Knowledge Builders

how does iago manipulate othello

by Maxine Cartwright Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Iago manipulates Othello by making him believe that Desdemona

Desdemona

Desdemona is a character in William Shakespeare's play Othello. Shakespeare's Desdemona is a Venetian beauty who enrages and disappoints her father, a Venetian senator, when she elopes with Othello, a Moorish man several years her senior. When her husband is deployed t…

is cheating on him. Iago does this by planting evidence and manipulating other characters to make it seem like Desdemona is cheating. Detailed answer: Iago is a master manipulator. He is able to manipulate those around him to do his bidding without them even realizing it.

Iago is successful in manipulating Othello through his clever use of language. He is able to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity and Cassio's supposed duplicity, even though there is no evidence to support these claims. Iago's convincing words and false assurances eventually lead to Othello's downfall.

Full Answer

Why does Othello choose to trust Iago rather than Desdemona?

This is mainly attributed to Othello's high regard of Iago as a friend, as well as Iago's manipulation of Othello's insecurities involving both his place in Venetian society and within his marriage. His didactic view of women also place further reason for Othello to trust Iago over Desdemona.

How does Iago plan to exact revenge on Othello?

With this knowledge Iago devises a plan to break Desdemona and Othello up and make Othello dislike Cassio. By plotting Othello against everyone, he will be able to get his revenge for Othello not making him a lieutenant.

What does Iago accuse Othello of doing?

What does Iago suspect Othello of? Left alone onstage again, Iago explains his actions to the audience in a soliloquy. He secretly lusts after Desdemona, partially because he suspects that Othello has slept with Emilia, and he wants to get even with the Moor “wife for wife” (II.

Why does Iago hate Othello and Cassio?

Using subterfuge and outright fabrications, Iago is able to inspire in Othello the same negative emotions about Cassio that he has. So Othello hates Cassio because he suspects that his lieutenant is bedding Desdemona. However, one can argue that Othello may never have come to despise Cassio if it wasn't for Iago.

image

How does Iago manipulate Othello essay?

Iago undermines each character's weakness in order to succeed in his grand scheme. Through manipulation Iago has been “goading them [each character] to murder each other for his own personal gain”, illustrating his convincing nature and and ability to manipulate character's to do his bidding (McCreary).

How does Iago manipulate Othello Act 3?

'' Iago convinces Othello that Cassio leaving right when Othello arrived indicates that he is guilty about something. Othello feels jealousy nagging at him when he sees Cassio talking to his wife and Iago helps inspire this jealousy.

What does Iago say to manipulate Othello?

He subtly insults Othello by saying passing out is “unsuiting” for such a man. He also tells him how he had to come up with a story to explain to Cassio why he was unconscious and told him to return soon to talk. Iago told Othello to hide so that he can hear Cassio recount the story of him and Desdemona's relationship.

Why is Othello so easily manipulated by Iago?

Iago uses his manipulative skills and his understanding of others perspectives to destroy others as well as fulfill his evil intentions. Iago's knowledge on human nature allows him to easily understand other's perspectives and manipulate his victim Othello.

How does Iago manipulate Othello Act 2 Scene 3?

Othello keeps up his strong, quiet dignity in contrast to Iago's flurry of manipulations. By saying he doesn't know what happened, Iago makes it look like he is trying to protect Cassio.. Iago speaks, saying that it pains him to cause any harm to Cassio but that he must tell the truth as Othello commands.

How does Iago manipulate Othello Act 1?

Iago is jealous of Othello's marriage with the senator's daughter as it gives Othello even more power and an attractive wife- he envies Othello for his wife as he states 'I do love her too' which suggest that Iago may have feelings towards Desdemona making him more jealous of what Othello has.

When did Iago start manipulating Othello?

In Act 1, Iago uses Roderigo's love for Desdemona against him, manipulating him into participating in his scheme to ruin Othello. This is where the story began.

How does Iago poisons the mind of Othello?

Iago will tell Othello that Desdemona wants Cassio back for sexual purposes. "I'll pour this pestilence into his ear" (323). Iago will whisper poisonous words into Othello's ear, killing Othello from the inside by filling his mind with unbearable jealousy.

How is manipulation presented in Othello?

In Shakespeare's Othello, the concept of taking advantage of someone through manipulation leads to unnecessary, horrible events. Using the character of Roderigo, Iago manipulates him into doing everything he wants. At the beginning of the tragedy, Iago and Roderigo are talking poorly about Othello.

How is Iago presented as a manipulative character?

Iago manipulates the characters by revealing and exploiting their fatal flaws to bring about their downfall. Iago uses Othello's jealousy of Cassio to make Othello believe he is having an affair with Desdemona. Iago uses Desdemona's trust and love for Othello to bring about her downfall.

