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Othello

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Othello
In the play Othello Iago states his anger towards Moor Othello to Roderigo. His anger is justified by Othello having promoted a man named Michael Cassio to a rank above him and Iago gives the notion that his wife had an affair with Othello. For these reasons Iago manipulated the people around him to the point where each could not tell the truth from the lies. Iago was able to solidify his web of deceit from flaws in their character in order to create success. Iago has always held a grudge towards Michael Cassio for stealing the job he wanted. Michael Cassio has but one flaw that of which is drinking. At a party to honor the Moor’s marriage and the victory of war Iago highlights this flaw. With the words “If I can fasten but one cup upon him, With that which he hath drunk tonight already… (Shakespeare 45)” Iago gets Cassio drunk. Cassio is not the only person to have their flaws exploited. Iago uses his wife’s flaws marriage and attraction to get control over her. Emilia says “My wayward husband hath a hundred times Woo’d me to steal it… (Shakespeare 65)” as she steals a token of love from Othello’s wife Desdemona that Othello had given her. These are just some of the flaws Iago exploited in his journey to get what he wanted. Getting Cassio drunk led to him getting into a fight at the party with which Othello walked in on. Iago’s plan gained success from this incidence by Othello’s words “I love thee; But never more be officer of mine… (Shakespeare 51)”. No longer is Cassio in the job that Iago had been passed over for. But, this victory does not stop Iago; he desires blood. Although, he does not just want Cassio to die but also his ‘supposed’ friend Roderigo as well. Iago however says “Now whether he kill Cassio, Or Cassio him, or each do kill the other, Every way makes my gain… (Shakespeare 97)”. This illustrates that he does not care which of them dies for either way he will gain success. In the end Iago’s plan is a success even after all the lies and manipulations have been brought to light. He managed to get all of his enemies killed except for the person he wanted from the very beginning: Michael Cassio. Who in the end of the play Othello would be in charge of the punishment imposed upon him. Iago prevailed by harboring what makes each person weak and then using that weakness against them.

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