Sociopaths In Othello

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Sociopaths can be dangerous Sociopaths can be dangerous due to their lack of remorse. In the play “Othello” by William Shakespeare, a character named Iago fits the definition of a sociopath. A sociopath is “a person with a personality disorder manifesting itself in extreme antisocial attitudes and behaviours and a lack of conscience” (Wikipedia). He fits the definition of a sociopath ell because he acts based on selfish purposes throughout the play. In addition, he is manipulative. Lastly, he murders his wife. Therefore, the character Iago from “Othello” by William Shakespeare possesses several characteristics that fit the definition of a sociopath; Iago is dangerous. Firstly, Iago fits the definition of a sociopath because he acts selfishly throughout the play. Iago …show more content…

He is manipulative because he fakes friendship with Othello, then convinces Cassio to drink and manipulates Othello into murdering Desdemona. First, Iago is manipulative because he fakes friendship with Othello to gain Othello’s trust. Othello falls for the false relationship and trusts Iago, “I know, Iago, Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee, But nevermore be office of mine.” (Shakespeare ??). Second, Iago is manipulative because he convinces Cassio to drink. In act 2 scenes 3, Iago pressures Cassio to drink despite Cassio initially refusing to. Iago does this to get Cassio drunk and ultimately have him fired by Othello by disgracing his title as lieutenant. Third, Iago is manipulative because he manipulates Othello into murdering his wife, Desdemona. Iago causes a rift in their relationship and Othello’s trust in Desdemona’s faithfulness to him to be destroyed. He causes Othello to misunderstand and encourages his anger and doubt into hatred which ultimately kills Desdemona. Therefore, Iago is highly manipulative, thus fitting into the definition of a

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