The Villainous Insane Iago

Shakespeare's Othello has the insane character of Iago as a central character.  As Act I begins, he is extremely angry about the recent marriage of Desdemona to the "moor", Othello.   Iago claims, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him./ We cannot all be masters, nor all masters/ Cannot be truly followed" (I. i. 44-46).  He elucidates how he wants to be the type of servant who that looks dutiful on the outside, but will systematically use this facade to make money serving.  Iago continues to perpetuate a false appearance as he operates in a deceitful manner when relating to other characters.  His mastery of language allows Iago to manipulate other characters into believing him.  For instance, Barbantio is forced to listen to the screaming outside his window of the crazed Iago trying to convince him of Othello's despicable magical actions against Desdemona.  Iago yells, 

Iago: “Because we come to do you service and you think we are ruffians, you’ll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse. You’ll have your nephews neigh to you. You’ll have coursers for cousins and gennets for germans."

Barbantio: "What profane wretch art thou?"

Iago: "I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs."

Barbantio: "Thou art a villian." (I. i. 106-114).

In the exchange, Iago is screaming how Barbantio's grandchildren will be black and "neigh" like horses.  He is using crude language to incite Barbantio's emotions.  Moreover, in Act I Scene iii lines 340-341 Iago plots to even use Roderigo to seek revenge on Othello: "I have ’t. It is engendered! Hell and night/ Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light".  Similar to Iago's crazy exploitations, he has a severe dislike of women.  Iago speaks in a belittling manner of Desdemona, "Come on, come on. You are pictures out of door, bells in your parlors, wild-cats in your kitchens, saints in your injuries, devils being offended, players in your housewifery, and housewives in your beds." (II. i. 116-118).  He demeans Desdemona an other women playing tricks whether ugly or good looking.  Iago's judgments are likely remnants of his disdain for his own wife's cheating behaviors.  Lastly, Iago has no real power to even act for he merely manipulates other people to act in his favor.  His web of manipulative lies makes Iago a dangerous villain.  Iago's despicable lies are his part of his master plan to gain money and supreme power. Look at how Iago capitalizes on manipulations of Cassio, Othello, and Roderigo trusting nature.   Iago's manipulations are able to come to fruition because of the false labeled reputation of being a "trustworthy" gentleman.  

Ultimately, Iago's lies, condescending attitudes, and taste for revenge demonstrate his insane.  

Insanity seems quite the familiar theme for Shakespeare...Was everyone crazy back then?

Iago the crazed bird from Aladdin...Named after Insane Iago?