Othello – Notions of Powerplay

Othello embraces many instances involving the dynamic of Powerplay. This can be examined done the relationships of characters being Othello, Iago, Roderigo and Desdemona. Iagos relationship with Othello is where the heart-to-heartest examples of Powerplay can be viewed. Iago maintains an overarching role over Othello in the play. Iago is successful in manipulating both the truth and Othello, describing Casios departure from his meeting with Desdemona that he would steal away so guilty like, seeing you advance. Iagos tremendous gift with language allows him to maintain power over Othello by essentially planting doubt in his mind.Throughout the play, Iago is successful in manipulating Othello by dint of his artificial language which portrays himself as an honest friend who is there for assistance. This is reiterated throughout the play with constant repetition of the word honest when describing Iago and this is bluely ironic as he is clear the most dishonest character in Othello . Iago is often seen enraging Othello by providing extra, unnecessary details about Desdemonas supposed betrayal. Whilst attempting to remain innocent and of a moral high ground , Iagos gift with language enables this manipulation to have a greater effect on his victim, Othello.This is clearly conveyed when he describes Desdemonas unfaithfulness with Cassio where he lies with her, on her, what you give. This has an astronomical impact on the berth whos response is furious and vicious. Iagos manipulation is further explored when he quotes after Othello has a epileptic fit my medicine, work . This enables the earreach to understand Iagos 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 declare and possesses complete power.Powerplay can be notable seen through the relationship of Othello and Desdemona as she is innocent of all his accusations and only lives to serve him. Given the con text, being Venice and Cyprus in the sixteenth century the men are the more powerful and capable whereas women serve a stereotypical purpose. This is also seen in Othello where Desdemona is entirely faithful to her husband the Moor as he is in control of the relationship. Often, however the powerplay is turned around as Desdemona is capable of convincing Othello with her delicate voice and he becomes her victim.Ultimately, the both decrease victim to Iago, the ultimate manipulator and this is clear when he visits Desdemona, asking Can he be angry? after she confides in him about Othellos belief in her unfaithfulness which originated from Iago. This is highly ironic and makes clear the extent of Iagos power and control over all the characters. The relationship of Iago and Roderigo is based on power and manipulation as Iago uses him for financial gain. 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 float myself as he believes he will never have Othellos 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 joining with Roderigo and he only uses him for his money.This offers insight into Iago, his evil train of thought and his manipulative qualities. Thus it can be seen that Othello clearly offers forward examples of Powerplay which can be examined through relationships within the play. Ultimately, at the centre of all Powerplay is Iago who is capable of extraordinary manipulation due to his strong ability with language, with his most obvious examples being Othello, Desdemona and Roderigo. The powerplay is so clear between the characters that is becomes very clear that m anipulation is one of the foundations of powerplay.