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Manipulation Lies And Deceit In Othello

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Manipulation, lies, and deceit. They typically live hidden and unnoticed but the truth is, it's all around us and I can admit that I’ve fallen victim to them. I had a friend, I might’ve even considered her my best friend, I told her things I’d never dared to mention to anyone else, and I confided in her because I trusted her greatly. So you can imagine my surprise when I discovered that the “secrets” I told her, weren’t being kept secret. William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy, Othello, does a great job showcasing the impact of manipulation, lies, and deceit through his character, Iago. Iago is able to use his exceptional speaking skills and clever intuition to manipulate every character in the play, managing to convince all of them that he is a “good and honest man” while being the complete opposite. …show more content…

His age, military background, as well as being a black man in a white society has caused him to face a lot of prejudice and racism. A good example of this being used against him is in Act 3, Scene 3, lines 270-278; “Of her own clime, complexion, and degree,/ Whereto we see in all things nature tends—/ Foh! One may smell in such a will most rank,/ Foul disproportion, thoughts unnatural—/ But pardon me—I do not in position/ Distinctly speak of her, though I may fear/ Her will, recoiling to her better judgment,/ May fall to match you with her country forms/ And happily repent.” Iago, being the master manipulator that he is, recognizes Othello’s insecurity and is able to play upon them. He manages to plant seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind. “She did deceive her father, marrying you,/ And when she seemed to shake and fear your looks,/ She loved them most” (Shakespeare, 3.3.238-240). Iago reminds Othello that Desdemona was able to deceive her father, implying that if she was capable of doing that, she’s surely capable of

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