A major theme of the play, Othello, by William Shakespeare, is the manipulation by Iago. His character is very clever and is able to pin others against each other on the basis of a lie. His main goal is to ruin Othello’s life, as revenge for not promoting him. All his victims, Desdemona, Othello, and Casio, are not only victims to Iago’s schemes, but also victims of their own shortcomings. Cassio has dug himself into a deep hole by allowing Iago to persuade him to drink on the job. He was not only drunk, but he left his post and attacked Montano by stabbing him. Iago sticks up for Cassio, but Othello dismissed Cassio from his service regardless, exactly what Iago wanted. Iago tells Cassio “Our general’s wife is now the general…Confess yourself freely to her; importune her to help put you in your place again” (2.3.271-274). This gives Cassio hope that she can convince Othello to show mercy on him. …show more content…
She is doing it out of the kindness of her heart, but Iago is leading Othello to believe Cassio fancies his wife. When Desdemona and Cassio were speaking, Cassio quickly leaves and says “…I am very ill at ease, Unfit for mine own purposes” (3.1.31-32). Othello asked Iago if he saw Cassio departing from his wife and Iago says “…I cannot think it/That he would steal away so guiltylike/Seeing you coming” (3.1.38-40). When Othello asks Iago if he believes Cassio is honest, Iago puts ideas of adultery into Othello’s head and suggests he keeps a close eye on his wife when she’s around