How Does Iago Manipulate Roderigo In Othello

In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, a man is frustrated with his prestigious commanding officer and plots to ruin his life. He appears truly honest and trustworthy but he is also one who is very mysterious, and notorious. Iago's words play a diverse role in Othello. He uses the power of speech to pursue Othello, but has a very unique way of seeking revenge by manipulating others and seeking revenge on Othello, Cassio and Roderigo.

Shakespeare’s, Act 2,scene 1, brings a scene with Iago and Roderigo being alone together. Iago sees this as an opportunity to manipulate Roderigo by telling him that Desdemona is in love with Cassio. "First,I must tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him."(2.1.231-232) He then explains how Cassio

and Desdemona were way too close to each other to be “just friends”. As he then says,"Bless'd pudding! Didst thou not see her paddle the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?"(2.1.265-266) To prove a point to Roderigo. However, Roderigo finds it impossible to believe. Iago then continues by supporting his lies by overwhelming him with his arguments saying,"...Mark me with the violence she first lov'd the Moor, but for bragging and telling her fantastical lies."(2.1.235-236) In other words, now Iago is saying how Desdemona only loved him for one reason, but now she needs a young man who has greater qualities,"..the knave is handsome,young,and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after...the women hath found him already."(2.1.257-260)
In the middle of the play, Iago, persuades Cassio to engage with the others while drinking calling it a “Tis a night of revels.

The gallants desire it”(2.1.35-42). Iago knowing that Cassio wouldn’t have said no,manipulates Cassio to do the unthinkable of one of his plans seeking revenge on both him and Othello. When Montano questions Iago about Cassios drinking, Iago responds with, how he is such a great soldier, but has a terrible drinking problem making Cassio the “bad guy”. After the argument that went on with Cassio and Montano, Othello comes out and, Iago quickly knows what to say to manipulate the Moor to believe how honest he is. He responds to Othello with the words of, “...I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;...”(2.3.216-217). He quickly manipulates Othello into thinking Cassio wasn’t the bad guy instead of snitching him out. When Othello makes his final decision of letting Cassio go,Iago acts to be hurt and sensitive to see Cassio go. Yet, in his soliloquy towards the end of the act (2.3.327-353) he explains how his plan has worked and he shall keep going with his plans to get more people involved to help him, so he doesn't get the blame for it and others

do.
Iago is a very manipulating person who seeks his revenge in a very unique way. His reputation is very excellent, yet his true honesty is unbelievable with all his manipulating lies that nobody has caught onto. Throughout the play, each person, that comes into contact with Iago faces a different part to seek revenge towards the Moor. He iterates the real motivation behind his plots against Othello. “I do suspect the lusty Moor Hath leap'd into my seat: the thought whereof Doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw my inwards;And nothing can or shall content my soul Till I am even'd with him, wife for wife.” (2.1.304-307)