Discuss the role of manipulation and deception in "Othello.
" How do characters like
Iago use deceit to manipulate those around them?
William Shakespeare, the national poet and playwright of England, has created the
most iconic presence in English literature. His works primarily revolve around the
themes of politics, romance, tragedy and history. Written in the early 17th century,
"Othello" is a tragedy that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of
jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of suspicion. Shakespeare’s other
famous works include ‘Macbeth’, ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s
Dream.’
Through a web of manipulations and lies, Iago succeeds in ruining not just Othello’s
life, but of those innocent around him, too. He is crafted to be the perfect antagonist
who has no remorse for his actions. His fragile ego and jealousy towards Micheal
Cassio’s promotion by Othello drive him to be the catastrophe in Othello’s life.
From the very beginning, Iago is seen persuading Roderigo and Brabantio to avenge
Desdemona’s marriage to Othello. He uses cunning tactics to ensure the anger against
Othello like saying he and Desdemona are ‘making the beast with two backs’,
exaggerating the situation to only enrage the men more. He is then seen, immediately,
saying that he ‘serves his turn upon him (Othello)’ meaning he swears his loyalty as
Othello’s soldier. This is a manipulation tactic from him; feigning innocence to others
only to plot against them later.
He plays first on Roderigo’s ego. He knows Roderigo would never let his fragile ego
take the blow of rejection from Desdemona peacefully and his honour would be hurt,
so he makes him realise that she has chosen a ‘moor’ over him as her husband. He
does the same when manipulating Brabantio, making him think of his pure daughter
retaliating against her father to marry a man of darker skin, uncaring of her father’s
honour in society. Iago is seen using the misogyny and colourism of the old century as
an instrument to carry out his revenge. He successfully makes them enraged over
Othello.
Iago prays on his enemies’ vulnerabilities, exploiting their trust to psychologically
manipulate them in the end. Othello considers him to be one of his most trusted
soldiers, which is exactly what Iago wants. Iago insinuates that Desdemona is
unfaithful to Othello and is romantically involved with Cassio by using fate to his
advantage when Cassio is in possession of her handkerchief.
Iago recognises that Othello, despite his physical prowess, is mentally insecure. He
was called racial slurs by many and perhaps that led to him internalising his racism.
That may be the main reason why his being cheated on by his wife with a white man
made him too insecure and mad to even communicate with his wife, before killing her
unjustly. Othello’s crumbling mental health and masculine ego were targeted
ruthlessly by Iago which led to his hamartia. The manipulation tactic he uses with
Othello is to get close to him and ensure all his trust, all while catalysing his downfall.
Desdemona’s naivety was also targeted by Iago. He knew she was too obedient to her
husband to stand up for herself even when it was needed which is why he frames her
with Cassio. His plan working almost effortlessly confirms the fact that he does not
shy away from using people’s weaknesses against them if the end benefits him.
Though he vows to ruin Othello from jealousy in the beginning it seems as he goes
on, his sabotage is purely for his pleasure. The deceitfulness and chaos make him
seemingly elated, but ironically it leaves everyone else in despair.
Iago is a master manipulator and the perfect villain. Iago’s lies and psychological
torture share the place as the primary reason for the death of so many characters in the
play with nature’s game of coincidences. Shakespeare’s ability to create a character as
complex and evil as Iago makes him deserving of his fame in even today’s world.
