Othello the Manipulator Essay

Shakespeares Othello Iago, the Master Manipulator William Shakespeares Othello is a flirt consumed with deception, jealousy, and revenge, mainly caused by a powerful villain named Iago (1. 1. 28). Although Iago presents himself as everyones honest friend, he is incessantly trying to manipulate and deceive them, as shown in his words Whip me such honest knaves (1. 1. 50). This stonyhearted character even manipulates everyone around him including his companions Cassio, Rodrigo, and the Moor, Othello intending to gain power. His actions create a massive amount of jealousy and rage. tout ensemble of this revenge and manipulation first forms when Cassio is chosen for the position as Othellos Lieutenant, a job which Iago wanted desperately. This sends Iago into a rage motivated by his crave for power. His revenge towards Cassio first begins at a jubilance when Iago pressures him into having one drink after another knowing Cassio has a low tolerance with alcohol. Under pressure, Cassi o argues, not tonight, good Iago I crap very poor and unhappy brains for drinking I could well neediness courtesy would invent some other custom of entertainment (2. . 1164-1167). Iagos perfects his manipulation by fetching advantage of others weaknesses. Iago manipulates both Cassio and Rodrigo into fighting each other which results in Othello taking absent Cassios title as Lieutenant. Using Cassios statement, Shes a most exquisite bird Iago is able to use this to conjure a second mastermind plan to have Cassios record ruined by convincing Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair (2. 2. 1152).Although Iago seeks revenge from Cassio for gaining Iagos desired position as Lieutenant, his main interest of destruction is the Moor Othello, which is the masterpiece of Iagos some manipulative plots. Iago uses Othellos erotic love wife, Desdemona, to take advantage of Othellos weakness. Iago implies, Cassio my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing your coming (3. 3. 1668-70). Iagos coy assumption of Cassio overcomes Othello, making Othello think Iago is an honest friend he can trust.This gained trust makes Iagos plans of destruction much easier to accomplish. Iago, also, makes Othello overhear a conversation between Iago and Cassio, which he believes he is about Desdemona, when in fact their conversation is about Cassios prostitute Bianca. As the devil men laugh and tell sexual stories, Othello goes into a jealous rage, at the thought of Cassio having these relations with Desdemona. Iago multiplies Othellos rage as he talks about the situation, Did you perceive how he laughed at his vice? (4. . 2602). He convinces Emilia to take Desdemonas hanky, which was Othellos first significant gift to her. Iago sets the situation up so that the sacred handkerchief will be found in Cassios room, and later is given to Cassio by Bianca in front of Othello. As Iago pumps more deceitful lies of Cassio and Desdemonas affair into Othellos head, Iago says, And did you see the handkerchief? and to see how he prizes the foolish woman your wife She gave it him, and he hath given it his whore (4. 1. 2604-08).Othello, having seen this will have all the evidence he needs to suspect Cassio of the affair. Iago then manipulates Othello into killing his loyal wife by suggesting, Do it not with poison, strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated (4. 2. 2638-39). Iagos over whelming hunger for power is also shown though his best companion, Rodrigo, whom is also in love with Desdemona. Discovering that Desdemona and Othello are married, frantic Rodrigo confides in Iago and asks, What should I do? I confess it is my shame to be so fond but it is not in my virtue to amend it (1. . 673-676). As a master of deception, Iago proves to Rodrigo that Desdemonas heart will be easily won by his lavish expensive gifts. With Rodrigos excessive amount of savings, Iago purchases these gifts that are designed ly for Desdemona and sells them for his profit. Secondly, Iago convinces Rodrigo into thinking that Cassio and Emilia are having an affair. Iago manipulates Rodrigo into fighting Cassio at the celebration. Iago persuades Rodrigo by saying,Watch you to-night for the command, Ill layt upon you. Cassio knows you not.Ill not be far from you do you find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline or from what other course you please, which the time shall more gold minister (2. 1. 1064-70) In conclusion, Iagos deception and manipulation plan to gain power completely fails as everything falls to pieces. When Iagos wife, Emilia, reveals Desdemonas loyalty to Othello and all of Iagos lies, it is far too late. After Othello murders his wife, he finds out all of Iagos honest words were all lies and catches Iago in the act.In the final scene, Iago says, withdraw me null what you know, you know from this time forth I never will speak word (5. 2. 3665 -66). In the end, Iago manipulated everyone around him so he could gain personal power. However, his selfish goal of power is never reached and nothing is gained from Iagos manipulative actions. Iagos excessive lies and actions show that he is the main cause for so many problems containing deception, jealousy, rage, and revenge. Work Cited Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice. The NortonShakespeare Tragedies. 2nd ed. Ed. Stephen Greenblatt. New York W. W. Norton, 2008, 425-507.