Why does Iago say he loves Desdemona?

Answer 1

This is one of those things that people debate about endlessly, like whether Hamlet was really crazy. Even Iago, who talks to us a lot during the play, does not seem to be sure why he hates them so much. It could be a lot of factors, such as:

1: Iago is a chauvinist and hates anyone not born in Venice (as neither Othello or Cassio is)

2: Iago believes that he is entitled to a higher place in the army because of his background and resents Othello and Cassio who have their positions based on merit.

3: Iago believes that Cassio was not promoted on merit and resents him as a mere paper-pusher and resents Othello for promoting him.

4: Iago believes that Othello has slept with Emilia.

5: Iago is secretly in love with Desdemona and resents the fact that she seems to like both Othello and Cassio better than him.

6: Iago is secretly in love with Othello, and resents the fact that he seems to love both Cassio and Desdemona better than him.

7: Iago secretly believes that nobody loves him, because he is unlovable, and hates anyone who seems to be loved by another.

Answer 2

alright, in an annoyed response to the douche-wank guy who wrote 'becuz he is a dirty slut.' for an answer when i was looking for some USEFUL last minute homework help,

here is a better answer:

- iago is 'evil' and enjoys harvesting hatred on others; some claim that he is a devil (this is shown when Othello attempts to kill him, and he does not die; 'i bleed sir but not killed' - somewhere at the end of act 5, as according to myth, devils cannot be killed)

- iago is angry at Othello for promoting cassio over himself as he feels cassio has no real experience at war 'he hath never set a squadron in the field' and that he himself is a far worthier candidate; and pursues his revenge over this matter

- iago seeks revenge as he believes Othello has had an affair with his wife, emilia (there is scant evidence of this)

- some suggest that iago uses these above 'excuses' to fuel his hatred for Othello and cassio but these small acts do not justify his evil deeds

- others, (who i think may have over-interpreted a lil'), believe that iago has a homosexual desire for Othello, admiring his good qualities of bravery and honesty and his anger and hatred is powered by this.... craving.

- nonetheless, whatever the reason, iago does his thing out of spite,jealousy and revenge which he has directed mainly toward Othello and cassio

OOOP! forgot racism; yes, key element. another interpretation is that iago has a racist view of Othello, often using rascist or animalistic references when talking of him 'an old, black ram is tupping your white ewe'. Iago is also angered that a man of such race can be so highly esteemed in society.

Some also say that Shakespeare seeks to demonstrate the 'goodness' of Othello's race, portraying him as the noble, and heroic character (when not consumed by jealousy), whilst portraying iago, the standard venetian man, as the 'bad' character

ok im done, my eyes are falling off..... goodnight.

Answer 3

Iago resents Cassio because Iago resents the privilege that Cassio represents, and Iago equates this with a lack of manliness. We see this in the opening scene when he calls Cassio "bookish" and a "spinster" (1.1.23) while he himself, an experienced soldier, passed over-"And I, God bless the mark, his Moorship's ancient!" This is also why his anger seems so excessive when Cassio acts mannerly with Desdemona, patronizing Iago as he does so: "Let it not gall your patience, good Iago, / That I extend my manners; 'tis my breeding / That gives me this bold show of courtesy" (2.1.97-99). Iago cannot stand it. We see this "class feeling" again in Act 5 when Gratiano and Lodovico have forgotten his name: "these bloody accidents must excuse my manners / That so neglected you." (5.1.93-95). Here he apes the "courtesy" that Cassio says Iago lacks (Act 2). Because he wants to be accepted as an equal, he addresses Cassio as "brother" ( 5.1.71). Therefore, his bitterness at Cassio springs not so much from disappointment over not being promoted on just this one occasion as from his general sense that he is not acceptable as "officer material." He compensates for these humiliations, the daily beauty of privilege "that makes me ugly" (5.1.20).

AND He also suspects that Cassio has slept with his wife.

He is jealous of Cassio.

Answer 4

because