Othello Manipulation To Gain Power
Manipulation is a very powerful word. ... By deceiving people or tricking them into seeing a certain point of view, people gain power. To skillfully use the power of manipulation a person must use another persons weaknesses. ... In Shakespeares Othello, the character of Iago uses these tactics almost to perfection to achieve his goals. The first scene of Act I illustrates Iagos use of manipulation. Iago knows that Roderigo is upset about losing Desdemona to Othello. Iago himself is angry at Othello for being passed over for promotion to lieutenant for Michael Cassio. Realizing that by playing on Roderigos jealousy he can gain an ally to work against Othello. ... He explains to Roderigo that he was passed up for promotion by Othello. While doing this he makes Othello look inferior by reinforcing the fact that he is a Moor. By pointing out that Othello is a Moor Iago causes Roderigo to become even more jealous, because of the fact that he lost Desdemona to someone who he feels is of a lesser race. ... He changes Brabantios way of looking at the marriage of his daughter Desdemona to Othello. ... 76-78) By saying this, Iago shows a new perspective to Brabantio by insinuating that Othello has stolen his daughter. ... Iago then begins to uses a new manipulative strategy, he starts using bestiality to describe Othello.