Manipulation and Tragedy in Shakespeare’s Othello: The Power of Silence

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Introduction

Iago decides to remain silent to satisfy himself by adding to Othello’s frustration. Iago holds back information to make it difficult for Othello to figure out why he was manipulated. Iago planned to make Othello miserable; however, he did not think about the consequences of his actions. An example includes when Iago says, “This is the night that either makes me or fordoes me quiet”(5.1.129-130).

Body

Iago’s Silent Schemes

This explains that even though Iago knew that his plan could succeed or ruin his reputation, he still went forth and finished what he had started. On the other hand, if Iago considered the risk of getting caught, he would have had a backup plan to explain his reasons. Iago’s plan does not go as he wishes, so he isn’t prepared to get caught; therefore, he chooses to remain silent. Iago’s greatest strength was using his words to manipulate an individual; however, in this scenario, Iago’s silence was his greatest strategy to sabotage Othello. Conversely, if Iago pleaded for forgiveness and mercy, he wouldn’t have felt the satisfaction from ruining Othello’s life, and he would express weakness. Iago’s selection of silence had both positive and negative outcomes because Othello and the individuals present are forced to conclude Iago’s reasoning based on Roderigo’s letters.

Silence Breeding Suspicion

Although Iago was caught and his reputation was ruined, he wanted to cause trouble for Othello. This is best demonstrated when Iago says, “From this time forth, I never will speak word” (5.2.300). This tells us that Iago wanted to keep his reasonings a mystery to irritate Othello and confuse him. By doing this, Iago will feel successful now that he caused Othello mischief up until his death. Even though Iago did not get away with his evil plan, he accomplished his goal by manipulating the people he came in contact with.

On the other hand, Iago’s silence had a negative outcome because Iago was unable to provide a counterargument. Othello had a one-sided story because he had to base his conclusion on a few letters that Roderigo had in his pocket. An example includes when Lodovico says, “Sir, you shall understand what hath befallen…Here is a letter found in the pocket of the slain Roderigo” (5.2.303-305).

Othello’s Last Words: A Desperate Plea for Redemption

This explains that Iago was defenseless. Othello only had one source of information which he used to predict Iago’s reasonings. Although the letters cleared up what really happened, they did not provide specific details, such as why Iago plotted the scheme. The truth will remain a mystery, and it will haunt Othello. Othello’s final speech had a gloomy tone causing the witnesses to feel sympathetic and sorrowful because Othello had been tricked into killing someone he loved. Before Othello commits suicide, he gives his final thoughts on the situation as a way for people to remember him.

Othello uses words such as “being wrought” and “perplexed” (5.2.341-342) to explain that he has been mistreated and taken advantage of. In addition, Othello says, “of one that loved not wisely, but too well” (5.2.340). By saying this, Othello is implying that he is not the antagonist in this situation because he was tricked into killing Desdemona; however, he is internally a caring person. Othello also mentions the help that he provided for Venice by saying, “I have done the state some service, and they know” (5.2.335).

By adding this at the beginning of his speech, Othello reminds the individuals present that he has fought in many battles, so they don’t view him as a criminal. Conversely, Othello included a time when he killed a Turk by saying, “ I took by the throat the circumcised dog And smote him-thus” (5.2. ). Othello is making the impression that he is a senseless killer. He compares himself to Venice’s greatest enemies to symbolize that he feels like an outsider and that he must end his life the way he ended the Turk’s life. Othello’s change in tone causes confusion because the witnesses don’t know who Othello is anymore.

Conclusion

In summary, Iago got caught in a web of lies; nevertheless, he successfully managed to make the remainder of Othello’s life miserable. Iago felt accomplished because even though he got caught, he gained joy from making Othello miserable. Other people’s misery pleased Iago. Iago took advantage of the situation, and he didn’t care what others thought of him. Othello, on the other hand, was concerned about how people would view him once he died; therefore, he gave a speech to try to redeem himself.

Othello wants to be remembered as a good person for fighting against Venice’s enemies; however, he emphasizes the cruel killing of a Turk moments before killing himself to show that he is just as harmful to Venice as the Turks are. He compares himself to a Turk because he feels like he has done a sin by killing Desdemona. He feels like a foreigner, which is what characters such as Desdemona’s father have been thinking of him the whole time. Othello’s shift in tone leaves the witnesses shocked because they don’t know whether he is an unreasonable murderer or a caring person; therefore, Othello fails to regain his innocence. If Othello did not include killing the Turk, he would have had a greater chance of redeeming himself.

References

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine, Folger Shakespeare Library, Simon & Schuster, 2004.

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