The Manipulation Of Honest Iago In Shakespeare's Othello

Called Honest Iago throughout the entirety of Othello, this supposed antagonist is anything but honest. Iago’s manipulation of Othello’s emotions to ruin his life grows ever so apparent as the play goes on. Using lies, deception, ethos, and pathos to destroy Othello’s trust in his dear wife Desdemona; while using anyone around him to do so.

Within minutes of meeting Iago, He properly establishes who he truly is to the audience: as a lying and deceptive man who’ll drag anyone into his plans. In this segment of text Iago ponders on how he is to damage Desdemona’s credence:

For I mine own gained knowledge should profane

If I would time expend with such [a] snipe

But for my sport and profit. I hate the Moor,

And it is thought abroad that ‘twixt my sheets

‘Has done my office. I know not if’t be true,

But

I have’t. It is engendered. Hell and night

Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light. Act 1 Scene 3 Lines 427-447.

In the first few lines of this selequity Iago declares that his character that has been established is a lie. Announcing to the audience of his manipulative nature, referring to his stunt as a gambling game. Iago brings up the rumor of Othello having an affair with his wife Emilia; disregarding any train of doubt he has. Talking of how Othello also holds Iago to the ‘Honest Iago’ persona, endangering Othello to the trap set out to ensnare him. (One more sentence) With the creation of Iago’s plan, he now can truly demolish the confidence and care in our hero Othello’s heart.

Through an established ethos Iago implants doubt in Othello’s mind. Moreover here Othello responds to Iago’s proposal, “This fellow’s of exceeding honesty,” (Act 3 Scene 3 Line 299). Through the lies behind a mask Iago lures Othello to the thought that his wife could be having an affair. Iago maintains this lure throughout Othello ensnaring Roderigo Cassio and Othello in his lies and further building his plot for