The power of persuasion is a dominant and influential tool that can easily be misused for personal gain. Lies and deception are increasingly common in society, with individuals masking their true intentions. In Othello by William Shakespeare, the character of Iago is no different from these cunning human beings. He preys on and triggers other characters' doubts and insecurities by displaying a facade that makes him appear reliable, trustworthy, and fair. Iago's desire to manipulate comes from his own hatred and jealousy, which ultimately fuels his desire to create a plan to destroy the lives of those who have wronged him. He is an eloquent speaker, able to transform a few meaningless words into a sentence containing subtle and in-depth meaning upon further analysis. Iago manipulates the characters throughout the play using Aristotle's methods of persuasion. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay To begin, Iago manipulates Roderigo by imposing pathos in order to establish Othello as an adversary they must eliminate. Iago explains how Othello gives a promotion to Cassio, a man who has "never put a squadron in the field", while considering himself more qualified. In the middle of their conversation, Iago makes comments such as: "I follow Othello to serve him my turn" and "In following him, I am only myself." Iago says he plans to take revenge on Othello and encourages Roderigo to help him. By expressing his hatred towards Othello, Iago becomes closer to Roderigo. Furthermore, Iago's constant repetition of the pronoun "I" shows that his own hatred for the Moor parallels Roderigo's personal resentment towards Othello. In fact, appealing to Roderigo's emotions gives him more reason to dislike Othello, because not only did he marry the woman Roderigo loves, he also does not favor Iago, his close friend, despite having more experience than Cassio. Furthermore, Iago continues to use Roderigo's emotions towards Desdemona to take advantage of him for personal gain. He goes on to reassure Roderigo that his chances of winning Desdemona's affections will increase if he "puts some money in your purse." Roderigo is blinded by love to the point where Iago effortlessly convinces him that money can buy Desdemona's heart. Ultimately, Iago uses Roderigo's immense desire for Desdemona against him by encouraging Roderigo to entrust him with his money, which Iago ultimately keeps for himself. Therefore, Iago is able to manipulate Roderigo by portraying Othello as a common rival while using Roderigo's desire for wealth for Desdemona by appealing to her emotions – in other words, through pathos. Additionally, Iago fully utilizes Cassio through pathos combined with reasoning. He does this to use the victorious night as a justifiable exception so that Cassio can have another glass of wine. Iago notices Cassio's greater loyalty and appreciation for Othello, as he is the general, and uses this to his advantage by considering Cassio's position and suggesting that they "take a step for the health of black Othello". Iago encourages Cassio to join in a toast in honor of Othello, in front of their comrades, making it more difficult for Cassio to object. If Cassio refuses to make a toast, it will be considered ill-mannered and rude from a professional and personal perspective. Additionally, it would portray Cassio as a man who disrespects Othello if he refused to celebrate his general's great victory. Additionally, Iago uses aextension of pathos to convince Cassio to drink by appealing to his humor when he begins to sing: “And let me the cannikin tinkle, tinkle.” Iago uses his new knowledge of Cassio's low tolerance for alcohol and tricks Cassio into drinking, resulting in Cassio's lack of self-control. The humorous song about drinking makes Cassio more comfortable, resulting in a lack of self-awareness; thus, making him more prone to drinking too much. The playful song is more appealing to Cassio because it is a reason to relax and enjoy the night, rather than survey the unchanging landscape. The repetition of the words “clink, clink” also plays a vital role as it echoes the sound of a toasting glass, linked to victory, and highlights the joyous occasion. This also appeals to Cassio's humorous side, making it much easier for Iago to convince him to drink than when he is more serious and focused on his work. As Cassio relaxes and joins Iago in song, he begins to forget his responsibilities and is more open to the idea of ​​having another drink. Of course, this ultimately leads to a series of bad decisions and makes it easier for Iago to take advantage of Cassio's drunken state. Iago brilliantly exploits Cassio's emotions and appeals to his humor to the point where Cassio is intoxicated, allowing Iago to manipulate him effortlessly. Additionally, Iago uses logos to make Othello question Desdemona's loyalty and relationship with him. Iago points out that Desdemona once lied when “she deceived her father by marrying Othello.” By stating this fact, Iago plants the idea that Desdemona can repeat her actions. Iago explains that if Desdemona can betray her father, the one she loves and who has shown her respect all her life, she could certainly do it to a man she has only recently been married to. This also makes Othello doubt Desdemona's integrity; society views women as the property of men whose marriage must be approved, even arranged, by their father. As a result of Desdemona's secret marriage, she now has a reputation for being able to do things sneakily behind people's backs, leading Othello to believe that this type of behavior may extend to their marriage as well. Additionally, Iago also uses repetition when he repeats Othello's words saying "Honestly, my lord" and "Think, my lord". This, of course, entertains and fuels Othello's suspicions of Cassio, as Iago creates the impression that he is still unsure of Cassio's honesty. The repetition of Othello's words forces Othello to think more about the subject and explain his thoughts and emotions. Following his further explanation, Othello reveals his raw self and emotions, which gives Iago the perfect opportunity to manipulate Othello into his most vulnerable state. Through Iago's excellent use of logos and repetition, Iago creates a web of emotions surrounding Othello, letting him act on his emotions, giving Iago strong control over Othello. Iago also proceeds to manipulate Brabantio, a Venetian senator, a well-known citizen. , and the father of Desdemona. Like many Venetian men of the time, Brabantio's reputation is the defender of his honor. In a conversation with Brabantio, Iago mentions that "even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Kills your white sheep." Iago uses this metaphor to highlight the sexual and visual images of Brabantio's daughter. By comparing Othello to a black ram and Desdemona to a white sheep, Iago highlights the difference in skin color and connects it to purity. Othello, being a man with colored skin, is depicted as a beast above pure and pure Desdemona..