Iago’s Manipulation in Othello

Introduction

Manipulation is all around us; we frequently do not notice it because it is hidden very well. Humans manipulate others in order to get their requests; they expect others to reveal their flaws and use them against them. In Othello, Iago demonstrates that he is the master of manipulation over all characters who had formerly trusted and confided in him. Shakespeare’s Iago effectively showcases how humans can use others’ weaknesses to serve their demands, forcing those they manipulate to expose their own faults.

Through his intricate schemes, Iago turns trust into a weapon, crafting a series of events that ultimately lead to devastating consequences. The concept of Iago's manipulation is intricately woven into the play, as he employs cunning tactics to exploit the vulnerabilities of others. This is seen when he orchestrates a series of events to turn Othello against Desdemona, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Roderigo

Shakespeare portrays Roderigo’s character as having a gullible and naive personality, which establishes how easily people can take advantage of him. He will do anything for Desdemona’s love. This intense obsession makes him blindly trust everything Iago tells him in the hope of winning her affection. Being strategic and clever, Iago exploits Roderigo’s love, influencing him to “put money in thy purse” to allow him to be capable of seeking revenge on Othello (1.3.332). This reveals how Roderigo is willing to commit heinous acts in order to be with the object of his obsession. Therefore, the extreme passion for Desdemona blinds Roderigo from the truth. Iago sees Roderigo as a tool rather than a person, reducing him to a pawn in his elaborate scheme to destroy Othello. Iago utilizes his knowledge wisely to manipulate those around him and achieve his own selfish goals. Roderigo’s fate illustrates how Iago’s manipulative nature thrives on exploiting emotional vulnerabilities.

Cassio

Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes to destroy and betray the ones around him who refer to him as “honest Iago.” He uses their trust to plant suspicion and ideas in their minds, carefully setting the stage for his plans. Iago capitalizes on Cassio’s trusting nature by pretending to be his friend while misleading him. Cassio’s promotion to lieutenant instead of Iago fuels Iago’s desire for revenge. To exploit Cassio’s weaknesses, Iago persuades him to drink excessively, knowing it will lead to his downfall. Iago manipulates Cassio into participating in the celebration, fully aware that Cassio must guard his post that night. By using Roderigo to provoke a fight, Iago ensures chaos unfolds, ultimately ruining Cassio’s reputation. Iago manipulates Roderigo by convincing him to sell all his possessions in order to fund Iago’s plan to destroy Othello. Through these actions, Iago demonstrates his ability to exploit trust and orchestrate conflict with precision.

Conflict with Cassio and Montano

Consequently, knowing that Cassio has no control over himself, Iago manipulates the situation to escalate the conflict. When Montano comes in to stop the fight between Cassio and Roderigo, Cassio starts fighting Montano because he does not like being called “drunk.” This insult deeply agitates Cassio, driving him to act irrationally and harm one of his allies. Othello has no choice but to fire Cassio due to these actions, paving the way for Iago to position himself as the new lieutenant. Iago intentionally defames Cassio’s reputation despite pretending to be his friend. Consequently, he furthers his plot against Othello by suggesting that Cassio could regain his position by speaking with Desdemona. This clever move not only humiliates Cassio but also sets the stage for Othello’s growing suspicion of Desdemona. Cassio’s manners and personality became his downfall because he was too trusting. Through this calculated manipulation, Iago uses Cassio’s vulnerabilities to advance his grand scheme.

Iago plays on Othello’s personal insecurities, ultimately driving him to a state of mental instability. Othello is a notable pariah, as he is a black man in a predominantly white society. People refer to him as “The Moor,” a label tied to racial prejudice that reduces him to stereotypes and animalistic characteristics. Therefore, the only person that truly loves him is Desdemona. During the time period of this play, such a marriage was both rare and controversial, resulting in societal prejudice that damages Othello’s self-esteem. These prejudices provide Iago with the perfect opportunity to manipulate Othello by exploiting his insecurities. Being logical, Iago claims that Desdemona would prefer Cassio because she is like him in color, speech, and age, which convinces Othello that he has lost her love. Iago demonstrates to Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful by twisting her past actions and exploiting societal assumptions about women’s loyalty. By planting these ideas, Iago drives Othello further into jealousy and paranoia, creating a sense of betrayal that clouds his judgment.

