Week 4 Homework

In the play ‘Othello’, Iago is a manipulative character who manages to get revenge on Othello by using the power of jealousy. Iago is introduced to the audience as a character who is known for his honest and reliable nature. Desdemona is depicted as a loyal, innocent, and honest woman but she received her father to marry Othello. This event is brought up by Iago to remind Othello that she is not as innocent and honest as she appears to be, for she received her father. Through the positioning technique of naming, Iago is constantly being told of how honest and loyal he is to Othello and other comrades; Othello even calls him, Honest Iago" (1.3.290). Othello does not believe he is a gullible or jealous person, but when Iago brings up the idea of Cassio sleeping with his wife, Desdemona, Othello doesn’t question it. Instead, this makes him curious and rather angry. Iago uses his manipulative skills and reputation for honesty to plant seeds of doubt and make Othello eventually believe that Desdemona is unfaithful. Othello reacts so strongly to Iago’s accusations because he is known to be an honest man and although the evidence of Desdemona and Cassio sleeping together is impossible to find, Iago manages to use Desdemona’s handkerchief to frame Cassio. Although, Othello was not weak in nature, he was an easy target for Iago due to his gullibility. Othello is also very easily affected by jealousy, and he eventually lets his jealousy clutter his mind and good judgement. Why is Othello so convinced that Desdemona is cheating on him? Iago never offers any real proof of her being unfaithful, which suggests that Othello is very gullible. Othello believes that Iago has his best interest at heart and this leads to him believing everything Iago tells him.