Othello - How Iago manipulates Othello according to Act III, Scene iii

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Luca Liberti

Othello – How Iago manipulates Othello according to Act III, Scene iii

The play Othello is a romantic tragedy. An although it is named after the hero ‘Othello’ the most complex and featured character is Iago, who is the villain. The audience sees two sides to Iago the self-confessed Villain, and the ironic side, which the audience sees where the other characters, refers to Iago as “Honest Iago”! Throughout the play Iago manipulates Othello into thinking that Desdemona, who is his wife, if having an affair with this lieutenant Michael Cassio. Iago is triggered into doing this through jealousy, as Othello appointed Cassio as his lieutenant. In the play the theme of racism if present, as Othello’s ethnic background is black-African.

In act II, scene ii, Iago declares “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear” this is referring to Othello, and Iago is plotting to say his lies to Othello, and in this we see Iago being plagued by jealousy. The Scene where the audience sees Iago’s skills at manipulation is act III, scene iii, In act III, scene iii Othello and Iago enters the stage, and Iago says “hah? I like not that” Iago says “seeing you coming” this makes Othello suspicious of Desdemona and Cassio. On page 76 of the script, Iago asks “did Michael Cassio, When he wooed my lady, know of your love” Iago is suggesting when Othello was seeing Desdemona, Cassio was without knowing of Othello and Desdemona, having an affair with her. Iago also says to Othello “But for the Satisfaction of my thought, no further harm” Iago is referring to his last quote, this is where you see the irony, as Iago is intent of causing harm to Othello mentally. Also in this act Iago said to Othello “my lord you know, I love you” this quote proves when the other characters call Iago “honest” that it is Irony as Iago admits in a soliloquy “I Hate the Moore” This is referring to Othello, who is the Moore.

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Iago Continues to Manipulate Othello, On page 77 Iago says “Men should be what they seem” Iago is talking about Cassio, Iago again is being ironic, this is uses to manipulate Othello. On page 78 Iago says to Othello “it were not for your quiet… to let you know my thoughts” Iago is not revealing his thoughts on Cassio and Desdemona, as Iago knows this will make Othello think that Iago is trying to protect him, and not cause him further harm. Iago knew that because of his past quote that he is not intent on causing Othello more ...

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