Iago Logos In Othello

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The play Othello by William Shakespeare has been argued to have been given the wrong name. The focus of the play is on Iago and the numerous tricks he employs to exact his revenge. Although Othello is a powerful and significant character, Iago is unparalleled in his manipulative nature, causing devastation to the lives of those who trust him. The hatred and jealousy Iago harbors towards Othello leads to the ruin of key characters. How does Iago manage to manipulate so many people in Othello? He successfully controls the lives of everyone by using ethos, logos, and pathos to achieve his revenge. As Othello's most trusted friend, Iago has the upper hand when it comes to influencing him. When Othello passes him up for the position of lieutenant, he claims to be angry and ready to seek revenge. Othello and Iago have been through countless battles, and Othello feels he can trust Iago. When there is a problem, Iago is there to lend a helping hand. He uses his trusted advice to manipulate the minds of Othello and other main characters. He even calls himself "honest," saying, "As honest as I am." He does not care who it affects. Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, and even Emilia are all pawns in his board game, all to get revenge on Othello. Both Iago and Othello are emotional characters with a lot to offer. Othello is a gullible character who places too much trust in the wrong people. He trusts Iago over his own wife, Desdemona, allowing Iago to manipulate his mind. Iago instills doubt in Othello about anyone he has ever trusted, making them all seem untrustworthy. More than anything, Iago uses pathos to appeal to emotion. As he says, "But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am" (Othello, Shakespeare, Act I Scene I Line 65-66).

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