Iago Manipulation Of Jealousy In Shakespeare's Othello

In the Shakespearean tragedy Othello, Iago, the antagonist, claims to hate the Moor because he was not chosen for a promotion, but as the play progresses Iago’s motives shift and become numerous and more complex. To get his revenge, Iago forms his plan that requires him to use his manipulation skills on the other characters. Iago exploits the other character’s personality flaws and insecurities for his personal gain, but the same flaws and insecurities he identifies in others cause his demise. In his plan, Iago uses his keen knowledge of humans’ desires to manipulate the other characters to seek his revenge, but he cannot identify and control his own urges. In Act II, Iago looks down upon Desdemona saying that “You rise to play and go to bed

In one instance, Iago wants to destabilize Othello and Desdemona’s marriage by appealing to Othello’s jealousy. Iago exploits the inkling of doubt installed by Brabatio in Venice to make him believe that he had been cuckled by Desdemona and Cassio to push him over the edge. Even though Iago manipulates it in others, jealousy stays in Iago. He says that he hates Othello for being passed over on the lieutenant position, but it is later revealed that he also believes that “it is thought abroad that ’twixt my sheets / He’s done my office. / I know not if ’t be true, / But I, for mere suspicion in that kind / Will do as if for surety” (I, iii, 324-7). Iago does not only envy Othello, but he also envies Cassio for the same reason, “For I fear Cassio with my night-cape too” (II, i, 232). The jealousy that Iago wants to control in the other characters in turn consumes him, and motivates him to try to ruin the other characters’

They have too much confidence in Iago’s decisions and plans, and they do not put forward enough skepticism. Rodrigo believes that Iago has formulated a plan to get him Desdemona. In actuality, this plan lines Iago’s pockets, and gets Rodrigo onto Cyprus, where Iago can use him to cause chaos. Cassio knows that he cannot hold his liquor, but when Iago tries to convince him to drink, he believes that Iago has his best interests at heart. Iago does not behave unlike his fellow men, he himself has too much faith in his abilities. “Work on, My medicine, work! / Thus credulous fools are caught” (IV, i, 35). The men of Othello, including Iago, find out too late that Iago’s decisions backfire. Iago’s hubris of his abilities contribute to his downfall, because his belief that he could possibly come out ahead kept his scheme