The Destruction of Manipulation, Sexual Love, and Jealousy: In William Shakespeare’s Othello
Kyle Phillips P: 4 Honors English 2 9, March 2014 In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Iago’s inhumane scheme and Othello’s inner conflict consequently destroy Othello when paired together. Othello, a Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, is deceived by not only Iago, the villain of the play, but himself. Othello’s free and open nature allows Iago to mislead him into believing that Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is having an affair with Othello’s lieutenant, Cassio. Shakespeare never clearly explains the reasoning behind Iago’s plot, but hints at Iago’s ferocity that Othello had an affair …show more content…
Initially, Iago convinces Roderigo, a jealous admirer of Desdemona, that Cassio and Desdemona are fond of each other. He then plans to use Cassio to make Othello jealous. Then, Iago gets Cassio drunk, watches him brawl with Roderigo, and warns Othello of the fight. Because of Cassio’s rash actions, Othello strips him of his lieutenancy. As a result, Iago suggests to Cassio to ask Desdemona to intervene with Othello in Cassio’s favor. Desdemona then vows to Cassio that she will do everything on her behalf to help him. Shortly after, upon seeing Othello, Cassio flees Desdemona’s room. Othello curiously asks Iago if Cassio departed from Desdemona, Iago responds, “Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it,/ That he would steal away so guiltylike,/Seeing you coming” (3.3, 39-41). Iago continually comments on his suspicions of Cassio to Othello. Othello questions Iago until he blatantly tells him that Desdemona is cheating on him. Throughout the play Iago constantly insinuates an affair between Desdemona and Cassio. Falling into Iago’s scheme, Othello begins to ask for Iago’s views on every circumstance, allowing Iago to plant the ideas of adultery and hypocrisy in his mind. However, though …show more content…
Iago manipulates Othello by using deception and insinuation. For example, Iago and Cassio talk about Cassio’s love for Bianca, Othello comprehends the fact that they are talking about Desdemona and grows upon his hatred for Cassio. Furthermore, Iago’s manipulation is based on the themes of prejudice and jealousy. Although, Iago uses jealousy against Othello, Iago’s own hatred is based out of jealousy. Iago uses jealousy to remove Othello’s common sense from all situations and create inner conflicts. Also, Iago shows the importance of Othello’s blackness. Iago points this out, causing Othello to wonder if he is worthy enough for Desdemona. Othello’s struggle against Iago’s scheme and his own inner conflicts is almost an impossible battle. Othello’s jealousy, prejudice disallows him from being aware of the quick assumption he made of
Kyle Phillips P: 4 Honors English 2 9, March 2014 In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, Iago’s inhumane scheme and Othello’s inner conflict consequently destroy Othello when paired together. Othello, a Christian Moor and general of the armies of Venice, is deceived by not only Iago, the villain of the play, but himself. Othello’s free and open nature allows Iago to mislead him into believing that Desdemona, Othello’s wife, is having an affair with Othello’s lieutenant, Cassio. Shakespeare never clearly explains the reasoning behind Iago’s plot, but hints at Iago’s ferocity that Othello had an affair …show more content…
Initially, Iago convinces Roderigo, a jealous admirer of Desdemona, that Cassio and Desdemona are fond of each other. He then plans to use Cassio to make Othello jealous. Then, Iago gets Cassio drunk, watches him brawl with Roderigo, and warns Othello of the fight. Because of Cassio’s rash actions, Othello strips him of his lieutenancy. As a result, Iago suggests to Cassio to ask Desdemona to intervene with Othello in Cassio’s favor. Desdemona then vows to Cassio that she will do everything on her behalf to help him. Shortly after, upon seeing Othello, Cassio flees Desdemona’s room. Othello curiously asks Iago if Cassio departed from Desdemona, Iago responds, “Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it,/ That he would steal away so guiltylike,/Seeing you coming” (3.3, 39-41). Iago continually comments on his suspicions of Cassio to Othello. Othello questions Iago until he blatantly tells him that Desdemona is cheating on him. Throughout the play Iago constantly insinuates an affair between Desdemona and Cassio. Falling into Iago’s scheme, Othello begins to ask for Iago’s views on every circumstance, allowing Iago to plant the ideas of adultery and hypocrisy in his mind. However, though …show more content…
Iago manipulates Othello by using deception and insinuation. For example, Iago and Cassio talk about Cassio’s love for Bianca, Othello comprehends the fact that they are talking about Desdemona and grows upon his hatred for Cassio. Furthermore, Iago’s manipulation is based on the themes of prejudice and jealousy. Although, Iago uses jealousy against Othello, Iago’s own hatred is based out of jealousy. Iago uses jealousy to remove Othello’s common sense from all situations and create inner conflicts. Also, Iago shows the importance of Othello’s blackness. Iago points this out, causing Othello to wonder if he is worthy enough for Desdemona. Othello’s struggle against Iago’s scheme and his own inner conflicts is almost an impossible battle. Othello’s jealousy, prejudice disallows him from being aware of the quick assumption he made of