Identity In Othello

“I Am Not What I Am”

William Shakespeare’s tragedy, Othello, addresses how an individual's identity shapes his or her actions, and how an identity can be manipulated in order to fit one’s agenda. We see a great deal of identity manipulation with the character of Iago. Spurred by jealousy and revenge, Iago, a master manipulator and the villain of the story, juggles multiple identities in an effort to tear two lovers, Desdemona and Othello, apart. Iago lies to, and influences many characters in the play, however he manages to never be confronted about his manipulative actions. When Iago is first introduced, he forebodes that his actions will not blatantly reflect his intentions during the play. In order to establish that he is not what he appears

After being publicly reprimanded and stripped of his lieutenant position, Cassio is distraught and embarrassed. Iago recognizes that Cassio is gutted over the loss of his reputation and his friend Othello, and decides to use this heightened emotion against him. Iago approaches Cassio by fervently asking, “What, are you hurt, lieutenant? (2.3).” By showing frantic concern for Cassio and assuaging his fears, Iago paints himself as a friend and ally; However, by addressing Cassio as “lieutenant,” the position that Cassio no longer holds, Iago taunts Cassio with his loss, thus making him more emotional. Like a friend would, Iago continues to advise Cassio to, “confess [himself] freely to [Desdemona],” and “ Importune her help to put [him] in [his] place again (2.3).” Iago suggests that as an emotional woman, Desdemona would be better fitted to hear Cassio’s appeal than Othello would. Although Iago is manipulating Cassio as apart of his revenge, the action of offering help makes him seem as if he is empathizing with Cassio. Because Cassio’s interaction with Desdemona is imperative to the success of his plan, Iago depends on Cassio’s distraught emotional state to distract from his manipulation. Once thanked by Cassio for his help, Iago states, “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest kindness (2.3).” With the phrase “I protest” Iago appears selfless for humbly accepting Cassio’s gratitude. Iago attributes his willingness to help to “the sincerity of love and honest kindness” he feels for Cassio. He uses “love and honest kindness” to atone for the hate that Cassio is experiencing, thus appearing to palliate his hurt feelings. Iago displays pathos by accentuating Cassio’s emotions and employing his insincere sympathy to dictate a desired response from