Write an extend response that discusses the various 'versions' of Iago that the audience is exposed to and consider how he contributes to our understanding of the various themes within the play.

1. Make sure you include direct evidence
2. Makes sure you reference the evidence (Act 3, Scene 5, 45-50)
3. Discuss positioning techniques
4. Consider the values, attitudes and ideas that are embedded within the text
5. Use well-constructed sentences and paragraphs.
6. Proof-read carefully.

Through-out the play, Othello, Shakespeare positions the audience to view the many personalities of the character, Iago, where the audience get a real insight into the real Iago. In the play, Iago disrupts the natural peace and causes conflict through his genius manipulation towards other characters such as; Othello, Cassio and Roderigo. When manipulating Roderigo he explains his hate for Othello, ‘Though I [Iago] do hate him [Othello] as I do hell-pains, Yet, for necessity of present life, I must show out a flag and sign of love,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 147-149). Although, Iago has much hate for Othello he acknowledges that he needs to not show this hate in front of Othello, but rather show love. This ‘version’ of Iago is derived from the fact that Iago believes he should’ve been Othello’s lieutenant rather than Cassio, “I know my price, I am worth no worse a place,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Line 11). This displays the theme of jealousy, where Iago was given the low position of an ancient, where he believes he should rather be the Lieutenant. Again, the theme of jealousy arises once more, where he believes Othello slept with Emilia, “For that I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap’d into my seat,” (Act 2: Scene 1: Lines 214-215). This shows that in the play, loyalty between a husband and a wife is very much valued, so much that death be the answer.

Iago plays a different character when in the eyes of Othello and this plays an important role in the play, Othello. When Iago is by himself or talking to Roderigo he is has quite prejudices ideas towards Othello, “An old black ram Is tupping your white ewe,” (Act 1: Scene 1: Lines 88-89). The use of binary opposition between the colours of ‘white’ and ‘black’ allows the audience see the racist slurs made against Othello and to therefore, make it clear of the prejudice theme that is constant through-out the play. With this in mind, it is clear that being a black man in the play is looked down upon and therefore, being a person of the white race is valued. Although Iago talks quite rudely behind Othello’s back, he is most kind and honest when in the presence of Othello, much so that Othello comments quite often of Iago’s “honesty and love,” (Act 2: Scene 3: Line 195). This is another ‘version’ of Iago where he is seen as a kind companion in Othello’s eyes. This displays how two faced Iago is and helps us, as the audience, to understand the underlying theme of deception and disloyalty between friendships and relationships in the play by Iago.