Othello – Notions of Powerplay

Throughout the play, Iago is successful in manipulating Othello through 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 highly ironic as he is clearly the most dishonest character in Othello. Iago is often seen enraging Othello by providing extra, unnecessary details about Desdemona's supposed betrayal. 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 power.

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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 context, being Venice and Cyprus in the 16th 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 fall 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 Othello's belief in her unfaithfulness which originated from Iago. This is highly ironic and makes clear the extent of Iago's 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 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 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 manipulation is one of the foundations of powerplay.