Iago’s Scheming in Shakespeares Othello Essay - 839 Words

Iago’s Scheming in Othello Iago is a powerful predator who exploits those around him by infecting their perceptions of truth with carefully chosen fallacy. His skill in finding the proverbial chinks in others armor allows him to skillfully weave his machinations of destroying Othello into their minds and actions; by manipulating characters perceptions of Desdemona, Iago gains the leverage he needs to exploit each character. No one is impervious to Iagos seething purpose; even Othello falls prey to Iagos suggestions and insinuations about Desdemona. Iagos constant presence as the stager, as well as his ceaseless - but subtle - reinforcement of events through narration, allows him to be the pivotal force that directs†¦show more content†¦Othello, not knowing that Cassio was in fact speaking with Desdemona in hopes of being reinstated as Lieutenant, mistakenly believes that the two are having an affair and that Desdemona has lost her chastity. Iago skillfully capitalizes on the situation by developing hi s attack further: She did deceive her father, marrying you (3.3.220). Othello begins to see Iagos reasoning: if she could deceive her father, she could just as easily deceive her new husband. Once Othellos bliss has been decimated, Iago concentrates on weakening Othellos perception of himself; Iago very carefully and very tactfully chooses words and metaphors that subconsciously pit Othello against the Venetians. Othello begins to perceive himself as an outsider in his own country, a malignant and turbaned Turk (5.2.365). A fruitful marriage with a Venetian woman becomes out of the question in Othellos mind. Iagos successful manipulation takes a self-confidant man and reduces him to one at ends with himself and with the woman he loved. Iagos omnipresence is vital to his success; only when present in a scene is he able to manipulate the characters and, more importantly, interpret the scenes for the benefit of those witnessing the events. In the first scene of the fifth act, after killing Roderigo and after Cassio passes out, Iago senses the chance to engage in a bit of creative staging. Iago, left uncontested,Show MoreRelatedShakespeares Portrayal of Themes of Deception and Jealousy in Othello642 Words   |  3 PagesShakespeares Portrayal of Themes of Deception and Jealousy in Othello The main characters in relation to jealousy in the play are Othello and Desdemona. Desdemona is the object of Othellos jealousy, which is planted in his mind by Iagos deception. This enhances Othellos position in the minds of the audience as the tragic hero, and deeply links these two themes. 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