Iago's Trust In Othello Essay

In life, those who may wound us most deeply are not our open rivals, but rather are those in whom we place our trust. William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello utilizes this concept to great extent in the development of its devious villain, Iago. While Iago clearly feels no allegiance to even one other character in the play, he makes each feel as if he is his or her personal confidant and most trustworthy friend and advisor. Additionally, he continually places himself in a dominant role, as one who knows more or is more capable than his peers, and can therefore execute their affairs for them, or at least advise them most aptly on what best to do. In these ways, Iago is able to manipulate the lives of all those around him with ease. The other characters’ trust of Iago is apparent through both their actions and their words. Othello not only entrusts Iago with his affairs, such as repeatedly relying on him to be a truthful witness (II.iii.180, 220) but openly proclaims this trust, calling him “most honest” (II.iii.7). Ultimately, it is upon
For instance, it is Iago’s calculated amiability that convinces Cassio to drink in the first place, prompting a series of disgraces that ultimately ruin him. When Cassio repeatedly refuses to drink, it is Iago’s friendly, “But one cup! I’ll drink/ For you” (II.iii.34-35) that allows him to control and still not estrange himself from the useful Cassio. It is this ability of Iago’s to stay on good terms with Cassio that is proven most useful to him later, as Cassio accepts Iago’s advice of what best to do in order to restore his good name after his drunken brawl. In advising Cassio, Iago constantly plays himself up as truthful, loving and steadfast. He claims bluntly that all his advice is merely because he is a true friend, saying “I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest/