Othello:manipulation

Shakespeare's play, Othello, the Moor of Venice, teaches many lessons for life. Iago is a major character that illustrates the essence of manipulation. He uses the front of "Honest Iago" to gain everyone's trust while actually controlling their fate. Iago's lies create an atmosphere of suspicion and doubt and lead to the demise of all the main characters. Iago easily manipulates Roderigo by convincing him. Manipulation is the key player in the tragic ending of the play and taught me one of the most important lessons, to trust no one. Iago acts as if he is everyone's best friend when in actuality he is setting them up for their own downfall.

Iago uses Roderigo for his money and to do his dirty work, for example starting fights. Iago convinces Roderigo to start the fight with Cassio because he was drunk and vulnerable. He was jealous of Cassio for getting his position; he wanted revenge so he used Roderigo. Iago says to Rodrigo "...come hither. If thou be'st/ valiant -as, they say, base men being in love have/ then a nobility in their natures more that is native to/ them-list me. The Lieutenant tonight watches on/ the court of guard. First, I must tell thee this:/ Desdemona is directly in love with him" (2.1.233-238). He tells him that Desdemona is in love with Cassio to anger him because he is in love with Desdemona, so he will start the fight.

Iago wants everyone to think he is an honest man who would help anybody. He knows if he keeps Roderigo around to do his dirty work then know one will suspect him. He even convinces him not to go back to Venice but to stay because he promises him all of the things he wants. He needs to get money somehow so he gets Roderigo to sell his land for money. "I'll sell my land"(1.3.402). He makes him promise's that he knows he will never fulfill. He claims he can get him Desdemona and pay all of the money back he gave him from his property.

Roderigo realizes what Iago is doing to him and he confronts him about it.

"Everyday thou dafft'st me with some device,

Iago, and rather, as it seems to me now, keep'st

From me all conveniency than suppliest me with the

Least advantage of hope. I will no longer

Endure it, now am I yet persuaded to put up in peace

What already I have foolishly suffered" (4.2.198-203)

He tells Iago he isn't going to take it anymore but Iago again convinces him that he is honest and will do what he says he will. He uses his manipulation skills to convince him of everything. He has a good way with words and knows how to lie without seeming it. Again, deceit is the motive behind all of Iago's actions and deeds throughout the play.

Even after everything that happened and all the lies Iago told Roderigo, Iago still

convinces him to try to kill Cassio.

"I have rubbed this young quat almost to the sense,

And he grows angry. Now, whether he kill Cassio

Or