othello essay on manipulation

Othello Manipulation Essay

This essay will analyze the theme of manipulation in Shakespeare’s “Othello.” It will focus on Iago’s manipulative tactics and their impact on Othello and other characters. The piece will explore how manipulation drives the plot and contributes to the tragedy of the play, examining themes of trust, jealousy, and deception. Additionally, PapersOwl presents more free essays samples linked to Othello.

How it works

Manipulation is all around us; we frequently do not notice it because it is hidden very well. Humans manipulate others in order to get their requests, they expect them to reveal their flaws to use it against them. In Othello, Iago demonstrates he is the master of manipulation over all characters who had formerly trusted and confined him. Shakespeare’s Iago effectively showcases how humans can use others weaknesses to serve their demands which causes them to expose their faults.

Shakespeare portrays Roderigo’s character to have a gullible and naive personality establishing how easily people can take advantage of him.

He will do anything for Desdemona’s love. This obsession causes him to absolutely believe anything Iago informs him in the hopes of getting Desdemona’s love. Being strategic and clever, Iago exploits Roderigo’s love, influencing him to “put money in thy purse” to allow him to be capable of seeking revenge on Othello (1.3.332). This reveals how Roderigo is willing to commit heinous acts in order to be with the object of his obsession. Therefore, the extreme passion for Desdemona blinds Roderigo from the truth. Iago views Roderigo as a pawn in his game of chess using him in his plot to demolish Othello. Iago utilizes his knowledge wisely to be able to manipulate others for his own demands.

Iago’s greatest skill is disguising his manipulative schemes of destroying and betraying the ones around him who refer to him as “honest Iago”. Utilizing their trust to plant suspicion and ideas in their heads. Iago capitalizes on Cassio’s trusting nature by pretending to be his friend while misleading him. Cassio got the position of lieutenant instead of Iago causing him to crave revenge against him. Iago persuades Cassio into drinking so he can be able to join in the celebration, knowing that Cassio has to guard his post that night. Iago exploits Cassio weakness of drinking excessively into composing Roderigo to fight Cassio.

Consequently, knowing that Cassio has no control over himself. When Montano came in to stop the fight between Cassio and Roderigo, Cassio started fighting Montano because he did not like being called “drunk” it agitated him, causing him to diminish one of his own allies. Othello had to fire Cassio due to his course of his actions, establishing Iago as the new lieutenant. Iago intentionally defames Cassio reputation regardless of him appearing to be friends. Consequently, furthering Iago’s plot against Othello by giving Cassio hope for receiving his position back by talking to Desdemona. Cassio manners and personality was his downfall because he was to trusting. Iago is able to get a sense of everyone around him being able to use their imperfections against them to benefit himself.

Iago plays on Othello’s personal insecurities, resulting in his mental insanity. Othello is a notable pariah being a black man in a white society, people refer to him as “The Moor”, since his skin color results in unfair assumptions and being referred to many different types of animalistic characteristics. Therefore, the only person that truly loves him is Desdemona. During the time period of this play, it was rare and controversial to examine people getting married. Resulting in societies prejudice, damaging Othello’s self-esteem, allowing Iago to take advantage of his insecurities in order to evoke the feeling of jealousy. Being logical, Iago claims that Desdemona would prefer Cassio because she is like him in color, speech and age, convincing Othello that he has lost her. Iago demonstrates to Othello how Desdemona is unfaithful by utilizing her past and gender.

Furthermore, Iago reminds Othello of how Desdemona betrayed her father by running away portraying that she is untrustworthy. This concludes that Desdemona betrayed her father and will most likely betray Othello too. With the knowledge of women in the time period, “Iago, poisons the mind of the outsider [Othello] against his wife, suggesting that all Venetian women are promiscuous and unfaithful” leading to signify her betrayal (Jones). Iago toys with Othello’s mind utilizing his insecurities to generate suspicion about his wife. In addition, each discussion Iago has held with Othello has placed doubt in his mind, which causes Othello to believe nobody else but him. Iago swaddles Othello in a coat of lies, utilizing jealousy and uncertainty to compel him against his wife. Othello agrees with all Iago’s lies believing them to be true, but believes Desdemona pleas to be lies. Accordingly, Othello enables his emotions to run untamed, thinking that death is the only option for Desdemona’s disloyalty. In essence, Iago exploits Othello’s insecurities bring about self-doubt in his mind, provoking the feeling of betrayal upon his wife.

