Othello Persuasive Language Essay

Phillip K. Dick once said “If you can control the meaning of words, you can control the people who use those words”. In George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and William Shakespeare’s “Othello”, Charisma is the most common trait when associating manipulative antagonists. Napoleon and Iago are both prime examples of this. This is proven by the use of the reputation of both Napoleon and Iago. They both use persuasive language when talking and interacting with characters, while also using their reputation to deflect blame onto a lesser and more amiable characters. Persuasive language is constantly being used in both books, with the goal to further the Antagonists goal. Persuasive language is meant to influence and create insecurities. In “Othello”, Iago

When Iago realizes that everybody believes him to be “Honest Iago”, back to when Iago talks about corrupting Brabantio’s mind he states “Call up her father; Rouse him. Make after him, poison his delight…plague him with flies so that he changes vexation and his joy loses colour” (1.1.74-80). With Iago already poisoning his view, Iago realizes that Brabantio is a racist as all white men in Venice were, and that he has a fear of outsiders. Iago, knowing of Othello eloping with his daughter says “the devil will make a grandshire of you” because he let Othello corrupt his daughter. Brabantio subconsciously realizing Othello’s reputation believes this to be true. When Iago is then manipulating Rodrigo, “Honest Iago’s” true ideas and identity is released, showing that he enjoys playing God. “Thou art sure of me. Go, make money. I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again, I hate the Moor. My cause is hearted; thine has no less reason” (1.3.357-360) Iago’s hatred is deep and passionate, with a clear motive that he wishes to destroy the Moor. Part of the reason Iago is such a master manipulator is that he has the ability to persuade based solely on reputation. His usage of manipulative techniques and language is just a bonus. With Rodrigo wrapped around his finger, funding other devious schemes. Iago’s reputation is cemented all around

Squealer then reiterates the reputation of Napoleon by addressing the animals without Napoleon there. By already saying that “he trusts every animal appreciates the sacrifices that comrade Napoleon makes” and then guilt tripping the animals by saying “leadership is a deep and heavy responsibility” (Orwell 19) The animals what to throw unconditional support at Napoleon. This shows that even when Napoleon is not there making a speech. His overwhelming influence and reputation on other people, is enough to get them to throw blind support towards him. This is an important skill that both Iago and Napoleon