How Does Iago Manage to Corrupt Othello Essay Example

and honestly; he becomes erratic, confused, and jealous. It was previously stated that jealousy and love cannot co-exist.

The text explores how Iago has cleverly employed his strengths to deceive others, resulting in their downfall. Othello falls into Iago's trap by absorbing the subtle suggestions and notions planted in his subconscious. Othello's vulnerability to others allows Iago's manipulations to take hold. This situation parallels Macbeth, where Lady Macbeth remarks on his excessive compassion, which eventually becomes his flaw. Unlike Othello, Macbeth acknowledges his weakness, speaking of his "vaulting ambition," allowing the witches' prophecies to consume him. These suppressed emotions manifest themselves in a distorted manner. This scene reveals Iago's prowess in exploiting others' thoughts and suspicions against them. Iago capitalizes on the trust bestowed upon him by Othello, a fact overlooked or dismissed by the other characters due to Iago's respectable reputation.

Iago's reputation greatly influences his transparency. It is not solely his actions that manipulate others, but rather their desire to perceive him a certain way. Iago cleverly exploits the weaknesses of those around him, allowing them to come to erroneous conclusions on their own. To the observant audience, Iago may appear ruthlessly truthful in his interactions with others, but this is often misinterpreted due to his positive reputation as perceived by others.

Iago's soliloquies showcase his self-reflective nature without remorse, at times displaying cynicism and potentially nihilism. This could stem from a deep disappointment, possibly related to love. Consequently, his wife Emilia becomes the one to unravel his true character. Within the play Othello, jealousy assumes a central role, and Iago appears to be the only individual who has not succumbed to overwhelming emotional rage. Instead,

he demonstrates intellectual control over the petty jealousy displayed by others.