Analyse Iago's techniques of persuasion and provocation, and

             Iago is an almost subtle villain in Othello. At first glance Iago's character seems to be pure evil, however, such a villain would distract from the impact of the play and would be too stereotypical for an evil character. He does, however, possess the classic revenge motive behind all his actions, the basis of his corruption and ultimately the reason for his downfall. Iago is extremely amoral, and spends the majority of the play influencing people to suit him, for which he has a huge ability.
             We are first introduced to Iago's manipulating Othello, when Othello sees Cassio leaving Desdemona. "Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it that he would steal away so guilty-like seeing you coming". Iago has planted the first seeds of suspicion in a brilliantly astute way. He has made Othello suspect that Cassio is guilty of something; something that affects Othello, and at the same time represented himself to Othello as a loyal servant by his use of the words 'my lord'. Desdemona fuels Othello's suspicions when she calls for Cassio's reinstatement as lieutenant. "Good love, call him back". To the audience it is obvious that Desdemona is simply doing a favour for Cassio, an old friend, and trying to resolve the schism between Othello and Cassio; Othello is suspicious however, and is unconsciously twisting what she says to him. Desdemona only further compounds the problem almost immediately after, by being so persistent for Othello to meet with Cassio, that it boarders on her begging. Once again, she is only fulfilling her promise to Cassio, but worsening Othello's jealousy. "Why then, tomorrow night, or Tuesday morn; On Tuesday, noon or night; On Wednesday morn!" Othello then sums up to true consequence that Iago's efforts could result in. "Excellent wretch! Perdition catch my soul but I do not love thee! And when I love thee not chaos is come again". Othello ...

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