How does Iago make Othello jealous?

Here, Iago shares his plot to destroy Othello with the audience – since Othello is so gullible, Iago will lead him "by the nose," making Othello believe that his, Othello's, wife is having an affair with Cassio. Iago plans to plant the seeds of jealousy in Othello.

How does Iago manipulate the audience?

Iago achieves his manipulation by focusing on their weaknesses and fears, for example by using Othello's tragic flaw; his jealousy, Iago manages to distort Othello's views to such a degree that he begins to doubt the faith of his loving wife Desdemona.

What is Iago's plan in Act 3?

In Act 3, Scene 2 of Othello, Iago continues his plot to make Othello think that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair to get Othello to annul his marriage to Desdemona.

What happens in Act 3 Scene 3 of Othello?

In this scene, Iago begins to poison Othello's mind into believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. At first, Othello cannot believe that Desdemona would behave in such a way, but slowly Iago makes suggestions that get into Othello's imagination and he begins to believe it could be true.

How does Iago manipulate Othello against Cassio?

Iago is successful in manipulating Othello through his clever use of language. He is able to convince Othello of Desdemona's infidelity and Cassio's supposed duplicity, even though there is no evidence to support these claims. Iago's convincing words and false assurances eventually lead to Othello's downfall.

How does Iago make Othello insecure?

Once Iago corrupts Othello's feelings for Desdemona and transforms him into a jealous monster hell-bent on revenge, Othello suffers terribly. He is desperate to prove Iago wrong and is tormented when Desdemona cannot produce it “fetch me the handkerchief, my mind misgives”.

How does Iago manipulate Othello?

Like a true evil genius, Iago plays upon Othello's own fears and reinforces those fears with lies and innuendo (hints). Iago manipulates the situation so that Cassio is in a position to ask Desdemona for aid. He then stands by Othello's side, professing concern for his friend, and questioning Desdemona's fidelity because she spoke for Cassio. By stealing Desdemona's handkerchief, Iago is able to plant it on Cassio and provide evidence for his lies. Finally, Iago arranges for Othello to overhear a conversation between himself and Cassio so that Othello believes he is hearing a confession. It all works. Othello gives in to his fears and his natural jealousy and he kills the woman he loves.

What does Iago do in Othello?

Iago works relentlessly throughout the play to destroy Othello's happiness. Sensing Othello's insecurity as a middle-aged black man married to a much younger woman, and projecting his own conviction that women are inherently unfaithful, he is able to use suggestion and innuendo to lead Othello to the false conclusion that Desdemona has betrayed him.

What does Iago tell Othello about Desdemona?

At the end of act 3, scene 3, Iago tells Othello a blatant lie by mentioning an incident in which Cassio supposedly declared his passion for Desdemona. He states that he and Cassio had been sharing a bed when the soldier, while having a dream, attempted to mount him, mentioning Desdemona's name. Iago's coup de grace comes in the form of Desdemona's handkerchief which his wife, Emilia, gives to him. He plants it in Cassio's room and later uses it as proof of Desdemona and Cassio's iniquity. He tells the general that he has seen Cassio wipe his beard with it.

What does Iago tell Othello about his supposed anger at Brabantio?

In scene 2, Iago tells Othello about his supposed anger at Brabantio for insulting the general and states that he could hardly bear listening to the senator's diatribe. To further confirm his loyalty, Iago later challenges Roderigo to a duel when the latter arrives in the company of Brabantio and others to accost Othello. Iago's attitude certainly convinces the general that his loyalty lies with him.

How did Iago and Roderigo demonize Othello?

Iago and Roderigo later successfully demonize Othello by convincing Brabantio that the general has abducted his beautiful daughter, Desdemona. Brabantio is driven to fury and decides to have Othello arrested for such an ignominy. At this point, Iago informs Roderigo that he has to leave and join Othello to further convince the general of his support. He tells Roderigo:

What does Iago say to Roderigo?

He tells Roderigo, "I follow him to serve my turn upon him.". He means that he intends to mislead Othello by continuing to act as his trustworthy...

Why does Iago cast aspersions on Othello?

Because Iago has won Othello's trust, he is able to cast aspersions on others. He says in Act III, with complete cynicism, "men should be what they seem," through this implying that Cassio might be involved with Desdemona.

Why is Iago the villain in Othello?

Iago plays the role of the ultimate villain of Shakespeare’s play Othello. Why? Because his skillful persuasion techniques help him in tricking people around him. Ultimately, Iago’s manipulation serves as the main reason for Desdemona’s tragic death. Iago’s evil plan against Cassio pushes overly trusting Othello to murder his innocent wife.

What is the first tool Iago uses?

