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Examples Of Manipulation In Othello

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Manipulation is often times blinded by the amount of trust in an individual. In William Shakespeare’s play Othello, the contrasting ideas of trust and manipulation are portrayed through the characters in “Act 2.” Although Iago and Othello appear to be similar in the beginning of the play, Iago reveals himself in “Act 2” by manipulating and destroying the lives of others. Shakespeare uses symbols to represent how the characters are completely oblivious to Iago’s actions. The idea of manipulation is seen in this act through references to plants. “Though other things grow fair against the sun, yet fruits that blossom first will be ripe” (Shakespeare,2,3 , 349-50). The knowledge that Iago has of everyone’s vulnerability expands his limits to manipulate them to a level that they themselves do not notice. Shakespeare uses botanical references that also concern poison, portraying his manipulation. Iago’s symbol of poison contributes to the idea that he cannot be trusted. “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear” (Shakespeare, 2, 3, 330). The character of Iago has many symbols to show the reader how he manipulates others, while the characters in the play never suspect him to be dangerous. The symbols used by Shakespeare clearly show how Iago is very knowledgeable and knows exactly how to manipulate …show more content…

Even though Iago is seen as a good guy to the other characters, the imagery in “Act 2” gives a different perspective to who he really is. Knowing of Roderigo’s anger, Iago still pushes him more by stating, “Do you find some occasion anger” (Shakespeare, 2, 2, 78). Iago seems to make Roderigo angry by telling him lies about Cassio and Desdemona. Roderigo believes that he can trust Iago. Therefore, he becomes very angry and plans to kill Cassio, immensely satisfying Iago. Humans seek to seek revenge when they are in great anger; though they do not think to question the evidence they’ve been

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