Manipulation And Manipulation In Othello

Manipulation is a social influence that works by deceiving people to see a different point of view. To effectively manipulate one must know the weakness of the targeted person. Therefore, using their emotions to enable the manipulation easily. Othello is a tragedy, written by William Shakespeare in the seventeenth century. The play of William Shakespeare includes the character of Iago. Iago is the antagonist in Othello, who cleverly plans out his tactics. Viewing the character of Iago from an analytical point of view shows Iago revealing himself to be a psychopath. Iago can use the weakness of the characters to set up scenes, and earns himself the title “The Honest Iago.” Psychopaths act as pleasurable people, but in reality, they are different …show more content…
Psychopaths hide their true personalities to gain a measure of strength over those who unintentionally reveal their thoughts and feelings without knowing it. Psychopaths are always looking for ways to deceive someone, which brings them a sense of satisfaction and a sense of superiority over the individual. Iago displays his hatred for Othello in private, but in public, Iago gains the trust of Othello to start his plan. Iago is intelligent and realizes that the easiest way to lead Othello to his downfall is by targeting his beloved wife, …show more content…
Roderigo is an easy target for Iago because he reveals his weakness to Iago. Iago confesses to Roderigo: “I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am.” (1.1.61-62) Even after Iago’s confession to Roderigo, he continues to listen to Iago and even does what he says. Roderigo’s infatuation with Desdemona crushes Roderigo when he hears the news of Desdemona’s marriage to Othello. Roderigo reveals his feelings to Iago: “It is silliness to live when life is torment, and then we have we a prescription to die when death is our physician.” (1.3. 307-309) Roderigo is expressing how meaningless it is to live knowing he will never marry Desdemona. Iago uses psychopathic tactics to pretend he is Roderigo’s friend. Iago comforts Roderigo and can gain control of him. Roderigo’s weakness allows Iago to manipulate him easily. Iago uses Roderigo as a tool to trap Cassio. Cassio appears to be perfect but is tragically flawed, and tricked into over-drinking. The brawl that spurred from Roderigo and Cassio woke Othello. The perfect Cassio without realizing falls victim to Iago’s manipulation and loses his position as lieutenant. Iago, again, uses his psychopathic tactics to explain to Othello that Cassio started the brawl. Iago can manipulate Othello to see his false reality, and therefore Iago earns his title “The Honest Iago.” Iago convinces Othello by telling him: “I had rather have this tongue cut from