Final answer:
Iago uses Roderigo to provoke a fight with Cassio to create chaos and conflict, aiming to discredit Cassio and further his own schemes in Shakespeare's 'Othello'. Iago's motivations include jealousy and a desire for revenge against Othello and Cassio.
Step-by-step explanation:
Iago instigates Roderigo to provoke Cassio into a fight for multiple reasons in Shakespeare's play Othello. One key motive is that Iago wants to create chaos and conflict within Othello's ranks to further his own scheming agenda. By inciting this altercation, Iago aims to discredit Cassio in Othello's eyes, leading to Cassio's demotion and damaging his reputation. This paves the way for Iago to suggest that Cassio is involved with Othello's wife, Desdemona, sparking jealousy and leading to Othello's eventual downfall.
The reason behind Iago's malice toward Othello and Cassio is multifaceted. Iago holds a deep-seated grudge against Othello for promoting Cassio over him, and he is further motivated by unfounded suspicions that Othello has been involved with his own wife, Emilia. Iago's character is driven by envy, spite, and the thrill of manipulating those around him, which is why he uses Roderigo as a pawn in his plot.