Expert: Randy Sus - 10/29/2009

Question
I've been set an essay over half term and am a bit confused and cant contact my teacher.
my question is:
how far would you agree with the view that iagos skills of manipulation in act 3 scene 3 make him an attractive tragic villain?

now i dont want the question answered i just dont understand how someone can be an attractive tragic villain and ive read the play and he doesn't seem very attractive to me just really evil.

Answer
Hi, Laura,

Thanks for calling upon "Allexperts" for an opinion regarding Iago's abilities as an "attractive" (villain) manipulator.

I believe that the term "attractive" suggests that the manipulator is so clever that he/she so COMPLETELY wins the confidence of his/her "victim" that the victim completely trusts the villain despite being used by him/her.  


I will admit that I did NOT re-read Act 3 to see just what manipulation Iago was using there, but, throughout the play, he is a master at getting his way with people and holding their trust.

To answer your question,  I would agree completely that Iago's skills as manipulator make him a great villain.  I believe that NO other character in any other of Shakespeare's plays equal Iago's skills as a manipulative villain.  

You have a good essay topic and, in the play, several proofs to defend your argument, so, give it a go and you'll earn top marks.

HAPPY TRAILS,

Randy