Explore the ways in which Iago destroys the relationship between
Desdemona and Othello
It is obvious from the very beginning of the play that Iago plans to get his
revenge upon Othello. For instance he comments that “I follow him to
serve my turn upon him.” However it does not become immediately
apparent what Iago is going to do until Act 1 Scene 3 when he states that
“To get his place and plume my will…after some time, to abuse Othello’s
ear that he is too familiar with [Desdemona].” Therefore it is clear that
Iago destroys the relationship between Desdemona and Othello because
of his immense jealousy of Cassio which is shown by “For ‘Certes’ says he,
‘I have already chosen my officer.’ And what was he? ...One Michael
Cassio, a fellow [with] mere prattle without practise.” Iago is not only
jealous of Cassio, but also of Othello because he believes that “he’s done
my office.” In fact this is entirely refuted by Iago’s wife Emilia later on in
the play. For instance when both her and Desdemona are discussing
whether they would “abuse their husbands,” Emilia claims that she would
“neither [do so] by this heavenly light.” Therefore Iago’s jealously of
Othello is clearly uncalled for as he has no reason to suspect that Emilia
has been unfaithful. Nevertheless, Iago still wants to be “evened, with him
wife for wife.” Another possible reason for Iago’s jealousy could be that
the relationship between Desdemona and Othello is a much stronger and
more loving one that that between Iago and Emilia. It is clear that the
relationship between Iago and Emilia is not always a happy one by “as of
her tongue that she oft bestows on me.” Therefore I ago may be jealous of
Desdemona and Othello’s relationship. As a result of his absolute loathing
and jealousy of Othello, Iago plans to “put the Moor at least into a jealously
so strong that judgement cannot cure.”
To destroy the relationship between Desdemona and Othello, Iago uses
people to his advantage, for instance he uses such people as Cassio, Emilia
and to some extent even Desdemona without their knowledge. What
becomes evident about how Iago uses people to help him succeed in his
plans is that he exploits peoples’ own weaknesses without their
knowledge. For instance he exploits Emilia’s loyalty to above anyone – “a
good wench,” Iago also exploits Othello’s trusting nature and in some
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ways his own blindness to what is happening around his and his failure to
trust Desdemona over Iago, which is ultimately his downfall. Iago also
exploits Desdemona’s naivety as well as her love and trust of Othello.
Iago exploits Desdemona’s kind hearted nature and willingness to help
people such as Cassio- “I will do all my abilities in thy behalf.” Once Iago
knows how he will wreak his revenge upon Othello by destroying the
relationship between him and Desdemona, he continuously works on this
throughout the play.
For instance, even before he starts destroying the relationship, he draws
unnecessary attention to it, for example – an “old black ram is tupping
your white ewe.” This does not destroy the relationship in any way
although it does make it harder for them to get their relationship to be
recognised and accepted by the senators in Venice, particularly
Desdemona’s father Brabantio. In some ways this even makes it stronger
by making Desdemona and Othello more determined to affirm their love as
shown by Othello declaration that “I love the gentle Desdemona.” The
way that Iago draws attention to the relationship between Desdemona
and Othello is just one example of where Iago uses graphic, animalistic and
racist imagery; thus showing that Iago is an uncouth and crass kind of
person. This language also shows that Iago can not really see into the
relationship and instead just makes presumptions about it.
The actual method that Iago uses to destroy the relationship between
Desdemona and Othello is to make Othello believe that Desdemona has
made a “cuckold,” out of him by sleeping with Cassio and to continually
make Othello think is and remind him of it. To continue with his plan of
destroying the relationship, Iago proceeds to get Cassio drunk despite
knowing that he has “very poor and unhappy brains for drinking.” It is clear
that Iago plans to get him trouble because he gets Roderigo to “find some
occasion to anger Cassio,” and this results in a fight with causes Cassio to
loose his position in Othello’s service because of the stabbing of Roderigo
during the course of the fight. Therefore Iago succeeds in what he was
trying to do – make Cassio loose his job.
As a result of the drunken brawl and loosing his job, Cassio has “lost [his]
reputation [and] lost the immortal part of [himself].” Therefore it is
evident that Cassio is, understandably highly embarrassed and distraught
because of his actions. It is because of this that Iago claims to act “in the
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sincerity of love and honest kindness,” that he advises Cassio to get
Desdemona to restore him to his previous position in Othello’s service“Confess yourself freely to her; importune her help to put you in your place
again… This broken joint between you and her husband entreat her to
splinter.” As Cassio is willing to do anything and Iago knows this, Cassio will
follow Iago’s advice and get Desdemona to help him. What Iago also knows
is that Desdemona will try and help Cassio. Therefore, he has completed
the first step in destroying the relationship between Desdemona and
Othello because he will build on Desdemona’s petitions to her husband to
succeed further in his plan.
