Iago’s master manipulation was central to the success of his revenge. Critic A.C. Bradley spoke very highly of Othello and argues that his downfall was caused by Iago’s indomitable influence. The audience is immediately made aware of Iago’s evil nature when he informs Roderigo of his hatred for Othello and his plan by stating, “Though I do hate him as I do hell pains... I must show out a flag and sign of love” (Act 1, Scene 1). He does this in order to gain Othello’s trust and stay by his side to convince his that he is the loyal ensign and friend that he and “practically everyone who knew him” to be. Bradley makes it very clear that due to Iago’s irresistible and compelling act, it was plausible that Othello believed his warning especially …show more content…
Bradley also discusses how Iago takes full advantage of Othello’s insecurities. Othello’s alienation in the Venetian society is the primary source of his insecurities because of his race. He feels like an outsider being a black man surrounded by white Venetians and yearns for their acceptance. Iago is able to relate to Othello due to insecurities of his own, thus making it easier for him to understand how to pull the right strings to trigger these deep emotions that haunt Othello. Therefore, manipulating Othello into thinking his wife was cheating on him became almost effortless for Iago because he had an “insight into Othello's nature” as well as his trust. Iago poisons Othello’s mindset of Desdemona’s pure fidelity by stating, “Not to affect many proposèd matches. Of her own clime, complexion, and degree. Whereto we see in all things nature tends” (Act 3, Scene 3). According to Laurie Maguire (2014), Iago considered his manipulation amongst the characters to be a little game because “the gulling of Roderigo is a rehearsal for the gulling of