Iago Manipulate Othello Character Analysis

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In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago manipulates Othello to believe that Desdemona has been unfaithful to him. Iago accomplishes this by manipulating Othello to be jealous and suspicious of Desdemona. Before Iago can take down Othello, he has to bring down other people in order to accomplish his goal. Iago’s manipulation of Othello to the point of jealousy and suspicion is a slow but effective process. In 1.1 Iago is furious with Othello because he gave the second in command lieutenant position to Cassio. Instead of quitting, Iago tells Roderigo, “I’m serving under him to take advantage of him”(1.1). Iago is devising up a plan to seek retribution on Othello by making him an inconvenience for Desdemona’s father. Iago then says to Roderigo, “I hate him, but I’ve got to show him signs of loyalty and affection, even if it’s just an act”(1.1). Iago is striving to manipulate Othello into believing that his loyalty never altered in order to lower his suspicion of treachery and then finally drag him down when he least expects it.
In order for Iago to bring down Othello he also has to take down the man that was given the position that he wanted in the first place. Before Iago’s plan can work he needs to make Othello angry enough to fire Cassio from the army. Iago’s plan is successful and Cassio is fired from the army. Then, Iago says to Cassio, “Othello’s wife has a lot of influence now. He’s completely devoted to her. Go open your heart to her. Ask her to help you get back your position”(2.3). Iago tells Cassio this in order to make an illusion for Othello to make him believe that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Therefore, making Othello move even closer to the point of jealousy and

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