I play the villain?
I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.
O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.
Trifles light as air are to the jealous confirmations strong as proofs of holy writ.
I had rather be a toad and live upon the vapor of a dungeon than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses.
Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; ’twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands. But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed.
I am not what I am.
I do suspect the lusty Moor hath leaped into my seat.
O, you are well tuned now! But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music, as honest as I am.
Men should be what they seem; or those that be not, would they might seem none!
And what’s he then that says I play the villain?
O beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green-eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on.
I had rather be a toad and live upon the vapor of a dungeon than keep a corner in the thing I love for others’ uses.