The Manipulative Techniques of Iago in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

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The Manipulative Techniques of Iago in Shakespeare’s “Othello”

Introduction

Iago is by far the most intriguing character in William Shakespeare’s book “Othello.” With his persuasive words and actions, he is able to manipulate others into getting his way. Iago is capable of forcing Othello and others towards a horrible ending for them all. He is controlling and deceiving; he always has a well-thought-out plan that, in the end, only benefits himself. He is able to operate this by reverse psychology and ‘sowing the seed’ in Othello’s head. Iago specifically targets Othello; after all, they are friends, but through his set option of objectifying Othello, he uses his own insecurities against him, causing his downfall.

Body

The Facade of Friendship and Deceit

Iago is not your typical villain. He is discrete and hides amongst the people, acting like one of them, a friend, a lover, and an ordinary man. Othello being one of Iago’s close friends, gives him an advantage in the process of taking him down and his fellow friends. He wants retribution on Othello. Therefore, he targets his wife, Desdemona. Desdemona is rather vocal for a woman of her time. She wants Cassio around to act as a protector of her husband. Iago uses this against her.

He begins to mention to Othello his suspicion of Cassio and Desdemona. Then he makes sure Othello knows he can fully trust him and will back him through anything. This is a quote from Iago to Othello, ensuring that he is honest and is not tricking him. “I hope you will consider what is spoken comes from my love. But I do see you’re moved. I am to pray you not to strain my speech To grosser issues nor to larger reach than to suspicion” (3.3.231-235). Iago’s plan is solely centered around Othello’s insecurities, and he uses his jealousy towards Desdemona over her.

Othello has always trusted Iago and sees him as the only one to be brutally honest and have his back. Iago realizes that he needs ocular proof in order to ensure his plan is foolproof. To do this, Iago has his wife Emilia steal Desdemona’s handkerchief. He then takes the handkerchief and plants it in Cassio’s room. This is enough proof for Othello to believe and see it with his own eyes. Othello is beyond angered and in full belief that Desdemona is having a secret affair. His belief in her so-called infidelity pushes him to act on this rage. Othello wants to kill Cassio. Iago’s plot is going as planned.

This quote is from Othello; he speaks about how all men are destined to be cuckolds from the day they are born. If that is so, he already has a base belief that this was bound to happen, giving him all the more reason to believe Iago and for Iago to use this to his advantage in convincing him of his wife’s adultery. “O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours and not their appetites! I had rather be a toad and live in the vapor of a dungeon than keep a corner in the thing I love for others uses. Yet ’tis the plague of great ones; prerogatives are they less than the base. ‘Tis destiny unshunnable, like death. Even then, this forked plague is fated to us when we do quicken” (3.3.309-318).

Orchestrating Othello’s Downfall

As previously mentioned, Othello is so infuriated that he plans to kill Cassio. He never said anything about murdering his wife until Iago’s sneaky ways opened him to the idea. Othello and Iago are discussing murdering Cassio when Iago says, “But let her live” (471). This is referring to Desdemona. The thought of killing her wasn’t even a thought yet, but Iago’s words put the idea in Othello’s head. When Othello gets a feeling or belief, he does not hesitate to act on it. This is where we see Iago’s reverse psychology come into play.

It is so slick and devious. He is so good at manipulating that Othello has so much trust in him he wouldn’t think twice about Iago’s intentions. These are some quotes from a conversation between Othello and Iago on how Othello is going to murder his wife, Desdemona. Othello; “Get me some poison, Iago, this night: I’ll not expostulate with her lest her body and beauty unprovide my mind again. This night, Iago.” Iago; “Do it not with poison. Strangle her in her bed, even the bed she hath contaminated.” Othello; “Good, good. The justice of it pleases. Very good” (4.1.223-229).

Conclusion

In the end, everything works out in Iago’s favor through manipulation, lies, and reverse psychology. He was able to ruin the lives of many, and it was no sweat off his back. Clearly, Iago has mental issues, and this was just a fun game for him. Iago has clear methods of persuading, but they are all useful for the same thing. That thing is taking down Othello. None of these methods is an excuse for Othello’s unjust behavior, but they play a very big part in it. With his persuasive words and actions, he is able to manipulate others into getting his way. Sadly to say, Othello was the ultimate target; Iago used his insecurities to get the best of him and showed him no mercy.

References

“Iago’s Mirror: A Fictional Autobiography” by Stephen Oliver
“Iago: The Man and the Myth” by Konrad Eisenbichler
“The Tragedy of Othello, The Moor of Venice” (Critical Insights) edited by Scott L. Newstok