Explain how Iago is manipulative, include specific examples and quotations.

In
, Iago is extremely manipulative. Iago is a master at manipulation. Through
his mere words, he plants seeds of doubt in Othello. Truly, Iago is subtle in his accusation as
he merely suggests that Cassio may be having an affair with Desdemona. No doubt, Iago
manipulates the situation to convince Othello that his wife is unfaithful with Cassio. When
Cassio and Desdemona are merely talking, Iago leads Othello to the scene. As Othello views the
scene, Iago plants seeds of doubt and jealousy in Othello. He uses hesitation as he speaks. This
causes Othello to question what Iago is really saying. With Othello's insistence, Iago gives in
and expresses his dislike of Cassio and Desdemona talking to one another:

Ha! I dont like that.

When
Othello questions Iago in saying, "What did you say?" Iago begins scheming. Iago
pretends to be hesitant in his accusations:

Nothing, my
lord.

Artfully and cleverly, Iago is causing Othello to
think that Cassio and his wife should not be talking.

When Cassio realizes
that Othello is coming, he quickly leaves the scene. Iago uses this moment to make Othello think
that Cassio is stealing away because he is guilty of having an intimate talk with Othello's
wife. Iago comments about Cassio quickly fleeing from the scene:

I cannot believe
That he would steal away so guiltily,
Seeing you
coming.

Later on, Iago uses Cassio's genuine support of
Othello to tempt  Cassio to become intoxicated, thus causing him to brawl with Roderigo. Of
course, Iago is a master manipulator:

Come, lieutenant, I have
a bottle of wine; and here outside are a number
of
Cyprus gents that would happily drink a round to the
health of black
Othello.

Although Cassio initially
refuses to drink, Iago uses his gift of scheming and talks Cassio into getting drunk.

After setting the scene, Iago moves on to further his evil plot. After Cassio and
Roderigo fight, Othello releases Cassio from his position as lieutenant. Iago furthers his
devious plan by manipulating Desdemona. Using Desdemona's prime weakness, naivety, Iago puts
Cassio up to seeking Desdemona's help in getting his position as lieutenant back.

With the scene set, Othello begins to believe his beautiful Desdemona has been
unfaithful with Cassio. Iago realizes Othello's insecurities and benefits by them. Othello is
too trusting of Iago. Iago ever so subtly points out that Desdemona is capable of
lying:

She deceived her father by marrying you;

Iago is a crafty manipulator. He definitely causes Othello to
question Desdemona's integrity. At the same time, Iago assures Othello that he has only
discredited Desdemona because of his love for Othello:

I
hope you will consider that what I have spoken
Comes from my love;

Iago craftily apologizes for loving Othello too much:

I humbly beg your pardon
Because I was loving you too
much.

Convinced of Iago's love, Othello states that he is
forever indebted to Iago:

I am bound to you
forever.

No doubt, Iago is a master at deceit.
Iago is an excellent actor. He is convincing in his false sincerity. Because of Iago's expert
manipulation, Othello smothers his beautiful wife.