Iago's motivations plus Othello's weaknesses equal tragedyIn some ways, Shakespeare's play Othello can be considered didactic because in In the case of classical tragedy, the hero's falls occur as the fault of a hamartia on his part, a fault which corrupts humanity. In fact, throughout the work, Othello is shown to have many more faults and weaknesses than a man of his stature should possess, which explains his downfall. The main protagonist of the work, the schemer Iago, ultimately has his own reasons for his actions; actions that, at first glance, might seem inherently wrong and without motive. A third variable here, the role of the setting, and its part in the tragedy, also helps to explain the reasons. Through Iago's motivations and Othello's inherited weaknesses, the tragedy of the play is meaningful to the audience. By examining Iago's actions and his soliloquies, the audience is able to discern that Iago does indeed have motivations for his actions, no matter how weak they may be. Although Iago recognizes that indeed the moor "is of a free and open nature" (Oth Act 1 Sc. 3 ll. 381), he still despises it. Iago must be examined more closely to discover his motives: of course he is jealous of Cassio's appointment as Othello's lieutenant and this is an ultimate irony in itself since he later mocks Othello for his own jealousy, after having succumbed to the “green-eyed monster”. '. There are also of course Iago's blatant racial slurs and hatred of Othello, and his paranoia regarding his wife's supposed infidelity, "And one thinks to the stranger that 'between my sheets he has done my office'" ( Oth Act 1 Sc. 3 ll. However, the latter excuse may seem less reasonable, given that Iago also later states that he thinks Cassio slept with his wife as well. Iago's attitude towards the subject, contrasting with Othello's view of sex as a unifying force, is that it is something inherently dirty and revolting, increasing his paranoia. Iago's main vice, however, is his lust for power. Ultimately, his goal is not to reach the rank of lieutenant, but to go as far as possible. This point is justified by his plotting not only against Cassio, the man who occupies his coveted position, but also against Othello, the general of the Venetian army himself. Ultimately, Iago is surprised at how easy it becomes to manipulate Othello and by the end of the play he is even a little sorry for how easily his plan came to fruition..