Roderigo's Manipulation In Othello

From the beginning of the play, Roderigo complains and criticizes his own fate for not getting Desdemona’s attention and love. Roderigo’s ambition implies such a destructive impact on him that he is blindly tortured by Iago and thinking of taking Desdemona from Othello which shows that Roderigo has such a weak and unintelligent character. Roderigo’s love for Desdemona goes to such extent that he is willing to do whatever it takes and says, “I am changed. I’ll go sell all my land.” (I. III. 371). At this point, Roderigo’s ambition and desires have blinded him to the point that he is willing to change himself and sell all the wealth he has in hopes of winning Desdemona. This idea was proposed by Iago to manipulate Roderigo and steal all his wealth which portrays Roderigo’s unintelligence and poor character as he is being controlled by an another person without realizing that his ambition is blindingly leading him to a damaging pathway. Later on in the play, after being manipulated by Iago on several occasions, Roderigo’s superego starts to wake him up from Iago’s horrible mind games as his character starts to change up a bit and he realizes that his ambition has gotten him into a huge trouble for his future leading him to the pathway of humiliation. He slowly begins to understand that his ambition is pointless and it is going to give him nothing but regrets so he says, “With naught but truth. I have wasted myself out of my means …. Nay, I think it is scurvy, and begin to find myself fopped in it.” (IV. II. 185-194). At this point, Roderigo has realized the mistake he has made of thinking of winning Desdemona and now, he regrets everything he has done but most importantly, he has sold all his lands, jewellery, and fallen into poverty through Iago’s psychological manipulations. He has tried

Iago attempts to discredit Cassio is the eyes of Othello (II.iii). He enables Cassio to become intoxicated and then later Roderigo picks a fight with him. Othello finds Cassio at fault for the fight, which he seems to be at first glance., and removes him from his office. Even after it is done with, neither have any idea they were manipulated by Iago, but think he is a wonderful person, better, in fact, because of this incident.

The first victim of Iago’s manipulation was Roderigo. Iago realises Roderigo will do anything to be with Desdemona, so Iago uses this to his advantage. “Thus do I ever make my fool my purse” (I, iii, 374). Iago plays with Roderigo’s emotions and hopes to swindle his money. Iago makes a fool out of Rodrigo because he is a rich guy who thinks that money will win over Desdemona’s heart. Roderigo buys her gifts and gives it to Iago thinking that he will give it to Desdemona. Instead, Iago keeps it for himself, and making a lot of profit in doing so. Iago does not waste his on knowledge and skills on something he can get someone else to do. “For I mine own gained knowledge should profane” (I, iii, 375). Iago convinces Roderigo that he will make Desdemona fall in love with him by giving her presents with Rodrigo’s money. This shows that he is sly and clever because he knows that Roderigo has a lot of money he can benefit from. Also, Iago gets something useful out of Roderigo that aids in his evil plans. “If I would time expend with such a snipe But for my sport and profit” (I, iii, 376-377). Roderigo is shown to be a very gullible character that believes everything Iago says. Iago keeps Rodrigo uninformed about his plans and continues to profit from him. Rodrigo follows Iago blindly, thinking the whole time that Iago is trying to aid him, but since Iago is driven to become lieutenant, he uses Roderigo for his money and something to rely on. Later Iago sends Roderigo to kill Cassio so Iago would not be suspected as a criminal. Iago’s plans begin to dwindle as Roderigo ends up dying by the hands of the manipulative Iago that supposedly helped Roderigo get with Desdemona.

In Shakespeare’s Othello, Iago represents the transformational style of leadership because he is influential, assertive and inspires a shared vision. Iago’s desires are to change and or transform individuals throughout the play. He illustrates this concept as he deceived Roderigo into thinking that Desdemona holds affection for him. The purpose of which is to motivate his mate to cooperate in his plan. Iago has his own jealous motives for hating Othello and Cassio, yet he strongly drags Roderigo to his side. He develops feelings of hate and revenge. He gets Roderigo to dislike Cassio by making Roderigo jealous of Cassio's chances with Desdemona, he states, “Desdemona is directly in love with him, didst thou not see her paddle with the palm of his hand? Didst not mark that?”(II.i.214-215,246-246). Iago emphasizes his belief that Roderigo

Later on in the play, Iago lies to Roderigo when he tells him that Othello will be taking Desdemona with him to Mauritania. He suggests that if Roderigo ever wants to see Desdemona again he has to make sure that Othello extends his stay in Cyprus. To do so, he suggests that Cassio must be killed, “Why, by making him uncapable of Othello’s place—/ knocking out his brains.”(4.2.226-227). If Othello goes to Mauritania, Cassio will be assigned Othello’s place. By killing Cassio, Iago gets his revenge and Roderigo would have a chance to win over Desdemona. Roderigo’s character is used to portray the theme of manipulation. He is persuaded into doing Iago’s ill deeds. Iago is only after one thing, to be appointed lieutenant, and he will do whatever is necessary to reach his goal.

