Alvarez Storni 1

Ana Alvarez Storni

Elizabeth Strauss

WCIV 201 E

23 September 2021

Powerful in the play Othello can be defined as the ability to have control over

people, manipulating their thoughts and/or actions to act the way the manipulator wants. At

first, I thought Othello was the most powerful character in this play, but as I continued

reading, I realized that he was not, as Othello largely manipulates Desdemona, but he is not

the most manipulative character in this play. Iago is the master of manipulation without a

doubt, he manipulates the other characters as if they were puppets. His persuasive and calm

way of saying things makes him control the play to his benefit.

Throughout this play we see many examples of manipulation, such as when Iago

manipulates Rodrigo. He tells him that Desdemona also loves Cassio and makes Rodrigo

fight with him, in order for Cassio to lose his position in the military. While all this is going

on, Rodrigo believes that Iago is helping him but in reality, Iago is only using him for his

own benefit. Iago obviously also manipulates Cassio. He makes Cassio believe that he

wants to help him but in reality, he just wants Othello to believe that he has something with

Desdemona. Cassio approaches Desdemona so that she will help him get Othello to give

him his place in the army again. When this happens, Othello becomes even more

suspicious, thus, making progress in Iago's plan to overthrow him from power. Iago's

manipulation of Othello is the most telling in my opinion. Iago takes advantage of being a

trustworthy and honest person to Othello and through a suggestion, as he rarely makes
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direct statements or tries to convince, that he believes Desdemona is not the faithful and

pure woman he believes her to be, and Othello's jealousy and insecurities are aroused,

which conclude in Othello murdering Desdemona and him committing suicide.

"Strangle her in bed, even the bed she hath contaminated." (pg. 185, line 228) Iago says this

referring to the fact that because Desdemona was sleeping with other men, she defiled the

bed and therefore deserved to die in bed as well. Here I realize the influence Iago has over

Othello, since Othello listens to him and wants to go ahead with the plan.

"With her. On her. What you will" (pg. 173, line 44) Iago tells Othello these things to make

his mind start imagining scenes that don't exist. He tells him that Cassio has been lying in a

bed with her which would be the same as having sex, which makes Othello think and think,

having more and more insecurities.