Iago's Psychologist

            After careful observation of my patient, Iago, I have come to believe that he has many issues going on in his life. Iago uses Roderigo to try to get what he wants. He has told his “friend”, Roderigo, that if he does what he tells him that he will be able to get Desdemona. When in reality, Iago could care less if Roderigo actually gets Desdemona. Iago thinks only of himself and how to get what he wants. I believe that Iago is very determined.  In addition to using Roderigo, Iago also has a very passionate hate for Othello.

            Iago does not understand why Othello would promote Michael Cassio instead of him. Iago has more years of experience than Cassio, and he has been fighting in battles for a longer period of time. He thinks that he should be the lieutenant instead of Michael Cassio who is a nerd and has little battle experience.  It is his goal to see Cassio fall from his lieutenant position.  I believe that he wants the lieutenant position so badly because he has a desire to be superior to everyone else. He has much self confidence. There is reason to believe this because of his childhood. I think that he had a great deal of pressure put on him to achieve more than his own parents achieved. He sees rank as a status symbol and a way to try and please his parents. I believe that Iago’s parents, specifically his mother, is to blame for much of his behavior.

            Iago treats women very poorly, especially his wife, Emilia. For example, he is always talking poorly of his wife and is critical of her actions. In addition, he believes the only things women are good for are having sex and raising children. It is evident that he is a misogynist. I believe that a reason for this could be that he had mother problems growing up. He was probably not very fond of his mother and she set a poor example of ladylike behavior. It is very possible that she slept with many men other than Iago’s father.

            After my evaluation of Iago, I believe that he would benefit from much more therapy. It is important for him to start to realize the way that he treats people and why he does what he does. He needs to start finding things that make him happy in life, so that he has pleasure. Also, I think that he needs to work on his behavior and relationships with his family, friends, and collages. In conclusion, Iago is a patient with extensive relationship problems. In my professional opinion Iago requires ongoing therapy in order to address the issues that he has in his life.