Regardless of the tender relationship between Othello and Desdemona, Iago uses Roderigo to seep his lies into Brabantio’s mind and furthermore wreaking havoc among him and his impression of Othello. Dissimilar to this, Iago is supportive and social when it comes to being around Othello and the ones who he stabs behind their backs. Additional to the first instance of Iago’s scheming, he also releases his plans to alter Othello’s marriage and by doing so ruining Cassio’s chance of regaining lieutenancy. After the fight between Montano and drunk Cassio, Iago converses briefly with Cassio who eventually leaves Iago alone in the streets. Once he is gone Iago explains: “And out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all”(2.3.375-80). From this statement it is clear how Iago has no care towards helping Cassio who needs Desdemona to get his position back, and also for innocent Desdemona who will soon be wrongfully accused of Iago’s bluffs. This is obvious since Iago yearns to create a “net” using Desdemona’s simplicity, and more importantly taking control of everyone’s life with it. Unfortunately the ones who are around him fail to recognize his actions, and without knowing are slowly fooled into their own misery which is all part of Iago’s

What is not clear is whether Desdemona would even consider Roderigo’s advances. We know that Roderigo has failed in previous attempts to court Desdemona and Brabantio “charged thee not to haunt my doors” (Shakespeare 1458). Roderigo is eager to charge forward with Iago’s instructions and is so gullible that he is repeatedly puts his self in physical danger. Roderigo has no realistic chance of success and is therefore considered a pawn for Iago to maneuver. To enlist his help to eliminate Cassio, Iago conjures up a tale of an affair between Desdemona and Cassio that Roderigo is all too willingly to accept about the woman he loves. According to Iago, Roderigo is no longer considered Desdemona’s second choice behind Othello, but falls to a distant third behind Cassio. Roderigo becomes

Roderigo believes that Iago will help him win Desdemona's love, so she will abandon Othello. In the play, Iago states “I say put money in thy purse. It cannot be that Desdemona should continue her love to the moor-put money in thy purse-nor he his to her” (1.1.385). Iago persuades Roderigo to pay him for his service, which would only be the beginning of his manipulations. Roderigo has a deep love and respect for his companion Iago, whom he trusts, as witnessed by his willingness to give him money. The adoration Roderigo has

In this scene, Roderigo is sceptical of Iago’s plan and puts a sword to his throat. Iago swiftly maneuvers out of this situation by telling Roderigo how his judgement is brave and now he believes that Roderigo will do whatever it takes to get Desdemona’s love. Iago says that if Roderigo does not complete the plan, then he cannot try to kill him. The fooled Roderigo is shocked and is now completely loyal to Iago who barely got out of this bad situation using his manipulation skills. Later in the play, Roderigo finally recognizes that Iago has been taking advantage of him saying, “O damned Iago! O inhumane dog!” (5.1.74). As seen by his constant manipulative actions and dialogue, Iago reveals himself as a sociopath.

Roderigo taunts Michael Cassio into a drunken brawl. Montano and other men try to hold Cassio back; knowing Michael has no clue what he is doing due to be intoxicated. The fight quickly turns dangerous when Michael Cassio turns against Montano and stabs him! Othello get word of the brawl outbreak and arrives with armed men to assess the situation. Iago is pleased with the brawl; he knows that the arrival of Othello will bring punishment to Michael Cassio. Othello demands to know what has happened to bring him away from his wife. Montano is in excruciating pain and unable to tell the whole story; Iago speaks for him. Telling Othello that he does not know how the fight had broken out. Michael Cassio, thinking Iago is being a friend and covering for him, goes along with Iago’s story. Othello immediately demotes Michael Cassio from his position as lieutenant. This is another achievement for Iago; he has gained trust from Michael Cassio and has the victory of Michael Cassio not being Othello’s lieutenant.

Roderigo along with Othello were the two most directly manipulated by him. Due to their weakness they both get played by Iago.“You can trust me. Go now and get cash. I told you before, and I’ll tell you again and again: I hate the moor. I’m devoted to my cause of hating him, just as devoted as you are to yours. So let’s join forces and get revenge.” (I.3.58). Roderigo’s vulnerability for desdemona is what got him trapped into Iago’s hands. To his advantage being that Roderigo is a wealthy man he uses him as a walking ATM. He takes all his money and even makes Roderigo sell his all his land to fill Iago’s pockets promising him something that was almost impossible to happen, Desdemona in return. Poor Roderigo trusted him with his eyes closed.

Iago persuades Roderigo to kill Cassio while Othello smothers Desdemona. Emilia then reveals to Othello Iago's manipulation. As Emilia continues to divulge Iago's actions he kills her and flees. When Iago is returned to Othello, Othello wounds him and upon realizing the tragic actions he has brought about, kills himself.

After Othello gives orders for Iago to kill Cassio in less than three days Iago is quick to act on this mission and again drags Roderigo into this. Iago’s plan is not only fulfilling his plan but also making sure he’s not the only one that goes down if he happens to get caught. Roderigo is his puppet and uses him in order to fulfill this violent act for Othello and in order to gain favor in his eyes. Iago truly is evil because he himself realizes that by doing this it will not fulfill his wants and by doing so he also kills his beloved wife Emilia. He stabs both Roderigo and he kills his wife Emilia for what.

Roderigo pays Iago for this false hope that he will be with Desdemona (1162). When he believes he is getting closer to being with her, however, Iago tells him that it might not happen because Desdemona is in love with Cassio (1169-70). Roderigo is greatly angered by this and resolves to do what it takes to stop Cassio from getting Desdemona even if it means taking his life. His attempt to kill Cassio, however, is unsuccessful, and instead he is the one injured (1175). Roderigo is no longer consumed with thoughts of being with Desdemona. Instead he is consumed with feelings of hatred toward those who might have her love and attention.

A victim of the villainous Iago, Roderigo was jealous of Othello’s marriage with Desdemona and tried to break it up by hiring Iago. His jealousy is seen taking its toll on Roderigo after he reacts to the confession of Desdemona’s love for Othello in front of the Duke and Brabantio. After hearing this, Roderigo feels as though all hope is lost and expresses his despair to Iago saying,