Iago plots with consummate sophistication,
carefully manipulating Othello (without any real
proof) into believing that Desdemona has been
unfaithful. His understanding of the human psyche
is phenomenal, as is his ability to orchestrate a
complicated interweaving of pre-planned
scenarios. Iago's deception is potent because of his
patience, his cleverness, and what seems to be his
intrinsic love of elegant manipulation
IAGO
'Call up her father, rouse him.
Make after him, poison his
delight, proclaim him in the
streets; incense her kinsmen,
and, though he in a fertile climate
dwell, plague him with flies.
Though that his joy be joy, yet
throw such changes of vexation
on't as it may lose some colour'
Annotations:
Act 1, Scene 1
When Iago corrupts
and manipulates
Brabantio's opinion
of Desdemona, he
uses the language
of poison, which is
appropriate given
the natures of his
manipulation
'But for my sport and profit, I hate
the Moor, and it is thought abroad
that 'twixt my sheets he has done
my office. I know not if't be true,
but I, for mere suspicion in that
kind, will do as if for surety'
Annotations:
Act 1, Scene 3
Iago's motives for his
manipulation of Othello.
However, he seems to mix
his motives. Earlier, he
claimed that he wanted to
manipulate Othello
because he had promoted
Cassio over him, whereas
here, it is because Othello
had slept with Iago's wife
BRABANTIO: 'Look to her,
Moor, if thou hast eyes to
see. She has deceived her
father, and may thee'
Annotations:
Act 1, Scene 3
Because Othello is made to
believe the stereotype that
because Desdemona deceived her
father, she will most likely deceive
him too (unruly daughters make
for unruly wives), this means that
Iago is able to manipulate him
more easily
'If I can fasten but one cup upon
him with that which he hath
drunk tonight already, he'll be
as full of quarrel and offence as
my young mistress' dog'
Annotations:
Act 2, Scene 3
Shows Iago's manipulation of Cassio
as he plans to manipulate Cassio into
drinking because he knows about
Cassio's drinking problem. He knows
that in the long term, Desdemona will
intervene on his behalf, only adding
to Othello's jealousy and suspicion
BRABANTIO
'O, thou foul thief, where hast thou
stowed my daughter? Damned as
thou art, thou has enchanted
her!...That thou has practiced on her
with foul charms, abused her delicate
youth with drugs or minerals'
Brabantio believes that Othello
would not have been able to win
over Desdemona unless he had put
her under a spell (manipulated her)
SAILOR: 'The Turkish preparation
makes for Rhodes. So was I bid for
report here to the state by Signior
Angelo.' DUKE OF VENICE: 'Nay, in all
confidence, he's not for Rhodes.'
MESSENGER: 'Of thirty sail; and now
they do restem their backward course,
bearing with frank appearance their
purposes toward Cyprus'
The deception the Turkish navy
attempts – appearing as though
they are going to attack Rhodes,
when actually they want Cyprus –
parallels the sneakier, interpersonal
deceptions going on in the play