The first tool Iago uses is verbal manipulation. Throughout the plot development, the villain detects Othello’s weak sides and pushes them. Using Othello’s fatal flaw of naivety, Iago persuades the Moor that Desdemona is cheating with Cassio. However, Iago does not express his concerns straightforwardly. Instead, he voices his idea of the betrayal hesitantly and then withdraws from it by saying:

What is the second element of Iago's plan?

The second crucial element of Iago’s plan is physical evidence. The villain improves his crafted scenario of Desdemona’s betrayal by exploiting the symbol of Othello’s love, the handkerchief. The Moor tells about the accessory’s background:

Who is the most vulnerable villain in Shakespeare?

Being the most dangerous Shakespeare’s villain, Iago , hurts a lot of characters. The most vulnerable Iago ’s victim is Othello. Seeking revenge, the villain plots an evil plan against the Moor. Taking advantage of Othello’s naivety, Iago convinces him of his wife’s betrayal. To make his position stronger, the villain presents physical evidence – Desdemona’s handkerchief.

Does Iago imply Desdemona?

Iago does not directly imply Desdemona’s connection with Cassio. It makes Othello assume that there is a secret romantic involvement. However, the Moor does not suspect any ill intent from Iago’s side. As a result, Othello’s jealousy triggered by Iago escalates the plot.

Why does Iago capitalize Cassio?

Moreover, Iago capitalizes Cassio as a result of his drinking problem and his over trusting personality. Iago claims that he is Cassio friend while in reality he is scheming a grant plot to completely destroy the Florentine physically and emotionally. To begin with, Iago fully knowledgeable regarding how Cassio is inept when he is intoxicated, deliberately tempt him to go drinking, thus getting him inebriated to cause a fight and lose his position as Othello ’s lieutenant.

What is the name of the man who gets drunk in the Cask of Amontillado?

In Edgar Allen Poe’s story, “The Cask of Amontillado,” a man named Montresor has a feud with another man named Fortunato. Montresor decides to get revenge after Fortunato has consistently insulted him. Fortunato is a wine connoisseur, so Montresor uses that to trick him into going to the catacombs. While they are down there, Montresor gets Fortunato drunk, so that he will not realize what Montresor is doing. Montresor chains him and mounts a wall around him so he cannot get out.

What is the theme of the Cask of Amontillado?

Poe portrays Montressor as a person is completely insane.Poe uses the major conflict man vs. man to develop the themes betrayal and revenge. The author uses the conflict human vs. human to develop two themes. The first theme is revenge, Montessor defines revenge is punish with impunity. “I must not only punish,but punish with impunity”.114 He states that if the avenger is caught or does not make the punishment known to he who committed the wrong, the wrong goes unavenged.The second theme is betrayal, within Montressor sets a trap for Fortunado.

What does "you will see this time I shall be very nice to him" mean?

You will see. This time I shall be very nice to him." At first glimpse, this statement appears to suggest that Mrs. Baroda has reclaimed control of her emotions. Overcoming "everything" appears to mean that she has overcome not only her disapproval about Gouvernail , but also her secret romantic feelings. However, because she modifies her statement with the suggestion that she will be “very nice” to him on his next visit, she may indicate that after overcoming her distrusts and her mental restrictions, she has decided to fill her desires in choosing of having an affair.

What is Iago's characteristic?

Possibly the most heinous villain in Shakespeare, Iago is fascinating for his most terrible characteristic: his utter lack of convincing motivation for his actions. In the first scene, he claims to be angry at Othello for having passed him over for the position of lieutenant (I.i. 7–32 ).

What is Iago's talent?

It is Iago’s talent for understanding and manipulating the desires of those around him that makes him both a powerful and a compelling figure. Iago is able to take the handkerchief from Emilia and know that he can deflect her questions; he is able to tell Othello of the handkerchief and know that Othello will not doubt him; he is able to tell the audience, “And what’s he then that says I play the villain,” and know that it will laugh as though he were a clown (II.iii. 310 ). Though the most inveterate liar, Iago inspires all of the play’s characters the trait that is most lethal to Othello: trust.

Why did Iago murder Emilia?

Iago’s murder of Emilia could also stem from the general hatred of women that he displays. Some readers have suggested that Iago’s true, underlying motive for persecuting Othello is his homosexual love for the general. He certainly seems to take great pleasure in preventing Othello from enjoying marital happiness, and he expresses his love for Othello frequently and effusively.

Who is Iago willing to take revenge on?

He is willing to take revenge on anyone—Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, even Emilia—at the slightest provocation and enjoys the pain and damage he causes. Iago is often funny, especially in his scenes with the foolish Roderigo, which serve as a showcase of Iago’s manipulative -abilities.

