Evaluate the Iago/Othello dynamic in Act III scene iii - Why is it so easy for Iago to convince Othello that Desdemona is committing adultery?

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Ania Freer        -  -

Evaluate the Iago/Othello dynamic in Act III scene iii.

Why is it so easy for Iago to convince Othello that Desdemona is committing adultery?

It’s very interesting to note the structure of Act III scene iii. At first we see Desdemona and Othello on stage; she is playful and exceptionally admit that Cassio be reinstated as Lieutenant.  It’s fair to say that Othello is not in his right state of mind, even before Iago enters; it feels as though Othello is already in the grip of emotions he cannot handle. He seems uneasy during his conversation with his wife; there is a hint of resignation in his line “I will deny thee nothing.” Following this we see Iago beginning his manipulation, he is extremely tactful in the way he presents his poisoned allegations, purposely keeping Othello hanging; playing with his words.

        “Honest, my lord?”

        “Think, my lord?”

Desdemona re-enters and we can see that Iago's word have begun to eat away at Othello, his poor judgment shows his inability to think for himself. Desdemona, who is trying to shear her honest thoughts with him, is sent away, although, he is impatient to hear Iago’s (false and evil) thoughts. The structure of this scene illustrates how powerful Iago's character is, each time Desdemona re-enters, we see Othello becoming more and more infected by Iago’s poison. Othello is actually carrying out Iago’s revenge for him by asking the newly appointed Lieutenant to kill Cassio.

Iago has made it his mission to convince Othello that Desdemona is committing adultery. Iago starts by conveying an image of himself as an extremely “honest” soldier.

“But I am much to blame.

I humbly do beseech you of your pardon

For too much loving you.”

One of Iago's tactics is to play on Othello's insecurity as an outsider in Venice. He exploits social stereotypes. In the same way that all soldiers are “honest” Venetian women are conceded decadent, excessive, glamorous and sexually permissive. Iago then goes on to reassure Othello that he is simply looking out for his best interests, “I would not have your free and noble nature / Out of self-bounty be abused.” This is exactly what Iago, himself, is doing. Othello is made to feel like an outsider up against an insider (Iago).

“…Iago invokes the cultural suspicions that all woman are whores. (Valerie Traub Desire and Anxiety 1992 feminist critic.)

Othello tries to resist Iago's accusations about his wife.

“Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw

The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt.”

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Here Othello is saying that he would never suspect his wife of infidelity (“revolt”) merely because he believes he is unworthy of her love.

So if Othello is so spiritually attached and inlove, why is he so swift to change his mind and give into thoughts of jealousy and doubt. Some critics have suggested that despite his other positive qualities and calm authority as a soldier, Othello is susceptible to jealousy: “he is suggestible and insecure” (York notes, Rebecca Warren).

When Desdemona re-enters (III.iii.277) Othello is in the processes of accepting she has cheated on him, he ...

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