Iago's Deception In Othello

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There is no greater power in the world than the power of words. In Shakespeare’s Othello, the characters become mere marionettes forced to perform in the sadist, Iago, sick and twisted show. Iago manipulates lies and truth to create a brilliantly elaborate scheme that allows him to easily control any person of his choosing. Iago discretion enables him to fly under the radar undetected to further progress his ultimate goal of bringing down Othello. The profound use of language contributed to Iago’s deception of character such as Roderigo, Cassio and Othello. Roderigo, the dimwitted lackey and trusty wallet, is constantly under the Iago’s orders as he desperately tries to make Desdemona his wife. Iago and Roderigo formulated a plan to break …show more content…

Othello is seen as an outstanding officer in combat of war. With his profound skills, sense of judgment, and demeanor ha was able to climb the ladder of success to achieve the title of general. Though he may be seen as this accomplished leader, Iago’s cunning plan gets the best of Othello when he is fooled countless times by “honest” Iago. After the incidents with Cassio losing his lieutenancy, Iago began to the put the pieces together by making Othello question the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. Iago creates doubt in Othello by asking the though-provoking question, “Did Michael Cassio, when (you) wooed my lady, know of your love?”(123) Iago wants Othello to question the motives Cassio and his involvement with Desdemona by making it seem as Cassio has planned to take Desdemona away even when her and Othello were together. As they speak Iago continues to reinforce the idea of Desdemona’s chances of cheating on Othello with Cassio. To convince Othello of the high likelihood of Desdemona cheating, Iago makes the claim, “She did deceive her father, marrying you”. (131) Iago takes a direct shot at how Desdemona would deceive her own father to be with Othello so why would she deceive Othello. Though it is obvious that relationships between father/daughter and husband/wife are complete opposite it is able to peak curiosity in Othello. Iago is careful speaking to Othello but is able to get his lies to make Othello question his own judgment. Iago uses repetition to make sure Othello remembers what he said in, “I hope you will consider what is spoke… But I do see you’re moved.” (133) Iago wants Othello to realize his jealousy so that he can use it against him later with the pieces begin to fall into

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