Shakepeare - Discuss how Iago is able to manipulate Othello's opinion of Desdemona and move him to jealousy so quickly. By Kala Harvey UK spellings

Discuss how Iago is able to manipulate Othello's opinion of Desdemona and move him to jealousy so quickly.

Iago employs a number of methods to manipulate Othello. He slips in emotive words into the conversation, words like 'vile' 'false' 'foul' 'plague' and most importantly 'jealousy.' This makes Othello start to use these sort of words.

'I had rather be a toad / And live upon the vapour of a dungeon.'

Iago uses Othello's trusting nature against him. Othello, as a soldier, is used to trusting his officers. Othello feels he has no reason to doubt 'honest Iago.' Iago plays upon this role that he created for himself.

'I humbly do beseech you of your pardon / for too much loving you.'

As a solider, Othello must make judgements and act quickly, this may explain why Othello is moved to jealousy so rapidly. Othello is also a man with a temper.

From the Library of Congress: TITLE: Thos. W. Keen...

English: Photographic full-length portrait of Edwi...

Illustration of Othello and Iago

'My blood begins my safer guides to rule / And passion, having my best judgement collied, / Assays to lead the way.'

Desdemona is a Venetian, she is white and young. Othello is older and black. Iago uses these differences to make Othello believe in his wife's unfaithfulness with Cassio. Cassio is white, young, with courtly manners, everything that Othello isn't, added to that is the fact that he's an insider. Even though he's a Florentine and a Venetian, he fits better than Othello.

'In Venice they do let God see the pranks / they dare not show their husbands.'

Othello is a proud man. One of the things Othello is proud of is his reputation as a solider and a man. Iago, realising Othello's pride may be uses against him, sets about trying to convince him that Desdemona's 'unfaithfulness' would damage his...