Shakespeare examines Othello through his weakness and ease of conversion. Othello marries the daughter of the Moor and Emperor of Veneto, Desdemona of Brabant, a noble Veneto. Iago, old Othello, and Cassio, late Othello’s ambassador, accompany Othello and Desdemona to Cyprus. Iago, angry that Othello did not name him leader, uses Roderic, Desdemona’s admirer, to take revenge on Cassio and Othello. Iago uses Roderick, Cassio, and Othello’s individual weaknesses as a catalyst for destruction and ultimate disgrace. Iago’s exploits Roderic’s love for Desdemona to humiliate Cassio. Iago’s exploits cause Cassio’s reputation and prestige to deteriorate due to alcoholism. Iago exploits Othello because of Desdemona’s weakness and belief in the military system to gain revenge.
Iago uses Roderico as a traitor to shame Cassio. Roderick expresses his weakness in Iago that “It is insolence to live when it is tormented to live” (1.3.49). Roderick’s passion blinds Desdemona’s reason, thus making him vulnerable to her machinations. Iago carries this vulnerability and manipulates Roderick into believing that he will help him succeed in Desdemona. Iago will make a “fool of my purse” (1.3.426) and gain riches because of Roderigo’s alleged work. With this increased economic status, Iago believes that he will take revenge, while he becomes superior to others. Moreover, Iago’s achievements forced Roderick to sell his lands and follow Desdemona to Cyprus. Iago once used Roderic as his pawn in Cyprus. Iago forces Roderic to provoke and attempt Cassio’s murder, because Roderic believes Cassio and Desdemona are lovers. Although Roderick is oblivious to his plot, Iago easily tricks him into rejecting Desdemona’s love.
Iago convinces Cassio to succumb to his tendency to drink, so Roderigo can fire him into a fight. Cassius acknowledges that his tolerance for alcohol is low when he says “I am a poor and unhappy brain to drink” (2.3. 34-35), Iago recognizes Cassio’s weakness and plans to “strike the island” (2.3.64-65). Although Cassio resists, Iago persuades him to agree to a drink on the condition of victory over the Turks. Iago now uses Cassio to fight which results in Cassio being demoted and Iago being promoted. Furthermore, Cassio, worried about his “lost reputation” (2.3.282), places his trust and faith in Iago. Not content with Cassio’s dishonor, Cassio plots Othello’s downfall.
Iago uses Othello’s passion for Desdemona and in the military field to obscure his plan. Othello is especially prone to jealousy and fears that Desdemona may desire a blue husband. Iago perceives this jealousy when he says that he is “too familiar with his wife” (1.3.439). Iago uses this fear to convince Desdemona to have an affair with Cassius. Iago advises Othello “that Cassio may find his wife” (2.3.408-409). Othello gets angry when Iago talks about it but later trusts Iago because he is honest and has proof. On the battlefield Othello inclines him to believe Iago. Since Iago is a subordinate officer and his senior, Othello believes that all the information Iago gives will be certain. This faith and jealousy allow James to manipulate Othello. This plot results in Othello killing his true love, Desdemona, and realizing his own death. Because Othello is blinded by faith and envy, Iago finally gets his revenge.
Although Roderick, Cassio, and Othello have different weaknesses, Iago successfully uses their weaknesses to gain ultimate revenge through humiliation. Iago is able to change one to contribute to the downfall of another. Because Roderick, Cassio, and Othello are blind to each of their weaknesses, they are easily manipulated.
Works cited
Shakespeare, William. Othello. Ed. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine
New York: Washington Square – Pocket, 1993
