How Does Iago Manipulate His Weaknesses

There is never a perfect man in the world. Everyone has their strengths varying from the intellects to the adventurous. Yet, everyone contains their own weaknesses and these are enough for one to exploit. The play, Othello, is about a jealous man, Iago, who seeks revenge on the general of the army, Othello, for giving the position of lieutenant to someone else which Iago believes is beneath him. Iago begins an evil campaign to “poison the moor’s ear” by tainting Othello's thoughts of his beloved wife, Desdemona. To do so, Iago manipulates other characters in the play to achieve his ultimate triumph over Othello. Iago effectively manipulates other characters in the play by exploiting their weaknesses and by placing doubts in their minds. Iago …show more content…
As Roderigo blinds himself by his love for Desdemona, he is unaware that Iago is manipulating him to use him as his “purse”. Iago knows Roderigo would not deny him as he is in the hopes of getting Desdemona and Roderigo understands this is the only opportunity to do so. Iago uses Roderigo’s weakness to earn money as he is not trying to benefit Roderigo’s chances of getting Desdemona but acting as if he is on Roderigo’s side. Iago can ask for how much money he desires to use it to serve himself and Roderigo would not suspect him due to his obtuse nature. Furthermore, Iago exploits the weakness of the general, Michael Cassio, for his inability to control his alcohol. Per Iago, he reasons: “If I can fasten but one cup upon him/ with that which he hath drunk tonight already/ he’ll be full of quarrel and offense/ as my young mistress dog” (2.3.49-52). Iago understands Cassio is a reputable man and it is difficult for Iago to manipulate Cassio through his current state. Iago justifies that if he uses Cassio’s weakness to his advantage; Iago would be able to get Cassio into a miserable state where his reputation has been lost. Iago uses his weakness to only get him into a position where he would be very gullible and allows Iago to provide his “honest” advice. This leads Iago to effectively manipulate Cassio to develop …show more content…
Firstly, Iago continues to build on his plan through placing an idea in Cassio’s mind. After Cassio’s dismissal of lieutenant, Iago explains to Cassio that he must talk with Desdemona as Othello would consider Desdemona’s say in the decision to bring him back. Iago states: “Confess yourself/ freely to her. Importune her help to put you in your/ place again” (2.3.337-39). Iago plants the idea of using Desdemona’s gentle nature to his advantage in manipulating Cassio. This manipulates Cassio as Iago gives hope to Cassio that his relationship with Desdemona would allow him to get his position back. Cassio knows how “virtuous” and caring Desdemona is and this strengthens his belief upon Iago’s advice. Evidently, Iago provides malicious intentions to Cassio to use his actions as a base to manipulate Othello. Likewise, Iago places the seed of doubt in Othello to turn against his own love. When Cassio is seen leaving Desdemona, Iago states: “Ha, I like not that” (3.3.37). After watching the two characters leave, Iago says this to provoke Othello’s doubt of the current situation. Iago does not utter out that there is an affair but suggests shock that there is something odd occurring. This garners Othello’s interest upon the situation as Iago successfully plants the seed of doubt in Othello. Iago uses his opportunity to further manipulate Othello