Iagos Role in Othello

Iagos role in othello

Manipulative people have mastered the art of deception. They may appear sincere but often that is just a façade. It is a way to draw you in and embroil you in a relationship before they show their true colors. In Shakespeare’s play Othello, The character Iago is a manipulative person. Behind the facade as a trustworthy friend, Iago is an evil manipulative villain who is creating chaos between characters as a form of revenge. Through this paper, I will like to interpret how Iago manipulates the different characters in the play.

Iago uses Rodrigo’s naive personality to his advantage. Roderigo’s obsession with Desdemona distributes to Iago’s manipulation. His obsession causes him to believe everything Iago tells him unquestionably. In the begging Iago takes advantage of Roderigo’s fortune. He convinces him that the gold and jewels will be given to Desdemona however, Iago keeps it for himself. Iago takes advantage of Roderigo's loyalty by using all of his money. And he uses Roderigo again by convincing him to kill Cassio. Even though Roderigo is reluctant at first he eventually gives in once, Iago insists that this will get him, Desdemona. Roderigo states, "I have no great devotion to the deed, And yet he hath given my satisfying reasons. 'Tis but a man gone. Forth, my sword! He dies!"(Act 5 Scene 1, ll.8-10).  Roderigo falls for Iagos insincerity and attempts to kill Cassio. Iago eventually decides to kill Roderigo and he states "I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense, And he grows angry […] May unfold me to him - there stand I in much peril. No, he must die. But so, I hear him coming" (Act 5 scene 1, ll.11-12 & ll.21-22). This portrays how Iago viciously takes advantage of Roderigo for his own needs and gets rid of him as soon as he is done using him. Roderigo is a pawn in Iago’s game, he is controlled by his obsession and lust for Desdemona. Therefor Iago uses Roderigo’s obsession in order to bring the downfall of the other characters.  

Iago pretends to be Cassio’s friend by taking advantage of his trusting nature. In reality, Iago is trying to cause Cassio’s downfall. In act 2 scene 3 Iago pressures Cassio to drink. Cassio is not used to drinking so Iago’s plan is to get him drunk in order to start a fracas between Cassio and Roderigo. As a result, Othello lowers Cassio’s position as a lieutenant. Cassio’s reputation is very important to him, Iago knows that so he ruins his reputation by telling Montano that Cassio has a drinking problem. Iago state to Montano “‘Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep: He’ll watch the horologe a double set, If drink rock not his cradle.”(Act 2 scene 3, ll.111-113). Iago is intentionally ruining Cassio’s carrier and reputation despite him pretending to be Cassio’s friend. Iago keeps plotting against Cassio. He gives Cassio the hope of getting his position back by telling him to talk to Othello’s wife, Desdemona. Even though this might seems as a sincere advice, Iago has spiteful intentions. He plans to use Cassio and Desdemona talking to bring them down. Iago appeals to Cassio by saying, “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness” (Act 2 scene 3, ll.297) however he follows it up with a soliloquy by saying “And what's he then that says I play the villain? When this advice is free I give, and honest Probal to thinking, and indeed the course To win the Moor again?” (Act 2 scene 3, ll. 303-306). Iago plans to use Cassio’s actions to accuse him of desiring Desdemona and manipulates Cassio by taking advantage of his trusting nature to cause his downfall.