Irony Of Iago's Manipulation In Othello

Ladies and gentlemen of the court, the evidence will show that Iago manipulated Othello to follow a path of lies and destruction, making him kill Desdemona. Othello was a Christian Moor who was secretly married to his faithful, independent wife Desdemona who was the daughter of Venetian senator Brabantio. Iago was Othello’s ensign and was upset about being passed over for the promotion of lieutenant. The man who received the promotion of lieutenant was Michael Cassio. Cassio was a good-looking young man, who Iago despised for attaining the promotion. On the night in question, my client Othello was exploited in Iago’s plan to kill Desdemona. Iago composed a plan to manipulate Othello into believing that his wife and Michael Cassio were having

Not only did he hate Othello for passing him over on the lieutenant promotion, he also believed Othello was sleeping with his wife, Emilia. IAGO - 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. (Act 1, Scene 3) By reading Iago’s words you can feel his distaste and hatred for Othello. With this innate hatred for Othello, Iago’s manipulative and foxy behaviour was ignited in a blaze of emotion. Next, Iago intentionally got Cassio drunk so as to get him to fight. This meant Cassio would be disciplined by Othello and hopefully lose his title as lieutenant. Furthermore, by some chance of luck, Cassio would talk to Desdemona to help Cassio earn Othello’s respect back, letting Iago plant seeds of doubt in Othello’s

With that which he hath drunk tonight already, he'll be as full of quarrel and offense. As my young mistress' dog. (Act 2, Scene 3) By getting Cassio drunk, Iago is pleased to have his desires accomplished when Cassio loses his title of lieutenant, which Iago still hates Othello for giving to Cassio instead of himself. Third, Iago hints at the fact that Cassio and Desdemona are becoming too friendly, but never outrightly says so. Then, when Othello asks Iago if they are flirting, he kindly defers the question. Iago continues this torture by telling Othello he has heard Cassio having sexual dreams about Desdemona. IAGO - Ha! I like not that. OTHELLO - What dost thou say? IAGO - Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what. OTHELLO - Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? IAGO - Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it. That he would steal away so guiltylike, seeing you coming. OTHELLO - I do believe 'twas he. (Act 3, Scene 3) With evil intent, Iago suggests Desdemona and Cassio are flirting. This makes Othello believe something ingenuine is happening between Cassio and his wife. This is a lie that Iago is fabricating, since Cassio only wants Desdemona’s help to get his position back with Othello. Additionally, Iago has made Othello so mad with conspiracies, that his mind has fallen ill. IAGO - My lord is fall'n into an epilepsy. This is his second fit. He had one yesterday. (Act 4, Scene 1) Iago has manipulated Othello so much,