Iagos Influence Essay - 1452 Words

Is it fate that we as a people will be brought to destruction by our own means? In the story of Othello, Iago seeks to prove this point to all those who surround him. Through manipulation and lies, the villainous Iago shows how people can come to quickly distrust others, and escalate situations until death. Iago’s hope is to not only cause destruction, but to watch other wreak it upon themselves. By playing the role of both trustworthy friend and sly controller, Iago illustrates how one man’s knowledge of human nature can direct the actions of those around him. Othello: Iago’s influence on others begins right way by having a pre-established trust between Othello and himself. It is evident beginning as early as Act II that the Moor’s†¦show more content†¦Othello’s flaw that Iago wished to magnetize was the way in which he had absolute trust for those around him; in the end this very concept of always believing what one hears is what brought the Moor to his death. Roderigo: Through a vulnerability that was easily accessed for Iago, forcing the lovesick Roderigo to play into the villain’s hands was no task at all. In Act I the story begins with Roderigo’s emotions overflowing with sadness, as his one true love Desdemona has married another man. It is silliness to live when to live is torment, / and then have we a prescription to die when death is / our physician(I.iii.308-310). Iago’s window of opportunity to use the passionate Roderigo couldn’t have come at a better moment. Iago goes on to play the role of a caring friend to Roderigo, one who gives the depressed dope the courage to fight back for Desdemona- to do anything for her. â€Å"What should I do? I confess it is shame / to be so fond, but it is not in my virtue to amend it† (I.iii.317-318). Iago see’s that clearly Roderigo’s hopes of making things right with Desdemona is a goal, and with a little persuasion Iago has this simple minded fellow want ing Desdemona by any means possible. Overcoming Roderigo’s indifference to Desdemona and Othello’s marriage was a small stepping stone for Iago. By listening and nurturing the sadness that Iago believed Roderigo to have, the villain was able to take full advantage of his ignorance; and putShow MoreRelatedThe Spectrum Of Human Nature Essay1639 Words   |  7 Pagesabout both the plot and the characters. Furthermore, by providing such a diverse range of feeble justifications, the audience of Othello is able to conclude that a deeper, unstated force fuels Iago’s hatred for Othello. Readers today have attempted to interpret this unstated force with a modern twist: that Iago’s hatred stems from his homosexual lust for Othello. However, these interpretations are loosely supported by textual evidence, which are then often quoted out of context . By establishing thatRead MoreOthello, By William Shakespeare1333 Words   |  6 Pagesthat would prove to be highly useful in Iago’s plans. For what reason would a man as trusting as Othello suspect a friend he loves dearly? Colleagues describe Iago as â€Å"ancient to the general† (2.1.66), and Iago himself notes that he had fought alongside Othello in many battles. Othello could only perceive Iago as his loyal ensign, thus allowing Iago to sabotage Othello and Desdemona’s relationship while appearing helpful and honest. Prior to Iago’s influence, Othello was a rational man with confidenceRead MoreIago, By William Shakespeare1669 Words   |  7 Pagescold blooded chameleon. Iago’s art of persuasion, his mastery of rhetoric as well as his ability to sense his victims’ insecurities and weaknesses, is what makes him so diabolically ruthless. Throughout the play, one can truly see the power of words and their delivery, and the massive influence that they can have over people. Iago employs charlatan techniques to appeal to his victims’ emotional, l ogical and ethical weaknesses for his own selfish political gain. 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An example of dramatic irony that captures Iago’s destructive nature throughout the entire play is his appearance vs the reality of the situation, according to LitCharts. A prime example of this can be seen when Iago proclaims toRead MoreEssay about Othello533 Words   |  3 Pagesnamed Iago displays a very good example of this. Iago who is Othello’s ensign is considerate to people although at the same time manipulates their minds into thinking different things other than what had really occurred. Therefore, the victims of Iago’s mischievous acts had been lured in to gullibility at every corner. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In Act I, Iago had used his ‘magic’ on Roderigo who was very upset upon the fact that Othello and Desdemona were still able to be as one, since he wasRead MoreThe building blocks of a tragic hero945 Words   |  4 Pagesdialect, and behaviours change throughout the play. 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He immediately turns to Iago for answers when Cassio stabs Montano, Read MoreOthello Analysis1474 Words   |  6 Pagesterms, Roderigo deals with the conflict of desire and trust against rationality and common sense. Although Roderigos conflict is internal, he is influenced by people and things outside himself that causes him to take different positions on it. Iagos influence on Roderigos decisions also emphasizes the plays theme as a whole which deals with the consequences of vulnerability. One side of Roderigos conflict, his love for Desdemona, is evident towards the beginning of the play. After finding out thatRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Othello By William Shakespeare757 Words   |  4 Pageselements greatly influences the reader’s perspective on The Tragedy of Othello. The effective universal theme Shakespeare introduces in Othello is the tragic flaw of jealousy. The play shows the emotional power of jealousy and the damage envy can cause. The villain, Iago manipulates Othello to believing that Desdemona is having an affair with Othello’s general in command, Cassio. Iago provided false evidence to Othello involving Desdemona s handkerchief. Othello accepts Iago’s beliefs about Desdemona