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Othello's Powerplay

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Othello's Powerplay
How effectively does Othello offer insight into the notion of Powerplay?

Othello embraces many instances involving the dynamic of Powerplay. This can be examined through the relationships of characters: being Othello, Iago, Roderigo and Desdemona. Iago's relationship with Othello is where the clearest examples of Powerplay can be viewed.
Iago maintains an overarching power over Othello in the play. Iago is successful in manipulating both the truth and Othello, describing Casio's departure from his meeting with Desdemona: "that he would steal away so guilty like, seeing you coming". Iago's tremendous gift with language allows him to maintain power over Othello by essentially planting doubt in his mind. Throughout the play, Iago is successful …show more content…
Whilst attempting to remain innocent and of a moral high ground , Iago's gift with language enables this manipulation to have a greater effect on his victim, Othello. This is clearly conveyed when he describes Desdemona's unfaithfulness with Cassio where he lies "with her, on her, what you will". This has an astronomical impact on the Moor who's response is furious and vicious. Iago's manipulation is further explored when he quotes after Othello has a epileptic fit "my medicine, work!". This enables the audience to understand Iago's thoughts and offers them insight as he acknowledges that his medicine, being his language is having a huge effect on Othello. He is now in complete control and possesses complete …show more content…
Roderigo is blurred in his ways by his love and lust for Desdemona and Iago recognises and capitalises on the opportunity he sees by this. This is clearly seen when Roderigo tells Iago that he will "incontinently drown myself" as he believes he will never have Othello's wife and after only minutes, Iago is able to convince him to "sell all my land" in order to provide Iago with financial support. Immediately, Roderigo then leaves and the audience is confronted with a soliloquy by Iago, referring to Roderigo as a "snipe" and explaining he has no emotional connection with Roderigo and he only uses him for his money. This offers insight into Iago, his evil train of thought and his manipulative
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