Shakespeare’s Desdemona is well known for her innocence and loyalty, beyond all, her love for Othello is pure. She is kind-hearted and is willing to help others in need. Desdemona will do anything for Othello’s love. However, Iago has planted suspicion in Othello’s mind about Desdemona accusations of adultery. Iago sees an opportunity to gain Othello’s prize possession his handkerchief. The handkerchief symbolizes Desdemona’s faith to Othello. Also, it carries a significant amount of meaning behind it by it came from his parents representing marital fidelity. When Othello confronted her about location of the handkerchief, she was dodging the question provoking him to feel suspicious.

Once, Othello witnesses Cassio with the handkerchief, he accepts it as confirmation of her infidelity. Othello becomes enraged deciding to hit his wife and accuse her of adultery, while she is wondering what she did to deserve this. Desdemona goes to Iago for help to learn why is Othello making those accusations about her, Iago lies to her by questioning how could Othello get such a idea. Desdemona never stood up for herself disputing with Othello demonstrating her love and faithfulness to Othello. In addition, every Venetian wife must obey their husbands, if not their love life would be ruin. Desdemona unconditional love for Othello showcases that she would never cheat on Othello because she loves him to much. However, Iago capitalizes upon her virtues and deceptive actions to achieve Othello feeling enrage, allowing Iago to destroy Desdemona in order to damage Othello.

Shakespeare’s Emilia is a minor character in the play, but make crucial contributions by her loyalty and honesty. Throughout the play, Iago been deceiving his wife for his grand revenge scheme against Othello. Iago utilizes Emilia close relationship to Desdemona allowing Emilia to steal the handkerchief, which seals Desdemona’s fate. Emilia thought by stealing the handkerchief for him something romantic or astonishing would come out of it. Nevertheless, Iago bestows the handkerchief to Cassio for evidence of Desdemona accusations of adultery. Emilia defeat was that her needs were never satisfied by Iago. Eventually, Emilia discovers that her husband has been giving Othello false information resulting in killing a innocent women. Emilia is flabbergasted that her husband would do something so terribly horrid, triggering her to break her silence and obedience. Therefore, Emilia argues with Iago speaking the truth about all his manipulation acts in order for him to get the karma he deserves. Although, Emilia has spoken the truth, Iago disapproves of it deciding to kill her while being aware that this will probably be the end of the line for him.

Iago undermines each character’s weakness in order to succeed in his grand scheme. Through manipulation Iago has been “goading them [each character] to murder each other for his own personal gain”, illustrating his convincing nature and and ability to manipulate character’s to do his bidding (McCreary). The gullible fool Roderigo, trusting Cassio, insecure Othello, virtuous Desdemona, honest Emilia all fall for Iago’s trick. Iago plays a strategic game of chess, with the lives of the people around him being the pawns, his goal being to take out the king. Unfortunately, Iago masterminds the downfalls and deaths of many, left with the consequence of his actions and the weight of all deaths he has caused on his shoulders.

Cite this page

Othello Manipulation Essay. (2021, Jun 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/

"Othello Manipulation Essay." PapersOwl.com , 17 Jun 2021, https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/

PapersOwl.com. (2021). Othello Manipulation Essay . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/ [Accessed: 11 Aug. 2024]

"Othello Manipulation Essay." PapersOwl.com, Jun 17, 2021. Accessed August 11, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/

"Othello Manipulation Essay," PapersOwl.com , 17-Jun-2021. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/. [Accessed: 11-Aug-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2021). Othello Manipulation Essay . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/othello-manipulation-essay/ [Accessed: 11-Aug-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Deception And Manipulation In Othello Essay

Back to: Othello by William Shakespeare

The play Othello begins with a scene of Iago. From the very outset, it is obvious that he has a formidable skill of communication. His language is sharply controlled by his deep psychological understanding of every other character he speaks with.

It is Iago whose manipulating capacity reveals the vulnerability of human beings. Singlehandedly, he manipulates Roderigo, Iago, Cassio, Desdemona and Emilia. Even his minor confrontations with characters like Brabantio and others bear the effects of his manipulative tendencies. 

Unlike Shakespeare’s other villains, Iago is outrightly and self-consciously evil. His manipulation begins with Roderigo who is hopelessly in love with Desdemona.

