Theme Of Manipulation In Othello

Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello consists of various manipulative actions. Jealousy and selfishness causes people to make decisions that can ruin another person. Most of the characters in Othello were influenced by a form of manipulation. Iago’s manipulation of Othello and Roderigo were the main parts of the story. Cassio and Desdemona were also taken advantage of, but used in a greater manipulation of Othello and Roderigo. Iago’s intelligence and cunningness lead everyone to believe he was a truthful man, who was filling their minds with lies to create hate between others.

One person that Iago manipulates is Roderigo. Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, who is married to Othello. He feels that there is no point to life if Desdemona is not with

Othello could not trust anyone, so he could only talk about his worries with Iago. With this in hand, it made it even easier for Iago to sabotage Othello and the others. The rumors about Desdemona and Cassio reach Othello, and he talks to Iago about them. Iago tells him, “Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio”. (3.3.199). As Iago fills Othello’s head with lies about Cassio and Desdemona, the more Othello wants to fire Cassio. Iago is getting closer to being Lieutenant, and he will not stop at anything until he gets what he wants. Time goes on, and Iago continues to tell Othello about how Desdemona is not true to him to make him even more angry. Iago’s goal is to break Othello and harm others.

Without having blaming Iago, he lets Othello think he is the one making the conclusions about others. When in reality, Iago is filling his head. Othello becomes extremely jealous and overprotective of Desdemona. Iago does not see women as anything but maids and stay-at-home mothers. He persuades Othello into disrespecting women. Once Othello is fed up with Cassio and Desdemona, he goes crazy. Othello becomes delusional, misunderstanding Cassio and Brianna’s relationship as Cassio and

Roderigo became angry at Cassio, and tried to murder him. Cassio wasn’t harmed because of the protective gear he had on. Roderigo was wounded by Cassio, and Cassio was wounded by Iago. Iago then ended Roderigo’s life by physically stabbing him in the back. Othello and Iago had an agreement that Iago would kill Cassio, and when Othello was given the signal that Cassio had died, he would kill Desdemona. Once Cassio was stabbed in the leg, Othello heard his cries, and continued to go to his bedroom to kill Desdemona. After smothering Desdemona, Othello decides to kill