Othello

Act 3, Scene 3

Look carefully at Iago’s manipulation of Othello starting at line 35.

a. Explain how Iago is able to win Othello’s confidence and position his mind to convince him that Desdemona is unfaithful.

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Iago uses passive aggressive language. He feigns loyalty to Othello, so much so that he "refuses" to tell Othello what is on his mind. This of course compels Othello to know what Iago is thinking. This is how Iago manipulates Othello into believing what he is "hesitant" to tell him.

Good my lord, pardon me, Though I am bound to every act of duty 140I am not bound to that all slaves are free to. Utter my thoughts? Why, say they are vile and false,