Othello - Manipulation To Gain Power :: essays research papers

Othello Manipulation To Gain Power& angstrom unitnbsp&nbspManipulation is a very causeful word. People use this tactic universal to get what they want in life. By deceiving people or tricking them into seeing a certain point of view, people gain power. To skillfully use the power of manipulation a person must use another persons weaknesses. By using a persons emotions against them, they can be manipulated with ease. In Shakespeares Othello, the character of Iago uses these tactics nearly to perfection to achieve his goals.&9The first scene of Act I illustrates Iagos use of manipulation. Iago knows that Roderigo is upset about losing Desdemona to Othello. Iago himself is angry at Othello for being passed everyplace for promotion to lieutenant for Michael Cassio. Realizing that by playing on Roderigos jealousy he can gain an ally to work against Othello. Iago does this in a subtle manner. He explains to Roderigo that he was passed up for promotion by Othello. While doing thi s he makes Othello look inferior by reinforcing the fact that he is a Moor. By pointing out that Othello is a Moor Iago causes Roderigo to become even more jealous, because of the fact that he lost Desdemona to someone who he feels is of a lesser race. It even seems that Iago is toying with Roderigo when he reveals that he is a fraud when he says, "I am not what I am." (I.i.62) By using these tactics, Iago has almost gained total control of Roderigo.&9Iago uses a different tactic to manipulate Brabantio. He changes Brabantios way of looking at the marriage of his daughter Desdemona to Othello. He awakes Brabantio by saying "Awake What, ho, Brabantio Thieves Thieves Look to your house, your daughter, and your bags Thieves Thieves" (I.i.76-78) By saying this, Iago shows a new perspective to Brabantio by insinuating that Othello has stolen his daughter. Iago reinforces this when he says,&9&9Zounds, sir, yare robbed For shame. Put on your gown&9&9Your hear t is burst, you have lost half your soul.&9&9Even now, now, very now, an old black barge in&9&9Is tupping your white ewe. Arise, arise&9&9Awake the snorting citizens with the bell,&9&9Or else the devil will make you a grandsire of you.&9&9Arise, I say (I.i.83-89)After hearing Iago speak, Brabantio has had his look open to a new perspective of the situation. Iago then begins to uses a new manipulative strategy, he starts using bestiality to describe Othello.