Manipulation is a powerful skill. It causes people to lose trust in friends, doubt themselves, and in some cases, kill someone they love. In William Shakespeare's Othello, Iago, a master of manipulation, makes the protagonist, Othello, lose faith in his faithful wife Desdemona, pushing him to the point of killing her. Iago successfully convinces Othello to doubt Desdemona and later kill her through his ingenious use of rhetoric and manipulation. Iago's use of vivid imagery and narrative gives Othello the impression that Desdemona is unfaithful. Iago begins his manipulation by convincing Othello to view the affair. When Othello doubts Iago's implications regarding Desdemona's fickleness, Iago portrays the relationship in a bestial manner saying: They were first as goats, warm as monkeys, Salt as wolves in pride... Like ignorance made drunk ( Shakespeare. 3.3.404- 406.)Iago uses this vulgar comparison to make Desdemona seem like an insatiable creature. When he says this, Othello immediately thinks of animals and the lack of control over physical actions. He associates him with Desdemona, thus making him believe that Desdemona is a whore. When Iago mentions "drunk", Othello is led to the idea of ​​debauchery. This word gives the impression that Desdemona has little self-control and makes rash decisions. Iago also uses his rhetorical skills to create a whimsical fable about a dream Cassio had,…Cassio. In my sleep I heard him say: "Sweet Desdemona, let's be careful, let's hide our loves!" I shake and shake my hand, I cry: "O sweet creature!" then kiss me hard, (3. 3.418-422.) Although this story would be incredible to most, Othello already has doubts about Desdem...... middle of paper ...... not mine? IAGO Yours, by this hand! and see how the foolish woman, your wife, appreciates! She gave it to him and he gave it to his prostitute. (Shakespeare 4.1.169-172.) Iago says that Cassio has little respect for Desdemona. It portrays Cassius as someone who sleeps with many women. With Iago's cunning plan to use Cassio as a pawn, Othello further believes Iago and doubts Desdemona. Othello is then even more convinced of Desdemona's infidelity. Iago's use of rhetoric causes Othello to believe that Desdemona is false. Iago is able to do this by finding Othello's weaknesses and exploiting them. Iago not only gives Othello the impression that Desdemona is a liar, but also indicates that Cassio even deceives Othello. Although Desdemona remains faithful to Othello, Iago's manipulation proves stronger than Othello's trust. Works Cited Othello, William Shakespeare