Iago ably manipulates others because he has a deep understanding of their personal insecurities and complexes. When he begins manipulating Othello, he never directly utters his intention, he rather suggests.

He doesn’t spare a single chance in the name of humanity when he starts breaking him from inside. As a part of his very elaborate and intricately detailed plan, he traps Cassio by using Roderigo. He does so by using their weakness and misfortune. Cassio’s weakness in alcohol is exploited very quickly.

Iago also exploits Emilia, his wife’s simple-minded devotion towards him to get the handkerchief which becomes his final weapon for corrupting Othello’s doubt towards Desdemona beyond repair.

The play shows how excellent acting is crucial to manipulation. Iago’s craft stems from his capacity to convince others of his sincerity. After severing Othello’s faith in Desdemona, he tells him, “ I humbly beg your pardon because I was loving you too much.”

Othello ends up saying, “ I am bound to you forever. ” The height of manipulation shown in this play is when the very characters who are cheated by Iago into their fall, call him as “honest.”

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Iago — Iago’s Silence And Power Of Manipulation In Othello

Iago’s Silence and Power of Manipulation in Othello

• Categories: Iago Othello William Shakespeare

About this sample

Words: 1543 |

Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 1543 | Pages: 3 | 8 min read

Works Cited:

• Henly, S. (2017). Wonder review – thoughtful teen drama with a charming cast. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/dec/02/wonder-review-julia-roberts-jacob-tremblay
• Jones, J. (2017). ‘Wonder’ movie review: A relentlessly sentimental feel-good tearjerker. The Chicago Tribune. https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/movies/sc-mov-wonder-rev-1128-story.html
• Gino, F., Ashburn-Nardo, L., & Mucchi-Faina, A. (2019). Vicarious embarrassment: A framework for understanding observers’ emotional responses to ostracism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 116(1), 31–54.
• Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1995). The need to belong: Desire for interpersonal attachments as a fundamental human motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 117(3), 497–529.
• Fabes, R. A., & Martin, C. L. (1991). Gender and age stereotypes of emotionality. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 17(5), 532–540.
• Leary, M. R., & Baumeister, R. F. (2000). The nature and function of self-esteem: Sociometer theory. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 32, 1–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0065-2601(00)80003-9
• Twenge, J. M., & Campbell, W. K. (2009). The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement. Free Press.
• Keltner, D. (2016). The power paradox: How we gain and lose influence. Penguin.
• Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The “what” and “why” of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227–268.
• Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55(1), 5–14.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

5 pages / 2287 words

4 pages / 1790 words

10 pages / 4460 words

3.5 pages / 1677 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Iago

Danny Santiago's short story "The Somebody" is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the quest for recognition within the confines of urban America. Set against the backdrop of East Los Angeles, the narrative [...]

Iago’s isolation from humanity is ideological and emotional hermitry rather than physical solitariness: he detaches himself from social standards and practices, but continues to weave his diabolical influence as a player in the [...]

Speech in Shakespeare's "Othello" possesses a power beyond that of deeds'. It is Othello's fantastical storytelling that won him Desdemona at the start, Iago's poisonous suggestion that leads the general to murder his own wife, [...]

The power of persuasion is a dominant and influential tool that can easily be misused for personal benefit. Lies and deceits are becoming more common in society, with individuals masking their true intentions. In William [...]

How could the Moor have possibly chosen Cassio over me? I have endured hardship after hardship, battle upon battle, and yet, he does not see me fit to serve as his lieutenant! Never complained have I, and I have stood at [...]

All humans struggle to control themselves. Human beings must grapple with their emotions and check their actions, to prevent either from getting out of hand. While one should not be an apathetic everyman, or a stranger to human [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Literature Othello

Depiction of the Theme of Manipulation in Shakespeare's "Othello"

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• The Devil And Tom Walker
• Richard Wright
• The Hiding Place
• Crime and Punishment

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Pardon Our Interruption

As you were browsing something about your browser made us think you were a bot. There are a few reasons this might happen:

• You've disabled JavaScript in your web browser.
• You're a power user moving through this website with super-human speed.
• You've disabled cookies in your web browser.
• A third-party browser plugin, such as Ghostery or NoScript, is preventing JavaScript from running. Additional information is available in this support article .

To regain access, please make sure that cookies and JavaScript are enabled before reloading the page.