Othello Essay

Othello Essay Shakespeare's "Othello" exhibits the demise of man via jealousy and rumor. The work showcases perhaps the gravest villain in literary times, Iago, whose evil cunning and masterful manipulation steamrolls the demise of honorable reputations; the destruction of intimate relationships, both brotherly and romantic; and finally, breaks down the sanity and conviction of stable men due to excessive need to protect ego and preserve personal pride. Iago's control of people's attitudes ultimately led to the downfall of honorable reputations. In the beginning, Iago states that he hates Othello because of his recent promotion of Michael Cassio to the post of lieutenant. In response, Iago plans to ruin Cassio's reputation during one night at Cyprus: "If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk to-night already, He'll be as full of quarrel and offence As my young mistress' dog" (Act 2 Scene 3 49-52).
Iago wanted Cassio to drink more wine because he wanted Cassio to be drunk and argumentative when later that night. Iago told Montano, the mayor of Cyprus, that Cassio was drunk every night casting doubt on Othello's judgment for appointing Cassio, by implying that Cassio may be drunk during battle. This led to Othello to believe that Cassio is irresponsible and dishonorable, and as a result stripped Cassio of his position. Later on, when Othello is convinced that Desdemona is having an affair, he acts irrationally and violently towards Desdemona in front of Lodovico, a Venetian noble, who questions if the person he just saw is the honorable and respectful Othello he has come to know. "Is this the noble Moor, whom our full senate call all in all sufficient? Is this the nature Whom passion could not shake, whose solid virtue The shot of accident nor dart of chance Could neither graze nor pierce?" (Act 4 Scene 1 297-301)
Lodovico is surprised to see Othello act so emotional, because he had the impression that Othello couldn't get emotionally disturbed even from a disaster. His transition from a confident and honorable character in the beginning to his irrational and unstable character now, changes Lodovico's view on Othello's reputation. Throughout the story, Iago uses his clever manipulation to sabotage many relationships. In the beginning, Iago sought to help Roderigo gain Desdemona's love, but has seen no progress, and learned that Desdemona has married Othello, a general whom Iago serves. As he waits for an opportunity to further his own self-interest, Iago begins by telling Brabantio of Desdemona's love for Othello. "Call up her father, Rouse him: make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen, And, though he in a fertile climate dwell, Plague him with flies: though that his joy be joy, Yet throw such changes of vexation on't, As it may lose some colour." (Act 1 Scene 1 75-80).
Iago talks about corrupting Brabantio's opinion of his daughter, Desdemona, by using his language of poison and plague. Through this, Iago hopes that Brabantio will interfere and sever Othello's relationship with Desdemona, as means of revenge for losing the position of lieutenant. As the story progresses, Iago finds another opportunity to spoil Othello's relationship with Desdemona and his lieutenant Cassio: "IAGO. Ha! I like not that. OTHELLO. What dost thou say? IAGO. Nothing, my lord: or if--I know not what. OTHELLO. Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? IAGO. Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guilty-like, Seeing you coming. OTHELLO. I do believe 'twas he." ( Act 3 Scene 3 37-44).
After watching Desdemona and Cassio's conversation from afar, Iago suggests that there might be an affair between Cassio and Othello's wife. He never directly says that there is infidelity but he implies there's something odd happening. As a result, Othello has lost trust in both Desdemona and Cassio, and looks to find more proof of Iago's accusations.

Towards the end, Iago was able to break down Othello's sanity and conviction to bits. Iago revolves his scheme of manipulation around the false idea of an affair between Desdemona and Cassio. He convinces Othello of the affair, and as a result, dismantles Othello's character to an irrational, violent, and insanely jealous person. "The Moor already changes with my poison. Dangerous conceits are, in their natures, poisons. Which at the first are scarce found to distaste, But with a little act upon the blood. Burn like the mines of Sulphur. I did say so. Look, where he comes! Not poppy, nor mandragora, Nor all the drowsy syrups of the world, Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou owedst yesterday." (Act 3 Scene 3 373-382).
Iago realizes the unbelievable power of jealousy and claims that he has poisoned Othello's mind by suggesting Desdemona's infidelity. Because Iago has succeeded in making Othello suspicious, Othello will never be at peace until the truth is revealed. According to Iago, Othello will never have a good night of sleep again, not even if he used the best sleeping medicine in the world. By the end, Iago is caught in the act and reveals that he has been the one twisting everything to his interest. "Demand me nothing: what you know, you know From this time forth I never will speak word." (Act 5 Scene 2 355-356). This is the last time Iago speaks in the play. After Othello demands to know why Iago set out to destroy him, Iago remains silent. Even when caught, Iago still goes to the very end satisfying his interest. He is aware that leaving Othello clueless on his motives, will only break down Othello's sanity. He plays out his final act as the same twisted and evil character, ultimately leading to Othello's suicide. Iago is an artist of evil. He carries out his schemes with a sense of craftsmanship, appreciating the elegance and cleverness of each particular step as much as the final result. Evil people are thought of being brutal and insensitive, or at least disconnected from the people they hurt. Iago, however, is able to hurt Othello so much because he understands him so well. Through his words and actions, which are carefully thought out, Iago is able to manipulate others for his personal benefit. Not only that, but he also manipulates people to get him closer to his goals. He is no doubt the driving force of the play, pushing Othello and everyone else towards the tragic ending.