Iago succeeds in his quest to destroy Othello by playing mind games with him. He subtly puts a negative spin on all of the information that he feeds to Othello to increase his distrust in Cassio and Desdemona. Iago also uses other people who unwittingly aid his plans to twist the thoughts of Othello. Finally Iago uses the handkerchief that Othello gave to Desdemona to convince him that Desdemona is cheating on him. Iago combines all of these tricks in a devious brew that totally deceives Othello and succeeds in destroying him.

Iago is livid at the fact Cassio was promoted to the position of Othello's chief lieutenant instead of himself. Another reason that he is furious with Othello is that there are rumors going around that there was something going on between Othello and Emilia, Iago's wife. Between this and the fact that he feels that he should be Othello's right hand man so he vows vengeance on both Othello and Cassio. . He begins his plan by awakening Dedemona's father, Brabantio, and informing him that his only daughter has eloped with Othello. As can be imagined Brabantio is enraged by this and sets out to confront Othello. When he sees Othello he accuses him of

Iago ultimately succeeds in his quest to destroy Othello by deceiving him and convincing him that his wife is not being faithful. Yet Iago himself pays the ultimate price, his life. One must wonder if excerpting that kind of mind control was like a drug to Iago. It seemed like he became addicted to the power he wielded with the mere suggestions and questions he put into peoples heads. For all his faults Iago must be given credit for being a supreme master of deception.

Kenedy, X.J. and Dana Gioia. Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. New York: Longman, 2000

The handkerchief is a very interesting piece of the play in the terms of how it is used. It is the only physical evidence that is used in the play to show that Desdemona is cheating on Othello. The handkerchief was a very special thing to Othello. His mother gave it to him when she was on her deathbed. It was a magical web that gave its possessor the power to hold her husband's love. When he gave Desdemona the handkerchief he begged her to guard it carefully. One day in Cyprus Desdemona dropped this precious handkerchief. Emilia found it but before she could give it back Iago took it from her. Iago planted the handkerchief in Cassio's room. He then convinces Othello with his sugarcoated tongue that Desdemona had given to her lover, Cassio. He then engages Cassio in a conversation about his mistress with Othello secretly listening on. Othello believes that Cassio is speaking of his Desdemona. But the straw that breaks the camels back is when Cassio's mistress comes and scornfully gives the handkerchief that Iago planted in his room. T

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1127
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)