“You cannot believe a liar even when he tells the truth”(Aesop’s Fables) is a powerful quote since liar’s tend to be able to tell the truth yet still be able to twist it enough to their advantage. In the play Othello, we encounter a fellow named Iago who spins a web of lies that hurts everyone in the process. While able to manipulate multiple people at a time, Iago will end up taking what makes these three characters so noble into their downfall is inevitable. Husband turned against wife, friends turned against friends, all at the hands of one man. In the play Othello, Iago dissembles uses both the truth and lies to turn everyone’s good qualities against them. First let’s take a look at Cassio who starts the play off as Othello’s lieutenant
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“Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities thy behalf” (Line 1-2 act 3). Desdemona promises to give it her all after hearing Cassio’s request of her. Iago then uses just but a simple faze to plant the seeds of jealousy in Othello. “Ha, I like not that” (Line 37 act 3) Iago says to Othello after witnessing Cassio flee from talking to Desdemona when Othello arrives. Desdemona then goes on pestering Othello asking about when he shall give Cassio’s lieutenancy back. “Why then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, On Tuesday noon or night; on Wednesday morn. I prithee name the time, but let it not exceed three days” (Line 68-71 act 3). Desdemona does not waste any time on assisting Cassio but this in itself just helps Iago more.” I speak not yet of proof look at your wife; observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure….In Venice they do let God see the pranks they dare not show their husbands” (Lines 227-234). Iago then goes and implies that Desdemona is a whore and a well-known in Venice. Iago then goes on to use the truth against Desdemona faithfulness towards Othello. “But such a handkerchief I am sure it was your wife’s- did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with” (Line 496-498 act 3) Iago tells Othello that Desdemona has given his mother’s handkerchief away to Cassio as a sign of her unfaithfulness, yet leaves out the fact that it was Iago himself who …show more content…
While his skill of manipulation is impressive to the point that he has himself believing in some of the lies he has made up to help fuel this dastardly plan. Iago is a bottom feeder in the grand scheme of things who finds a way to bring those higher up down to his level while even involving someone who had nothing to do with anything. As the play continues we will see how these three meet their tragic fate while Iago lives on with no remorse on what he has
“Be thou assured, good Cassio, I will do all my abilities thy behalf” (Line 1-2 act 3). Desdemona promises to give it her all after hearing Cassio’s request of her. Iago then uses just but a simple faze to plant the seeds of jealousy in Othello. “Ha, I like not that” (Line 37 act 3) Iago says to Othello after witnessing Cassio flee from talking to Desdemona when Othello arrives. Desdemona then goes on pestering Othello asking about when he shall give Cassio’s lieutenancy back. “Why then tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn, On Tuesday noon or night; on Wednesday morn. I prithee name the time, but let it not exceed three days” (Line 68-71 act 3). Desdemona does not waste any time on assisting Cassio but this in itself just helps Iago more.” I speak not yet of proof look at your wife; observe her well with Cassio; wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor secure….In Venice they do let God see the pranks they dare not show their husbands” (Lines 227-234). Iago then goes and implies that Desdemona is a whore and a well-known in Venice. Iago then goes on to use the truth against Desdemona faithfulness towards Othello. “But such a handkerchief I am sure it was your wife’s- did I today see Cassio wipe his beard with” (Line 496-498 act 3) Iago tells Othello that Desdemona has given his mother’s handkerchief away to Cassio as a sign of her unfaithfulness, yet leaves out the fact that it was Iago himself who …show more content…
While his skill of manipulation is impressive to the point that he has himself believing in some of the lies he has made up to help fuel this dastardly plan. Iago is a bottom feeder in the grand scheme of things who finds a way to bring those higher up down to his level while even involving someone who had nothing to do with anything. As the play continues we will see how these three meet their tragic fate while Iago lives on with no remorse on what he has