Desdemona agrees to help Cassio- “Be thou assured good Cassio I will do
all my abilities in thy behalf…I will have my lord and you again as friendly
as you were.” Therefore, this is an example of how Iago manipulates both
Desdemona and Cassio into helping him cause both of their downfalls as
well as Othello’s and in doing so, destroying the relationship between
Desdemona and Othello; whist at the same time giving the impression that
he is “kind and honest.” This shows just how well Iago is able to use his
outward appearance and also to some extent people’s own weaknesses
to get what he wants. Therefore this is an example of dramatic irony
being used because the audience has a clear idea of how Iago’s character
really is, which is dishonest, disloyal and a liar; where as on the other hand
all the characters in the play perceive Iago to be honest, loyal and noble.
Desdemona does begin to petition Othello and tries to restore Cassio’s
reputation in her husband’s eye, however this has little effect on - “Now,
sweet Desdemon, some other time.” It is not until Iago makes a seemingly
innocent query of “did Michael Cassio, when you wooded my lady, know of
your love?” that Othello’s suspicion is aroused- “By heaven, he echoes me,
as if some monster in his thoughts.” This is an example of imagery and
shows that Othello is picturing “monstrous,” thoughts in Iago’s head. Iago
has gone as far as to mention both Cassio’s and Desdemona’s names
together and so this makes Othello wonder if there is something suspicious
going on between them, however Othello is neither sure what it is and
even if it is true and so Iago has successfully confused him.
It is clear that Othello is now slightly suspicious of Desdemona and Cassio.
Despite this, he still believes that Desdemona is virtuous as he points out
“she had eyes and chose me.” However Iago reminds Othello that “she did
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deceive her father.” This reminds him that she did, but still believes that
she is true to him “I do not think but Desdemona’s honest,” Othello states
that before he believes otherwise he wants proof as shown by “I’ll see
before I doubt.” Therefore this shows that Othello is not completely taken
in by the rumours and believes Desdemona over Iago. Despite this, Iago
advises Othello to “look to [his] wife, observe her well with Cassio.” Iago
also plays on the fact that that Othello is a stranger to Venice and so does
not know what happens, such as “in Venice they do not let God see the
pranks they dare not show their husbands.” This shows that because
Othello does not know all the ways and customs in Venice, Iago uses this
fact to his advantage. It is clear that Othello believes Iago, as he answers
rather pathetically “dost thou say so?” Iago almost seems to prove his
point by reminding Othello that “she did deceive her father, marrying
you.” This is clearly doing more than just reminding Othello that it is not the
first time that Desdemona has deceived someone, it is also putting ideas of
Desdemona’s infidelity into Othello’s head and yet he replies again in a
rather a pathetic way “and so she did,” thus showing that Iago’s words
are having the desired effect upon Othello.
Therefore this shows that Iago’s plan of destroying the relationship
between Desdemona and Othello is beginning to work. It is clear that Iago
has realised that at last his doings are beginning to work as he comments
that “I see this hath dashed your sprits.” However Othello denies this by
saying “not a jot.” Despite his evil scheme, Iago continues to pretend that
he is “loyal,” as he does thorough the entire play. This is shown by his
seeming concerned attitude- “I’faith, I fear it has.” Not only this, but he
convincingly lies to everyone thought, about to whom he is loyal. For
instance he claims that “Cassio’s my worthy friend,” when he is plotting to
bring him down along with Desdemona and Othello and has already
caused him to loose his job.
Yet despite him seemingly having been taken in by Iago’s lies, Othello is
still not absolutely convinced about Desdemona’s unfaithfulness. It is
possible that Othello finds it hard to comprehend that Desdemona is
anything but true. For example he comments that “if she be false, O
heaven mocks itself.” This shows that she seems so perfect and therefore
she could never be unfaithful. In this case, heaven is used as a metaphor.
Othello is used to see Desdemona as being so perfect that she was like
“heaven.” Therefore this shows that because Othello believes
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Desdemona to be so perfect he finds it hard to comprehend that she may
be “false.” However Othello clearly mistrust Desdemona as he asks Iago
to “set on thy wife to observe.” This shows that Othello does not know
what to believe. It is plausible to think that Othello would like to believe
that Desdemona is true and yet due to Iago’s accusations, he can not
quite bring himself to think that and there are now questions in his head.
Thus Iago has been able to successfully deceive and confuse him so far
what also becomes apparent is just how trusting Othello is of Iago, for
example “this fellow’s of exceeding honesty.” This is shows the extent to
which Othello trusts Iago and has been taken in by him.
The handkerchief which is the main object used to destroy the
relationship between Othello and Desdemona is first mentioned in Act 3
Scene 3. Emilia, who is not only Iago’s wife but also Desdemona’s maid,
comments that “I am glad I have found this [handkerchief] … My
wayward husband hath a hundred times wooed me to steal it.”
Therefore it is not only Cassio, Desdemona and Othello that Iago
carefully manipulates, but also his own wife. It is apparent that Emilia
does not know why Iago has begged her to steal it, as shown by “what he
will do with it, heaven knows, not I.” Therefore this shows that despite
being employed by Desdemona, Emilia is loyal to her husband above
anyone else; much like Desdemona is to Othello.
