Student Question

Which line in Act 5 of Othello suggests that Iago is the devil incarnate, and who says it?

Quick answer:

In Act 5, Scene 2 of Othello, the line suggesting Iago is the devil incarnate is spoken by Othello. He says, "I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable. If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee," referring to the belief that the devil has cloven feet. Othello also calls Iago a "demi-devil," illustrating his realization of Iago's profound evil and treachery.

Expert Answers

An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Act 5, scene 2 of Shakespeare's Othello, the title character realizes, when it is too late, that he has unjustly killed his faithful wife, Desdemona.  When Iago, the driving force behind Othello's downfall, is brought in, Othello says,

I look down towards his feet; but that's a fable./If that thou be'st a devil, I cannot kill thee (5.2.330).

Othello's mention of looking at Iago's feet suggests that he's looking for cloven, or hooves, as many believe that the devil has cloven feet.  Further, he asks the officials in Cyprus to ask Iago, whom he refers to as "that demi-devil," why he has ruined Othello's life.

At this point in the play, Othello has obviously realized the extent of Iago's evil.  Thus, he has no other explanation for Iago's behavior than to label him as a devil.

Approved by eNotes Editorial
An illustration of the letter 'A' in a speech bubbles

In Act V of Othello, after Othello kills Desdemona and Emilia reveals Iago's villainy, Iago stabs Emilia and tries to escape. Of course, it is too late, and he is brought back into the room. At  this point, Othello says to Cassio:

 " Will you, I pray, demand that demi-devil/Why he hath thus ensnared my soul and body?"

He does not address Iago directly; at this point he cannot even look Iago in the face. Then Iago responds that from that moment, he will no longer say anything, and he does not say another word. This question of Othello's could be said to support the argument that Iago is a devil incarnate.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Approved by eNotes Editorial