Othello #3 blog post

     In the play Othello by William Shakespeare, Cassio and Roderigo are two characters who are heavily influenced by Iago. Iago is able to influence Cassio and Roderigo due to the pair’s dire need to accomplish a goal; Roderigo wants Desdemona to fall in love with him, and Cassio wants to restore his reputation.  Iago suggests for Cassio to convince Desdemona to talk to Othello on Cassio’s behalf. Desdemona’s influence on Othello could restore Cassio to the position of lieutenant. Cassio listens to the advice and thanks “honest Iago” (II.iii.335). However, Iago is not trustworthy. Iago tells Roderigo to hint to Othello that Cassio and Desdemona are involved with each other. Ultimately, Iago is not trustworthy because Iago is manipulating both Cassio and Roderigo so that Iago can get revenge on Othello. Iago wants revenge because he believes Othello wrongly chose Cassio to be lieutenant over himself. Although Cassio is portrayed as an intellectual while Roderigo is portrayed as a fool, Iago is able to easily manipulate both of the men into taking his own advice. The two men are unable to see Iago is only working for his personal benefit because both men are blinded by a goal; Cassio wants Othello’s forgiveness while Roderigo wants Desdemona’s love. These goals leave both men vulnerable to Iago’s manipulation, and the audience realizes that Iago cannot be trusted.