Shakespeare’s Iago And Dostoevsky’s Stavrogin:

A Comparative Study in the Nature of Evil and the Demonic

Abstract

Iago (Othello) and Stavrogin (The Devils) are among the greatest villains in literature. They have, as is to be expected, many characteristics in common; but they also differ in many important ways. It is the purpose of this article to offer a study of the nature of evil in both these characters and to attempt to throw some light on their enigmatic but different personalities.

One of the most important characteristics which they have in common is their common affiliation with the demonic. Both Iago and Stavrogin make declarations, display qualities, perform actions, and pursue activities and align them with the Prince of Darkness.