Furthermore, Iago reminds Othello of how Desdemona betrayed her father by running away, implying that she is inherently untrustworthy. This manipulation leads Othello to conclude that if Desdemona could betray her father, she is likely to betray him as well. By using this argument, Iago deepens Othello’s suspicion, preying on his fears of betrayal and disloyalty. With the knowledge of women in the time period, “Iago, poisons the mind of the outsider [Othello] against his wife, suggesting that all Venetian women are promiscuous and unfaithful,” further reinforcing the idea of Desdemona’s betrayal (Jones). Iago toys with Othello’s mind, using his insecurities to deepen suspicion about his wife’s fidelity. In addition, each discussion Iago holds with Othello places more doubt in his mind, eventually leading Othello to trust only Iago’s words. Iago swaddles Othello in a coat of lies, utilizing jealousy and uncertainty to compel him against his wife. Othello agrees with all Iago’s lies, perceiving them as truth, while viewing Desdemona’s pleas as deceitful. Ultimately, this manipulation drives Othello to believe that Desdemona’s supposed disloyalty can only be resolved through a tragic act, leading to her unjust death.

Desdemona

Shakespeare’s Desdemona is well known for her innocence and loyalty; above all, her love for Othello is genuine and unwavering. She is kind-hearted and always willing to help others in need. Desdemona will do anything for Othello’s love. However, Iago has planted suspicion in Othello’s mind with false accusations of Desdemona’s infidelity. Iago sees an opportunity to gain control over Othello by targeting his most treasured possession: the handkerchief. This handkerchief, given to Desdemona by Othello as a token of his love, holds deep emotional and symbolic significance, representing their marital fidelity. It originally came from Othello’s parents, further amplifying its sentimental value. When Othello confronted her about the handkerchief’s location, Desdemona’s evasive answers unintentionally heightened his suspicions, pushing him further into doubt. Through this single object, Iago manipulates Othello’s emotions, using the handkerchief as “proof” to destroy the trust between him and Desdemona.

Once Othello witnesses Cassio with the handkerchief, he accepts it as confirmation of her infidelity. Othello becomes enraged, choosing to strike his wife and accuse her of adultery, while she is left wondering what she did to deserve such treatment. Desdemona goes to Iago for help, seeking to understand why Othello is making such accusations about her. Iago lies to her, feigning surprise and questioning how Othello could develop such ideas. Desdemona’s inability to defend herself effectively against Othello’s accusations highlights her loyalty and innocence but also makes her vulnerable to Iago’s schemes. In addition, every Venetian wife must obey her husband, as failure to do so could ruin her marital life. Desdemona’s unconditional love for Othello proves her loyalty and highlights that she would never betray him because of how deeply she cares for him. However, Iago capitalizes on her virtues and uses deceptive actions to enrage Othello, ultimately destroying Desdemona to inflict further damage on Othello. Through his manipulation, Iago turns Desdemona’s love and obedience into weapons, causing her tragic downfall.

Emilia's Role

Shakespeare’s Emilia is a minor character in the play, but she makes crucial contributions through her loyalty and honesty. Throughout the play, Iago has been deceiving his wife as part of his grand revenge scheme against Othello. Iago utilizes Emilia’s close relationship to Desdemona, persuading Emilia to steal the handkerchief, which seals Desdemona’s fate. Emilia believed that by stealing the handkerchief for him, something romantic or astonishing would come out of it. Nevertheless, Iago uses the handkerchief to frame Desdemona by giving it to Cassio as evidence of her supposed adultery. Emilia’s eventual realization of Iago’s betrayal marks a turning point, as her loyalty to Desdemona leads her to expose the truth. Emilia is flabbergasted that her husband would do something so horrid, triggering her to break her silence and obedience. Therefore, Emilia argues with Iago, revealing the truth about all his manipulative actions to ensure he faces the consequences he deserves. Her courage in exposing Iago, despite the personal risk, highlights her integrity and contrasts sharply with Iago’s deceitful nature. Although Emilia has spoken the truth, Iago disapproves, choosing to kill her despite knowing this will likely lead to his downfall.

Conclusion

Iago undermines each character’s weakness in order to succeed in his grand scheme. Through manipulation, Iago has been “goading them [each character] to murder each other for his own personal gain,” illustrating his convincing nature and his unparalleled ability to manipulate others into doing his bidding (McCreary). The gullible fool Roderigo, trusting Cassio, insecure Othello, virtuous Desdemona, and honest Emilia all fall for Iago’s trick. Iago plays a strategic game of chess, treating the lives of those around him as pawns, with his ultimate goal being to take out the king. Unfortunately, Iago masterminds the downfalls and deaths of many, leaving himself burdened with the consequences of his actions and the weight of the lives he has destroyed. Despite his cunning success, Iago’s manipulations ultimately unravel, exposing the destructive power of deceit and the fragility of trust. In contrast to Emilia’s loyalty and honesty, Iago embodies manipulation and deceit throughout the play Othello, using others' weaknesses to his advantage. Through this exploration of Iago’s schemes, Shakespeare delivers a timeless commentary on the devastating consequences of unchecked ambition and betrayal.

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