Revenge is another reason that is driving Iago to destroy lives the way he is doing. The pursuit of revenge by the two main characters namely Iago and Othello is transpiring into a fate that makes Shakespeare demonstrate how revenge rebounds back to hurt the seekers of it. Iago is seeking revenge because he is feeling that he is better qualified. He is offended when Othello appointed Cassio as his lieutenant instead of him. Although Iago will finally secure the lieutenant status he is longing for, his plan is becoming more complicated as other unexpected factors starts to pop up. Examples of unexpected factors that are arising include the handkerchief and Othello’s plot to murder Cassio and Desdemona.

Othello gave his new wife Desdemona this handkerchief, which is supposed to be a symbol of their love. Iago however plants it in one of the quarters of Othello’s friend. By this, Iago is managing to persuade Othello to go in Othello’s friend’s quarter to see for himself. Othello has decided to go and upon seeing it, he is becoming so angry and jealous thinking that the two have slept together (Shakespeare-online). Iago then manages to use this to turn Othello against his wife as he is being convinced to kill his own wife for cheating on him. This scene is revealing the extent of evil in Iago’s heart by how he is managing to turn people against their loved ones.

Ironically, it is his wife, Emilia, who is unveiling Iago’s evil plot. Emilia is sarcastically saying to Iago in Act 5 Scene 2, “You have done well, that men have laid their murders on your neck,” (Shakespeare Act 5 Scene 2). Emilia is about to expose everything about Iago but halfway of telling Othello the truth, Iago his husband stabs her to death. This is the kind of evil character Iago is, that he has killed his own wife while she was