Custom Essays: Iago's Manipulation In Othello

Iago demonstrates manipulative tendencies throughout the play in order to benefit himself. William Shakespeare wrote the play, Othello to address the topic of manipulation and emphasizes the fact that deceiving people will lead to the manipulators downfall and cause serious ramifications. In Act 1, Iago introduces his hatred for the Moor and the basis of his plan “To get his [Cassio’s] place and to plume up my [Iago’s] will In double knavery...After some time, to abuse Othello’s ear That he is too familiar with his wife...The Moor is of a free and open nature...And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose As asses are...Hell and night Must bring this monstrous birth to the world’s light.” (1.3.330-341) Iago’s hatred for the Othello has brought him to

Cassio and Roderigo are a couple loose ends that need to be taken care of. Iago manipulates Roderigo and convinces him to kill Cassio. Iago has decided that, “...whether he [Roderigo] kill Cassio Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my [Iago] gain.” (5.11.13-15) When it came time for Roderigo to kill Cassio, Roderigo ended up missing and Cassio stabbed him. Cassio then was hamstringed by Iago, who later killed Roderigo and acted as if he had come upon a terrible scene and had no part in it. Meanwhile, Othello is so enraged with jealousy that he strangles Desdemona. Emilia tells Othello, “Oh, my mistress, a villain has made a mockery of you love! My husband said she was unfaithful!..If he [Iago] say so, may his pernicious soul Rot half a grain a day! He lies to th’ heart. She [Desdemona] was too fond of her most filthy bargain.” (5.2.162-169) Emilia begins to piece everything together and they realize that Iago has been manipulating all of them. Iago is so enraged that Emilia has figured out his scheme that he stabs her and Othello is so distraught over what he did that he commits suicide and dies beside his dear Desdemona in a tragic