Iago's Manipulation Of Weakness

Brian Chae

Mr. Taugher

ENG 2D8 - B

May 24, 2018

Word Count:

Iago’s Manipulation of Weakness

Manipulation is an act of controlling or influencing an individual to one’s advantage. This is displayed throughout the play Othello by Shakespeare, as Iago, a character with the ability to utilize others’ weaknesses is introduced. Iago demonstrates his ability over others in order to fulfill his goal of destroying the lives of Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello to dictate the outcome of the course of their existence. Roderigo’s love for Desdemona, Cassio’s drunken outbursts, and Othello’s reputation is used to manipulate them. Iago’s exploitation of the characters is the key element of manipulation that is displayed in the play. To begin, Roderigo’s

Iago states, “Put money in thy purse. Follow thou the wars; defeat thy favor with an usurped beard. I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the Moor—put money in thy purse” (1.3.382-386). Later in the play, Iago commands Roderigo to pay him, so that Iago would give it to Desdemona, praising Roderigo. This is a significant example of Iago’s manipulation as he sways Roderigo to make certain decisions. As Roderigo puts all in line for a chance to receive love from Desdemona, Iago identifies Roderigo’s flaw with ease as it is clearly displayed that Roderigo’ love for Desdemona will blind him. Without a single doubt, Roderigo makes a rash choice to spend all of his money and his naive character restricts him to suspect Iago. In addition, Iago presents Roderigo with the

Hence, Cassio’s instability of his temper and pride in his reputation is his major vulnerability that Iago applies to his benefit. Iago, seeing the best opportunity to exploit Cassio, anticipates, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him. With that which he hath drunk tonight already, he'll be as full of quarrel and offense as my young mistress' dog” (2.3.49-52). When Othello discovers the drunken Cassio fighting, he dismisses him. This is exactly what Iago had envisioned. The humiliation of Cassio due to his discharge and loss of rank is the fulfillment of one of Iago’s large-scale goals.Cassio values his reputation very dear to him, Cassio’s mentality to keep it exposes him to actions that he will take without rationalizing. Subsequently, Cassio cries out,“Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!” (2.3.281-284). After Cassio’s fight with Roderigo, it causes Othello to strip Cassio’s position as the lieutenant. Cassio shows his dire desperation to retrieve his reputation and his job back. His first action was to turn to Iago for advice. Nevertheless, this gives Iago an opportunity to strike to advance towards his objective. On the other hand, Cassio’s own determination for his reputation sets himself open to abuse. “Our general’s wife is now the