Othello - Othello 3 - Iago's Connection to Demons and the Devil

In Shakespeare's Othello, the character of Iago is a scheming right hand man to Othello. Iago wishes to be lieutenant, yet is not chosen for the position and decides to create a plan to take the position as his own and to get Othello out of power. He is known for being two-faced: he is nice and polite to Othello and Cassio, yet is really a nefarious man who is plotting behind their backs. Iago has been said to relate with demons and the Devil. This is certainly one way to view this character, for he often does seem to hint that he is like them in some way: "When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now" (II.iii.371-373). Iago compares himself to a devil who makes himself look honest but truly has the worst intentions by saying "As I do now," which confirms that he is doing exactly as a devil would. Iago is also associated with dark imagery, calling forth the notion that he could be associated with dark arts, manipulation, and trickery.