How does Iago manipulate different characters in order to achieve his aims?

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Jonathan Lynch L6DJN

How does Iago manipulate different characters in order to achieve his aims?

        Iago is able to manipulate different characters throughout Othello by appearing to be honest and trustworthy, and using this to make people believe what he is saying is the truth. This means that Iago can tell them what he wants, in order to achieve whatever he desires. Iago is essentially a two-faced character, and it is very ironic when Iago swears, ‘By Janus.’ (I, 2, 33), as Janus is a two-faced Roman god.

        The first person that Iago manipulates is Roderigo. Roderigo is blinded by his love for Desdemona, and is prepared to try anything to win her heart. This makes him easy to manipulate, and doesn’t require much skill on Iago’s part. Roderigo is initially displeased with Iago, as he has paid Iago to promote a marriage between him and Desdemona, but instead Desdemona has gotten married to Othello. However, Iago easily restores Roderigo’s faith in him by expressing his hate for Othello. He says things such as; ‘Despise me if I do not’ (I, 1, 8) when Roderigo asks if he hates Othello. Roderigo is used for his money, Iago tells him repeatedly to ‘put money in thy purse’ (I, 3, 330). Even when Roderigo threatens Iago, ‘assure yourself I will seek satisfaction of you’ (VI, 2, 195), he doesn’t have the necessary willpower and strength to back up his threats, and instead is convinced by Iago to murder Cassio by ‘knocking out his brains’ (VI, 2, 222). However, Iago intends Roderigo, as well as Cassio, to die in the fight, ‘Live Roderigo […] it must not be.’ (V, 1, 14-18). To make sure of this he stabs Roderigo after he is wounded by Cassio.

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        Another person manipulated by Iago is Cassio. Iago is able to take advantage of Cassio’s courtesy, recognising that his weakness lies in the fact that he is ‘handsome, young and hath all those requisites in him that folly and green minds look after’ (II, 1, 245-6), in short, Iago is able to make Cassio look as if he is ‘framed to make women false’ (I, 3 397). He is able to do this by again making himself appear honest. With Cassio, he is bluff, coarse and genial. He also offers the lieutenant practical advice. He suggests to Cassio that he ...

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*** 3 stars A good essay which shows understanding of the play and its complexities. Some points are well supported by appropriate quotes but in places more textual references are needed. Likewise more exploration of critical comments. Shows understanding of dramatic irony and how Shakespeare created this and the audience's responses.