The Swirling Mind Of A Moor

The Swirling Mind Of A Moor

In the play Othello, by Shakespeare, Othello never bothers to investigate Iago's accusations of Desdemona. It's believed that to Othello him and Iago are best friends, in which it can be assumed that Othello has a great trust in Iago. This trust could be the cause of Othello believing Iago over his wife Desdemona when being accused of doing things with Cassio. Iago always shows his trust towards Othello by making Othello realize that he is there for him. Iago does not only play with Othello's mind by talking to him, but also through playing with other's minds too.

Iago always tries to show Othello that he is there for him in the sense of being "best friends". Iago's conversations with Othello always make Othello think about what Desdemona is possibly doing, but Othello really loves Desdemona and always believes her. Which is why Iago has to try and show Othello that she is not to be trusted. Iago confuses Othello by making him think something is going on between Desdemona and Cassio, and when Othello asks Iago to have Emilia-Iago's wife and Desdemona's servant-to watch after her Iago tells Othello not to worry about it. However, Iago was not only playing with Othello's mind but everyone's.

"Were I the Moor I would not be Iago. In following him I follow but myself; Heaven is my judge, not I for love and duty, But seeming so for my peculiar end. For when my outward action doth demonstrate The native act and figure of my heart In compliment extern, 'tis not long after But I will wear my heart upon my sleeve For daws to peck at. I am not what I am." (I.i.57-65)

This quote by Iago said to Roderigo-a jealous man in love with Desdemona-shows how Iago can play on words to hide as much as he wants to reveal. Iago does not play with mearly Othello's head but Roderigo's and Cassio's too. Iago makes Roderigo think that Cassio is taking Desdemona form him and leads them to a duel. In which Cassio wins and then loses his rank-which is most important to him. This next quote shows how Cassio is mad about killing Roderigo and feels as though he'll never get his rank back and with Iago's good speaking abilities brings him back to thinking he can get his rank back by talking to Desdemona. "Reputation, reputation, reputation! O, I have lost my reputation! I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial. My reputation, Iago, my reputation!" (II.iii.236-238). This is where Cassio is upset about his reputation.