Essay on Iago as Expert Manipulator in Shakespeares Othello

Iago as Expert Manipulator in Othello In Othello, by William Shakespeare, the character of Iago cleverly and skillfully alters the appearance of reality within certain characters minds that are clouded by emotion. While Iago does deceive both Cassio and Roderigo, the most vulnerable character to Iagos treachery appears to be Othello. By being a good director and manipulator of emotions and intentions, Iago carries out his plan to exploit Othellos mental weakness almost flawlessly. Iagos ability to bend and sometimes replace the truth with his own lies drives the overall action of the play. The characters most vulnerable to Iagos manipulation seem to be the ones that appear the most emotionally confused. Iago†¦show more content†¦The pestilence turns into the words Iago uses to create the illusion inside Othellos mind that Cassio made love to Desdemona. Iago fulfills this plan in the middle of the next act as he relates an alternate version of the truth to Othello, thus manipulating reality inside Othellos mind. Othello, upon hearing Iagos upsetting words, demands proof of the adultery between Cassio and Desdemona. This demand leads Iago to assume more of a directors role so that he can manipulate the action of the play as well as the minds of the characters. Iagos ability to direct and stage the action of the play demonstrates his ability to alter the appearance of things. An important example of the way in which Iago manipulates the action arises at the moment that he obtains Othellos handkerchief, which had been given to Desdemona. The handkerchief becomes the one object that leads to the destruction of Othello, Desdemona, and Emilia and eventually the downfall of Iago himself. After unknowingly being deceived by Iago, Othello, in a rage of jealousy and anger, demands proof of Desdemonas unfaithfulness. This proof manifests into the handkerchief which Bianca brings to Cassio while Iago directs Othello to hide in a place that he can witness the action take place. In the movie, Othello hides behind cell bars while Iago confronts Cassio. The scene in which Iago reveals to Othello firsthand of Cassios evil deed determines that Iagos ability to stage