Explore the ways in which Iago destroys the relationship between Desdemona and Othello

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Explore the ways in which Iago destroys the relationship between Desdemona and Othello

It is obvious from the very beginning of the play that Iago plans to get his revenge upon Othello. For instance he comments that “I follow him to serve my turn upon him.” However it does not become immediately apparent what Iago is going to do until Act 1 Scene 3 when he states that  “To get his place and plume my will…after some time, to abuse Othello’s ear that he is too familiar with [Desdemona].” Therefore it is clear that Iago destroys the relationship between Desdemona and Othello because of his immense jealousy of Cassio which is shown by “For ‘Certes’ says he, ‘I have already chosen my officer.’ And what was he? ...One Michael Cassio, a fellow [with] mere prattle without practise.” Iago is not only jealous of Cassio, but also of Othello because he believes that “he’s done my office.” In fact this is entirely refuted by Iago’s wife Emilia later on in the play. For instance when both her and Desdemona are discussing whether they would “abuse their husbands,” Emilia claims that she would “neither [do so] by this heavenly light.” Therefore Iago’s jealously of Othello is clearly uncalled for as he has no reason to suspect that Emilia has been unfaithful. Nevertheless, Iago still wants to be “evened, with him wife for wife.” Another possible reason for Iago’s jealousy could be that the relationship between Desdemona and Othello is a much stronger and more loving one that that between Iago and Emilia. It is clear that the relationship between Iago and Emilia is not always a happy one by “as of her tongue that she oft bestows on me.” Therefore I ago may be jealous of Desdemona and Othello’s relationship. As a result of his absolute loathing and jealousy of Othello, Iago plans to “put the Moor at least into a jealously so strong that judgement cannot cure.”

To destroy the relationship between Desdemona and Othello, Iago uses people to his advantage, for instance he uses such people as Cassio, Emilia and to some extent even Desdemona without their knowledge. What becomes evident about how Iago uses people to help him succeed in his plans is that he exploits peoples’ own weaknesses without their knowledge. For instance he exploits Emilia’s loyalty to above anyone – “a good wench,” Iago also exploits Othello’s trusting nature and in some ways his own blindness to what is happening around his and his failure to trust Desdemona over Iago, which is ultimately his downfall. Iago also exploits Desdemona’s naivety as well as her love and trust of Othello. Iago exploits Desdemona’s kind hearted nature and willingness to help people such as Cassio- “I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.” Once Iago knows how he will wreak his revenge upon Othello by destroying the relationship between him and Desdemona, he continuously works on this throughout the play.

For instance, even before he starts destroying the relationship, he draws unnecessary attention to it, for example – an “old black ram is tupping your white ewe.” This does not destroy the relationship in any way although it does make it harder for them to get their relationship to be recognised and accepted by the senators in Venice, particularly Desdemona’s father Brabantio. In some ways this even makes it stronger by making Desdemona and Othello more determined to affirm their love as shown by Othello declaration that “I love the gentle Desdemona.”  The way that Iago draws attention to the relationship between Desdemona and Othello is just one example of where Iago uses graphic, animalistic and racist imagery; thus showing that Iago is an uncouth and crass kind of person. This language also shows that Iago can not really see into the relationship and instead just makes presumptions about it.

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The actual method that Iago uses to destroy the relationship between Desdemona and Othello is to make Othello believe that Desdemona has made a “cuckold,” out of him by sleeping with Cassio and to continually make Othello think is and remind him of it. To continue with his plan of destroying the relationship, Iago proceeds to get Cassio drunk despite knowing that he has “very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.” It is clear that Iago plans to get him trouble because he gets Roderigo to “find some occasion to anger Cassio,” and this results in a fight with ...

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A solid essay that shows a sound understanding of the play and the characters' roles and purpose within the play. At times it would be better to reduce the quantity of points being made and focus on good quality analysis and relevance to the question instead. 4 Stars