- How do ideas about difference and otherness help Iago's manipulation of Othello in this scene? Consider:
Iago's manipulation of Othello is supported by the fact that Cassio helped Othello gain the love of Desdemona, 'so many a time, when I have spoken of you dispraisingly, hath ta'en your part!' This creates a sense of inadequacy for Othello because he needed someone else to help him gain his love which therefore weakens his self esteem. This helps Iago manipulate Othello because it has him believe that he is worthless on his own and needs other people to help in order for him to get what he wants and to succeed in life. This could mean that Othello listens to Iago more because he needs to have guidance from other people as he feels unable to make good decisions by himself- meaning that he is easy to influence through the use of manipulation because he is looking for answers from other people as opposed to himself.
Furthermore, Iago makes Othello feel that because he is so different to Desdemona, she couldn't possibly desire him for much longer. 'Not to affect many proposed matches of her own clime, complexion, and degree, whereto we see in all things nature tends.' This contributes to Othello feeling different and like an outsider because he is told that he is not a suitable companion for Desdemona and there are better suitors out there for her. All the while this is strengthening Othello's insecurities. This means Othello is more likely to believe what other people say as he sees for himself that he is not necessarily right for Desdemona which promotes Iago's manipulation of him because he has verbally broken Othello down.
Finally, getting Othello to spot his own weaknesses strengthens Iago's manipulative nature because it means Othello sees the issues through his own eyes, not just someone elses. 'I am declined into the vale of years.' This makes it harder to deny the idea that there is something between Cassio and Desdemona for Othello because he is telling himself that he has too many flaws. This helps Iago to achieve his personal manipulative goals because he breaks down Othello making it harder for Othello to stay rational in his thinking and not believe everything Iago is stating.
