The Manipulation Of Jealous Iago In Shakespeare's Othello

The Manipulation of Jealous Iago

In Shakespeare's Othello there is a character well known as an antagonist. Iago identifies as one of Shakespeare's most malevolent villains. He portrays the characteristics of jealousy and manipulation.

Iago depicts the personality trait of jealousy. He exposes his first account of jealousy when Othello appoints Michael Cassio to be his lieutenant. Iago confesses this to Roderigo and says, “ One Michael Cassio, a Florentine (A fellow almost damn'd in a fair wife), That never set a squadron in the field But he, sir, had th' election …” (1.1.20-27). This is the reason for his strong hatred for Othello. Iago led himself to believe that he was next in line to be the lieutenant, but was sadly mistaken when he did

There is a lot of evidence that supports this claim. The use of repetition is one of the many methods that Iago uses to manipulate people. When he says, “I say, put money in thy purse.” (1.3.338) he repeats this quotation in the conversation he is having with Roderigo many times. Iago demonstrates the method of repetition, because he wants to influence Roderigo’s decision without exactly telling him what to do. Also, he took into consideration Roderigo’s weak state, and he is using it against him. Iago says, “If I can fasten but one cup upon him With that which he hath drunk tonight already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offense As my young mistress' dog.” (2.3.49-52). He indicates that Cassio gets violent, and becomes mean once he gets drunk. Iago manipulates both Cassio and Roderigo. By Cassio getting into a fight with Roderigo while in his state of drunkenness forces Othello’s to fire him as his lieutenant. Not only does this open up the opportunity for Iago to get the army position, he can now start to plant the seeds of Desdemona and Cassio having a relationship together. It would be perceived this way, because Desdemona now is going to try to persuade Othello into giving Cassio the job back. When he says, “Virtue? A fig! 'Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus. Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners. So that if we will plant nettles or sow lettuce, set hyssop and weed up thyme,