Iago's Emotions In Othello

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Have you ever thought someone could use your own emotions against you? In The Tragedy Of Othello: The Moor Of Venice, by William Shakespeare, the emotions the characters feel are used against them. This happens to both Othello and Cassio. Othello is the moor of Venice. He is also the general of the Venetian Army. Cassio is the Lieutenant of the Venetian Army. Iago utilizes Cassio’s hatred of drinking against him to make him act impulsively. He also uses Othello’s strong belief of Desdemona’s loyalty against him to persuade him to act impulsively. Iago transforms characters from being composed to impulsive by utilizing their emotions against them, making them do something they normally would not do. Iago influences Casio from being composed …show more content…

At first Othello is confident about his belief that Desdemona would never lie or cheat. This allows him to appear composed when the topic is even brought up. When Brabantio says, “Look to her, Moor, if thou hast eyes to see. She has deceived her father, and may thee” (1.3.288-289), he says, “My life upon her faith” (1.3.290). Othello believes that Desdemona would never lie to him, even though she had lied to her father. Also, he did not act or appear mad when Brabantio says this. As a result, Iago is able to use this confidence of Desdemona not cheating on him against him. At first Iago just gets the idea in his head. He then tries to “Fetch me the handkerchief—my mind misgives” (3.4.80). Othello admits that he is doubting her loyalty. Iago told Othello that she had given the handkerchief to Cassio. At first Othello did not believe him until he realizes she truly does not have it. Once he believed this Iago was able to continue with his lie. He told Othello she has slept with him numerous times. He also tells him that he should kill her due to everything she has done. To this Othello replies, “Ay, let her rot, and perish, and be damned tonight; for she shall not live. No, my heart is turned to stone; I strike it, and it hurts my hand” (Shakespeare 4.1.183-185). Othello admits that he believes she should be killed. Iago then induced him that he should be the one to kill her. Othello

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