An Analysis of Manipulation Through Weakness in Shakespeare's Othello

Shakespeare's Othello examines the ease of manipulation through one's weakness. Othello, a Moore and Venetian General, weds Desdemona, the daughter of Brabantio, a Venetian aristocrat. Iago, Othello's ancient, and Cassio, Othello's newly appointed lieutenant, accompany Othello and Desdemona to Cyprus. Iago, angry because Othello did not appoint him as general, uses Roderigo, Desdemona's admirer, to gain vengeance on Cassio and Othello. Iago manipulates Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello by using their individual weaknesses as a catalyst to their downfall and ultimate disgrace. Iago exploits Roderigo's love for Desdemona to humiliate Cassio. Iago exploits Cassio's weakness for alcohol to squander his reputation and rank. Iago exploits Othello's weakness for Desdemona and belief in the military system to acquire vengeance.

Iago uses Roderigo as a pawn in his plot to disgrace Cassio. Roderigo expresses his weakness to Iago in stating "It is silliness to live when to live is torment" (1.3.49). Roderigo's passion for Desdemona blinds his reason, thus making him vulnerable to manipulation. Iago exploits this vulnerability and manipulates Roderigo to believe he will help him attain Desdemona. Iago will "make my fool my purse" (1.3.426) and gain wealth because of his alleged help of Roderigo. Through this increase in financial status, Iago believes he receives vengeance by becoming superior to others. Iago further exploits Roderigo by forcing him to sell his lands and follow Desdemona to Cyprus. Once on Cyprus, Iago uses Roderigo as his pawn. Iago compels Roderigo to provoke and attempt to murder Cassio because Roderigo believes Cassio and Desdemona are lovers. Although Roderigo is oblivious of his plot, Iago easily exploits him by manipulating his passion for Desdemona.

Iago convinces Cassio to succumb to his vulnerability, drinking, so Roderigo can incense him to a brawl. Cassio acknowledges his low tolerance for alcohol when he states "I have very poor and unhappy brain for drinking" (2.3.34-35), resists. Iago realizes Cassio's weakness and schemes a plan "that may offend the isle" (2.3.64-65). Although Cassio resists, Iago persuades him that drinking is appropriate under the circumstances of the victory over the Turks. Iago now uses Roderigo to provoke Cassio to fight, which results in Cassio being demoted and Iago promoted to lieutenant. This promotion furthers Iago's belief that he is superior to others. Cassio, now worried for his "lost reputation" (2.3.281-282), places trust and faith in Iago, who coaxes him. Iago, not satisfied with Cassio's disgrace, schemes to place Cassio in the plan for Othello's downfall. Because Iago manipulates Cassio to drink, Cassio is disgraced and will unknowingly serve in Iago's plan for vengeance on Othello.

Iago manipulates Othello by using his passion for Desdemona and his military background to obscure his reason. Othello is particularly prone to jealousy and is afraid that Desdemona will desire for a Venetian gentleman. Iago realizes this jealousy when he states "he is too familiar with his wife" (1.3.439). Iago uses this fear to persuade him that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio. Iago plans Othello "may Cassio find soliciting his wife" (2.3.408-409). Othello becomes enraged when Iago speaks of an affair but later trusts Iago because he is honest and has proof. Othello's military background makes him inclined to believe Iago. Since Iago is a subordinate officer and his ancient, Othello trusts all information Iago gives will be reliable. This trust and jealousy allow Iago to manipulate Othello. This manipulation results in Othello murdering his true love, Desdemona, and committing suicide. Because Othello becomes manipulated while blinded by trust and jealousy, Iago finally achieves vengeance.

Although Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello have different weaknesses, Iago successfully uses the weaknesses to ultimately gain vengeance through humiliation. Iago is able to manipulate one to contribute to the other's downfalls. Because their individual weakness blind Roderigo, Cassio, and Othello, they are easily manipulated.

Works Cited
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine
New York: Washington Square - Pocket, 1993.