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 his great tool of conspiracy. Iago implants doubts in Othello’s mind about Cassio’s loyalty and intentions, poisoning Othello’s trust in his friend. Iago manipulates Othello’s insecurities, stating:

“Cassio, my lord! No, sure, I cannot think it

That he would steal away so guilty-like

Seeing you coming.” 

Iago’s intrigue against Cassio highlights his skill in exploiting existing tensions and manipulating perceptions to achieve his goals.

Iago’s Intrizue Against Othello: Iago doubts his wife Emilia. He suspects that she maintains a secret illicit relationship with Othello. So, he decides to destroy the conjugal life of Othello and Desdemona. For this, he uses Cassio. He tells him to go to Desdemona and request her in his favour to Othello. So, Cassio goes to her. Here, Iago manipulates Othello by playing on his insecurities about his marriage to Desdemona. He plants seeds of doubt in Othello’s mind, making him believe that Desdemona is unfaithful. Iago says,

“Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio.”

Towards the end, Othello kills Desdemona by the influence of Iago. When everything becomes clear to him after killing Desdemona, he commits suicide.

Iago’s intrigues in “Othello” are a masterclass in manipulation and deception. He is able to use people’s weaknesses and insecurities against them, ultimately leading to their downfall. Through his actions, Shakespeare explores the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the destructive power of manipulation. Othello is the hero of this drama, but Iago plays the main role in developing the plot through his intrigues. So, We can comment Othello is a play of intrigue.