Write a note on Shakespeare’s use of intrigues in “Othello”

Answer

 Write a note on Shakespeare’s use of intrigues in “Othello”.

Othello (1622) is a tragedy of intrigues by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). In Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” Iago is one of the most complex and intriguing characters. He is a master manipulator. He is able to use people’s weaknesses and insecurities against them. This ultimately led to their downfall. Here are Iago’s intrigues in the play, which make this the play of intrigues. 

The Reason For His Intrigues: From the beginning of the play, it is clear that Iago is jealous of Cassio and his promotion. He believes that, he deserves the promotion more than Cassio, and this jealousy fuels his desire for revenge. So we find him saying,

“I have told thee often, and I re-tell thee again and again, I hate the Moor:”

Iago’s Intrigue Against Roderigo: Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo, who is in love with Desdemona. Iago will help him win the love of Desdemona. He convinces Roderigo to give him money, which he uses to further his own interests. He convinces Roderigo to aid him in his schemes by promising him that Desdemona will fall in love with him if they disrupt Othello’s happiness. Iago cunningly declares:

“Thus do I ever make my fool my purse;” 

Actually, he promises to help Rodrigo for two reasons. First, to take revenge on Othello because Othello gives a promotion to Cassio, not Iago. Second, to get financial support from Rodrigo. Rodrigo offers many valuable gifts to Desdemona by means of Iago.

Iago’s Intrigue Against Cassio: Cassio is appointed as Othello’s lieutenant instead of Iago. So Iago becomes revengeful on both of them. Iago manipulates Cassio by convincing him to drink too much and get into a fight, which leads to his demotion. Iago also plants the idea in Othello’s mind that Cassio is having an affair with Othello’s wife, Desdemona. Desdemona cheats on him and secretly maintains a love relationship with Cassio. For this, he uses the handkerchief of Desdemona as