This truly represents what the play is about and how jealousy effects people. Iago had already experienced this emotion which made it easier for him to put Othello in the same state of mind. Iago's plan is what caused Othello to murder his wife and he did so in a state of jealousy. Iago planted the seed, but Othello watered it. Iago's plan was well structured and sophisticated. In, "The Art of Persuasion and Shakespeare's Two Iago's," Benjamin Beir writes, "Iago is very aware of his audience and how to 'abuse' [their] 'ear'" (6). Iago knew exactly what to say and how to say it to make his distorted truths a reality for others. When Iago warned Othello to, "Look to [his] wife, observe her well with Cassio, wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure" (3. 3. 198-99). Othello's feelings of betrayal and jealousy quickly filled him with rage and confusion. .
Iago in a way plays the role of a victim. He pities himself for not being put in the position of second in command because he thinks he deserves it based on his experience. This paly also indicates that Iago pities himself over the thought that his wife may have cheated on him. Because Iago feels sorry for himself, he has no remorse towards others. He wanted Othello to feel what he had already felt. Iago also thought he deserved more power because he felt sorry for himself. Generally people who victimize themselves tend to bring others down with them. It's only fair to the person who victimizes themselves. Iago was a victim in his own mind because he never got his way. He saw Othello as an opportunity to finally get what he wanted. .
Iago was intelligent enough to know that feeling bad for himself would gain him no power. This is where he becomes greedy because he is willing to hurt others- mentally and physically, in order to get his way. The amount of greed in this play is enormous, even if the audience must recognize that human nature comes with greed.
