“Just because something isn't a lie does not mean that it isn't deceptive. A liar knows that he is a liar, but one who speaks mere portions of truth in order to deceive is a craftsman of destruction.” (Criss Jami). In Othello, Iago is one of the most deceiving throughout the book. Similar to the quote, Iago is a master at manipulation. He was able to intrigue nearly every single one of the characters and readers. He was able to do this by knowing their weaknesses. He is able to exploit their weaknesses by instilling fear and causing false panic. He controlled the audience through his statements about Othello, Cassio by becoming very close and trustworthy, and Othello by making him realize his own insecurities. Iago, through deceit and betrayal, …show more content…
He knew that Othello was in large part insecure about being black. He was often referred to as ‘The Moor” meaning he was black in a predominantly white society. Iago also knew that Desdemona and Othello’s marriage was highly questioned due to Othello being black and Desdemona being white. Because of Othello’s insecurities, Iago was able to highly diminish Othello’s self-trust and belief. Iago is able to do this by the use of manipulation and deception. He deceives Othello into believing that Desdemona is unfaithful to him and that she is sleeping around with Cassio. He claims that Desdemona wants someone more of her type (white). Othello being black feels insecure about this and began to believe Iago. (Act III, scene II) Iago also tells her that if she willing betrayed her father Brabantio then she would most likely betray him as well. Iago being so good at deceit was able to trick Othello to the point where he only believed Iago. Manipulation of Othello would eventually lead to the death of many of the characters. Manipulation was the biggest theme throughout the play because it leads to another tragic ending in a Shakespeare