Examples Of Manipulation In Othello

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Recommended: Racism in othello

Sofia Laxman

Even though Othello is a highly respected general of the armies of Venice, but because he is a North African, a moor, he has deep insecurities because of his race. Even though he is so intelligent and a powerful figure, because of his self-consciousness and insecurities he is an easy target and these flaws are what let him be manipulated so easily by Iago. Othello’s idea that all men are as honest as he is and his open nature are what Iago uses to twist Othello’s love into the powerful jealousy that leads to him murdering Desdemona.

Since Othello is visibly different from the other Venetians he lives around he feels constantly separated from other people and this fact is presented especially in acts 1 and 2, when Othello is constantly called “The Moor”, instead of using his name. This also connects to the Elizabethan symbolism that white is good and black is evil, so Othello is always viewed less honorably than other men.When Othello says “Haply, for I am black” (Act 3 Scene 3 line …show more content…

Iago recognizes this fact and takes advantage of it, “The Moor is of a free and open nature, That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,” (Act 1, Scene 3, line 391). Since Othello is more ready to believe Iago, a man he trusts, but does not seem to have a tremendous amount of confidence in seeing that Cassio was given the promotion instead of Iago, than to believe what his wife says is probably because of Othello’s own insecurities, “By the world, I think my wife be honest, and think she is not. I think that thou art just, and think thou art not.” (Act 3 Scene 3 line 388-390). Othello’s insecurities with himself are what really cause him to lose control of his own judgment and fall into Iago’s manipulation, his morals only support the insecure thoughts and Iago’s devious

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