Othello #5

            Iago’s discreet form of manipulation allows him to work his way into others' thoughts without being noticed. By the end of Act 4 Scene 1, Othello has reached the point of no return in terms of his impending demise. He is so consumed by jealousy that irrationality colors everything he sees, preventing him from recognizing his egregious error in his contempt for Desdemona. Othello allows Iago to direct his thoughts and convince him of Desdemona’s guilt without realizing that he has given up control. They complete each other's lines, demonstrating the synchronization of their thought. For instance, when Othello asks what Cassio did with Desdemona, Iago begins, “Lie—” and Othello breaks in, “With her?” after which Iago completes, “With her—on her—what you will” (4.1.40-2). Oftentimes, the sharing of lines represents the harmonization of passionate lovers that know each other so well that they can complete each other's thoughts. However, in this case, the sharing of lines with Iago may symbolize the net of influence that penetrates and ensnares Othello’s thoughts. The reader almost has difficulty differentiating between Iago’s lines and Othello’s, just as Othello cannot distinguish between the lies he has been told by Iago and his true perception of Desdemona. Iago’s parasitic manipulation of thought runs deep enough to completely control Othello. Othello has no hope of extracting himself from Iago’s control, so the reader continues to see shared lines between them. Othello is not, however, the only character that Iago influences, and he is not the only character that Iago shares lines with. When speaking to Lodovico about Othello, Iago says he knew “That stroke would prove the worst,” and Lodovico breaks in, “Is it his use?” (4.1.310-11). By subtly inducing Lodovico to complete his lines, Iago is directing him to formulate his own negative opinion about Othello. When Iago manipulates people, they think that they are coming up with the ideas on their own while in actuality Iago is leading them down a certain path. The sharing of lines helps to emphasize the complete control Iago has over others, even when they fail to notice it.