Why does Iago want to convince Othello to confide in Desdemona?

Iago then urges Cassio to confide in Desdemona so that his plan to frame them will convince Othello better. Iago wants Othello to believe that his wife has betrayed him and committed adultery with his lieutenant. Othello becomes jealous throughout the play and begins to question his wife’s love for him. Othello thinks because he is black, old, and less charming than Cassio this is why Desdemona has betrayed him. Because Iago has told Cassio to confide in Desdemona she knows that he has lost his position and wants to help him regain it so she nags her husband Othello to reinstate him.…

How does Iago encourage Cassio to achieve this?

Iago encourages Cassio to achieve this through getting Desdemona to put in a good word for him. Unbeknownst to everyone Iago is convincing Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful to him with Cassio. Othello in his jealous rage, caused by Iago, and under the belief that Cassio is going to die, kills Desdemona.…. Read More.

What does Othello believe about Bianca's handkerchief?

Othello believes Bianca's possession of the handkerchief is proof that Desdemona and Cassio are lovers. He verbally abuses his wife in front of others, who are shocked at the change in the noble and powerful man. Iago then manipulates Roderigo into trying to kill Cassio. The attempt goes wrong, and Cassio wounds Roderigo.

Why did Othello put Desdemona to death?

It is one thing to be jealous, but Othello performed on his doubt and put to death his wife, Desdemona. Because Iago implanted seeds of jealousy, Othello was taken into a trap. Othello should have confidence his wife. His faith about the wrong man and his life break off in tragedy.

What does Iago complain about in the opening scene?

In the opening scene, Iago is complaining to Roderigo about Othello, his Commander, passing him over to promote the Cassio to be his Lieutenant. He also revels that he thinks Othello slept with his wife. He does not know with certainty, but he vows to get revenge anyway. Iago first asks Roderigo cause a big scene to tell Desdemona 's father, ...

Why does Brabantio oppose marriage to Desdemona?

This is a marriage Brabantio opposes because Othello is black, and Desdemona did not get her father's permission. Brabantio confronts Othello, and they take their argument to the Duke, ...

How did Desdemona get affected by Othello?

Desdemona was affected by Othello’s behavior after he was manipulated by Iago “ Be thus when thou art dead, and I will kill thee and love the after” (Shakespeare 5.2.20). Desdemona was killed by Othello after he was manipulated by Iago.

image

1.How does Iago Manipulate in ‘Othello’ - StudyDriver.com

Url:https://studydriver.com/how-does-iago-manipulate-in-othello/

31 hours ago  · Get custom essay. To begin, Iago manipulates Roderigo by imposing pathos in order to affirm Othello as an opponent they must eliminate. Iago elaborates on how Othello …

2.How does Iago manipulate Othello? - eNotes.com

Url:https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/how-does-iago-manipulate-othello-13965

4 hours ago How Does Iago Manipulate Othello? Iago is successful in manipulating Othello through his clever use of language. He is able to convince Othello of Desdemona’s infidelity and Cassio’s …

3.How Iago Manipulates Othello and Other Characters in …

Url:https://gradesfixer.com/free-essay-examples/how-iago-manipulates-othello-and-other-characters-in-the-play/

25 hours ago At the beginning of the play, Iago divulges his vengeful and maliciously devious intention to manipulate and mislead Othello , his so-called friend. He tells Roderigo, "I follow him to serve …

4.How does Iago manipulate Othello? - ivypanda.com

Url:https://ivypanda.com/q/how-does-iago-manipulate-othello/

6 hours ago  · Iago manipulates Othello by making him believe that Desdemona is cheating on him. Iago does this by planting evidence and manipulating other characters to make it seem …

5.How Does Iago Manipulate Plato In Othello | ipl.org

Url:https://www.ipl.org/essay/How-Does-Iago-Manipulate-Plato-In-Othello-FCS7E64UYT

25 hours ago  · Iago poisons Othello’s thoughts and actions by using his position as a trusted advisor to exploit Othello’s insecurities and doubts. He utilizes his influence over Cassio and …

6.Othello: Iago | SparkNotes

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/othello/character/iago/

7 hours ago The first tool Iago uses is verbal manipulation. Throughout the plot development, the villain detects Othello’s weak sides and pushes them. Using Othello’s fatal flaw of naivety, Iago …

7.How Does Iago Manipulate Roderigo In Othello - 373 …

Url:https://www.cram.com/essay/How-Does-Iago-Manipulate-Roderigo-In-Othello/FJYQ98ESJV

17 hours ago  · Iago is a master manipulator. He knows just how to push Othello’s buttons to make him do what Iago wants. One way Iago manipulates Othello is by playing on his insecurity. …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9