For example, when the two are discussing Desdemona, Iago says:

O, beware, my lord of jealousy!

It is the green-eyed monster, which doth mock

The meat it feeds on. That cuckold lives in bliss

Who certain of his fate loves the wronger,

But, O, what damned minutes tells he o'ver,

Who dotes yet doubts, suspects, yet fondly loves. (III.iii.166-71)

Here we see an example of Iago's cleverness. He warns Othello about jealousy, appearing to be concerned, knowing that Othello will not be able to contain his emotion. Once the thought of infidelity has entered his mind, it can never be erased. With very little effort, Iago has set Othello up for a great fall. Iago also displays how clever he is with the handkerchief. Iago is a dangerous villain because he is intelligent. He thinks things out and carefully plots his moves. He knows how people operate so he can...
[ View Full Essay]