How Does Iago Manipulate Roderigo In Othello

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In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, a man is frustrated with his prestigious commanding officer and plots to ruin his life. He appears truly honest and trustworthy but he is also one who is very mysterious, and notorious. Iago's words play a diverse role in Othello. He uses the power of speech to pursue Othello, but has a very unique way of seeking revenge by manipulating others and seeking revenge on Othello, Cassio and Roderigo. Shakespeare’s, Act 2,scene 1, brings a scene with Iago and Roderigo being alone together. Iago sees this as an opportunity to manipulate Roderigo by telling him that Desdemona is in love with Cassio. "First,I must tell thee this: Desdemona is directly in love with him."(2.1.231-232) He then explains how Cassio …show more content…

The gallants desire it”(2.1.35-42). Iago knowing that Cassio wouldn’t have said no,manipulates Cassio to do the unthinkable of one of his plans seeking revenge on both him and Othello. When Montano questions Iago about Cassios drinking, Iago responds with, how he is such a great soldier, but has a terrible drinking problem making Cassio the “bad guy”. After the argument that went on with Cassio and Montano, Othello comes out and, Iago quickly knows what to say to manipulate the Moor to believe how honest he is. He responds to Othello with the words of, “...I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth Than it should do offence to Michael Cassio;...”(2.3.216-217). He quickly manipulates Othello into thinking Cassio wasn’t the bad guy instead of snitching him out. When Othello makes his final decision of letting Cassio go,Iago acts to be hurt and sensitive to see Cassio go. Yet, in his soliloquy towards the end of the act (2.3.327-353) he explains how his plan has worked and he shall keep going with his plans to get more people involved to help him, so he doesn't get the blame for it and others

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