Rushil Patel

Mrs. Funchion
ENG 3U9-E
March 9​th​, 2020
1026 Words
Othello Through a Marxist Lens

Power can be perceived by making use of a variety of different methodologies, whether it be

social status or ability to control others, however, “power is neither good or evil, but [...] [what the]

user makes it so.” - Erin Hunter. In the play, Othello by William Shakespeare, an upper-classman

named Othello finds himself in an emotional dilemma, where he is led to believe his loving wife,

Desdemona, has ostensibly betrayed him. Othello holds the most power within the play, in terms of

social status, however, Iago’s view on powers differs greatly, as he rather seeks emotional power.

Manipulation throughout the play causes an imbalance of power between Iago and Othello and as a

result, puts Othello through a state of emotional turmoil.

The rise in emotional power for Iago is a result of his persistent actions of manipulating

Othello. Throughout the play, Othello is blinded to the deceiving character of Iago, as he only sees a

single side of him, an honest and loyal man. The play begins with Iago and Roderigo in the midst of an

argument, as Roderigo expresses his hatred for Othello for taking his true love, Desdemona, Iago adds,

“I follow him to serve my turn upon him./We cannot all be masters, nor all masters/Cannot be truly

follow'd.” (Shakespeare 1.1. lines 42-44). At the start of the play, Iago is quick to profess and establish

his hatred for Othello, by revealing his dual personality. In reality, Iago is two-faced, and the reason

for his loyalty is for his own benefit in accomplishing his agenda, manipulating Othello, to gain

emotional power. Firstly, During the sixteenth century, in Venice, reputation played a significant role

in amplifying one's power, thus, Iago used it against Othello to lure him into his devious plan. Othello

feels a sense of betrayal by his wife, Desdemona, after seeing her with Cassio, and Iago being the
character he is, does not hesitate to say, “Good name in man and woman, dear my lord,/Is the

immediate jewel of their souls.” (3.3. lines 156-157). Even though Othello knows he holds the most

power amongst the other characters, as Iago starts to deceive him into thinking Desdemona would

lower his power status due to her reputation, Othello gets self-conscious. In other words, Othello fell

right into Iago’s trap, as Iago continues to build his emotional power through manipulation. In

addition, Iago’s greed enables him to conduct any means necessary for self-interest even if that means

lying. As Iago continues to promote Othello’s jealousy, he mentions, “Her honour is an essence that's

not seen;/They have it very oft that have it not/But, for the handkerchief,--[.]” (4.1. lines 16-18).

Othello understands the handkerchief was a personal gift that symbolizes love, in which he was

convinced Iago speaks the truth. This will eventually give Iago the controlling power he sought and

would lead to the downfall of Othello. All in all, Iago’s ability to manipulate the desires of Othello

causes the imbalance of power between them, making him a powerful and impacting figure.

Throughout the play, Iago’s actions of manipulation heavily influence Othello, which in turn,

leads to emotional turmoil for Othello. To begin, due to the tragic news broken to Othello, he falls into

a state of depression, that altered his personality. Right before Iago left, Othello was confident that his

wife was loyal and obedient, however, the second he left Othello had a complete breakdown, “If I do

prove her haggard,/Though that her jesses were my dear heartstrings,/I'ld whistle her off and let her

down the wind,/To pray at fortune.” (3.3.260-265). The fact that the thought of seeking to find proof

crossed Othello’s mind portrays the downfall of moral and emotional turmoil. This is caused by Iago’s

acts of deception, which led to Othello losing trust in Desdemona. This is for, the intentions of seeking

proof support the qualities of disquiet, which contradicts those of Othello. Throughout the entirety of
the play, Iago builds Othello's trust, to the point where Othello believes he speaks nothing but the

truth, resulting in emotional trauma for Othello. After Iago had broken the news of Desdemona being

unfaithful, Othello starts to question himself, “Why did I marry? This honest creature doubtless/Sees

and knows more, much more, than he unfolds.”(3.3. lines 244-245). With absolutely no evidence

Othello blindly trusts Iago’s words and follows into a state that leads him to do the extremes, regret

marriage. A marriage is a huge commitment that is bonded through love and for it to be questioned,

because of the words from a “loyal” friend, justifies the emotional state of Othello. In addition, Othello

becomes a target for the abuse of manipulation by Iago which leads to him questioning Desdemona’s

trust. After Othello spots his wife, Desdemona, with Cassio, she tries to resolve the misunderstanding

with a romantic dinner however he replies, “ will deny thee nothing./Whereon, I do beseech thee, grant

me this,/To leave me but a little to myself.” (3.3. lines 83-85). This is quite shocking as marriage is

supposed to strengthen one's trust, however, due to continuous manipulation, Othello was far beyond

that. Othello’s emotional state was heavily influenced as he did not have the willpower to talk, let

alone look at Desdemona after being deceived by Iago’s plan. To sum up, the manipulation Othello

faces from Iago results in the creation of emotional turmoil, which in turn leads him to question his

relationship and trust with Desdemona.

The theme of manipulation shapes the difference in power between the antagonist, Iago, and

the protagonist, Othello, resulting in emotional turmoil for Othello. Iago’s intentions on power differ

as he seeks the ability to control others, whereas Othello seeks social status in society. Throughout the

play, manipulation plays a huge role and impacts the outcome and it is done so with the help of deep

inner power.
Works Cited:

Shakespeare, William. Othello. Oxford University Press, 2008.

Manipulation in Othello. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://prezi.com/syvnaqqkwtqm/manipulation-in-othello/

Othello by William Shakespeare. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/explain-how-iago-is-manipulative-in-othello-432751

Othello by William Shakespeare. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/othello-what-quotes-demonstrate-iago-manipulations-583573