Iago appears to be pleased his plan is going. He notices that “the Moor
already changes with my poison,” and so this shows the satisfaction and
enjoyment he gets from destroying the relationship between Desdemona
and Othello. Othello is clearly in despair. He appears to appeal to the
Gods with his use of “O,” in his speech, for example “O, farewell.”
Although not immediately obvious, Othello is the hero of this
Shakespearean tragedy. Therefore this is appealing to the Gods is
significant because it signifies the hero appealing to greater powers,
often supernatural and so shows certain failings in even the hero. It is
clear by now that Othello is a broken man all because of the torment Iago
has caused him by putting ideas into his head. Yet Iago takes great delight
in his torment. Despite the fact that Othello believes Iago, he claims he
still wants “ocular proof.” Thus this presents another challenge for Iago.
Yet Othello seemingly backs down on his desire for “ocular proof,” and
now wants Iago to “make [him] see’t or at least, so prove it.” Therefore
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Iago only has to “prove it,” to make Othello truly believe that Desdemona
has been unfaithful. Although Iago does not provide Othello with any
“ocular proof,” he seemingly provides this by telling a great deal of lies of
what he has overheard Cassio crying out in his sleep. For instance “I heard
him say ‘sweet Desdemona, let us be wary, let us hide our love,’ and then
…kissed me hard…then laid his leg over my thigh.” Iago uses really graphic
images to further convince Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful. He
claims that Cassio has laid “with her, on her, what you will.” However this
is done in such a subtle way that he barely suggests this idea before
Othello believes it. These graphic images cause imagery in both Othello’s
mind and also in the audiences mind. These images almost cause Othello to
believe that this has taken place and so in a way this provides the ocular
proof that Othello requests. Othello is clearly taken in by this and his
attitude turns from that of despair to rage and exclaims “I’ll tear her all to
pieces!” Iago also invents “other proofs,” and so to further confuses
Othello but also heightens his anger against Desdemona. Othello’s reaction
to the many lies that Iago tells is to fall into an epileptic “fit.”
Iago has convincingly fooled Othello into believing that he is indeed being
cuckolded that he exclaims “now I do see ‘tis true.” Therefore Othello has
been totally convinced without having any real “proof.” Iago’s plan has
worked so well that Othello even asks him to kill Cassio- “within three
days let me hear thee say that Cassio’s not alive.” Therefore it is possible
that that Iago’s plan is seemingly worked better than he could have
hoped for, this is because Iago has also succeeded in creating the downfall
of his rival Cassio. The main proof that Othello has of Desdemona being
unfaithful is based around the handkerchief which Iago has managed to
persuade Emilia to steal from Desdemona and put in Cassio’s possession.
Iago presents himself in a completely different way to the characters of
the play to how the audience perceives him to be and also how his
personality and attitude really is. Therefore this is an example of dramatic
irony and is the reason why Iago is able to get away with the things he
does without people having any suspicions. For example it is obvious only
to the audience that Iago is really a conniving, evil lair compared with how
the characters perceive him which is “most honest,” and “a man
of…trust,”
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It is possible that people believe him firstly because they have no real
reason to suspect him and also because Othello trusts Iago and people
respect and look up to Othello they may also trust Iago because of this
Iago also tailors his language to adapt to certain situations. For example
prose is usually the typical form of richer, more highly educated people
such as the Duke “When remedies are past the griefs are ended
By seeing the worst which late on hopes depended.”
Whereas less noble people such as Iago tend to speak in verse most of
the time and yet occasionally Iago does speak in prose:
“I have’t. It is endangered. Hell and night must bring this monstrous birth
to the world’s light,” and so shows how skilled Iago is at disguising his
personality and appearance in order to fool people and so succeed in his
plan to cause the breakdown of the relationship between Desdemona
and Othello.
Structure is also essential for the success of Iago’s mission. For example
Iago constantly works on destroying the relationship throughout the play.
Also Iago tends to distance himself from the action, such as the fight
between Cassio and Roderigo. By doing this, Iago escapes from the blame.
Many of the scenes take place at night and so this provides an element of
secrecy to the action which helps to disguise Iago’s actions, for example
Act 1 Scene 1. Also towards the end of the play, the action takes place in
increasingly private places away from people such as inside. This means
that there are fewer people to become suspicious of Iago which could
ultimately cause his plan to fail.
Therefore the ways in which Iago destroys the relationship between
Desdemona and Othello are largely by constantly putting doubts into
Othello’s mind and gradually building upon them into particularly graphic
images. Also by lying to everybody, particularly Othello and even using
people such as his wife to help him succeed, mainly without their
knowledge or consent. Iago also manipulates people so well that they
partially cause their own downfall; for instance suggesting to Cassio to get
Desdemona to appeal to Othello to rehire Cassio.
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