Roderigo's Influence On Othello

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It’s painfully obvious to anyone who reads Othello, the Moor of Venice that Othello, Iago, and Desdemona are the central characters of the play. Their actions have the most impact on the plot. Less obvious is the impact characters such as Roderigo have to the chain of events depicted, and their value is worth exploring. Roderigo is important simply because he is Iago’s pawn, and he is uniquely suited to this position because of his wealth, gullibility, and attraction to Desdemona. Roderigo’s ineptitude and failure to woo Desdemona are also important elements that make him useful to Iago, as it gives Iago an opening through which to manipulate him. It is in no small part due to Roderigo’s actions on Iago’s behalf that events unfold as they do.…show more content…
This influence can be measured when one considers the impact that Cassio’s downfall has. If Cassio’s position and reputation had somehow survived his fight with Montano, Iago would have been forced to concoct a new plan. As they are, the events depicted in Othello hinge on Cassio’s political exile because his frequent pleas to Desdemona allow Iago to sow doubt of her fidelity in Othello’s mind, as he begins to do in Act III, Scene III: Desdemona: Well, do at your discretion Exit Cassio. Iago: Ha? I like not that. Othello: What dost thou say? Iago: Nothing, my lord; or if—I know not what. Othello: Was not that Cassio parted from my wife? Iago: Cassio, my lord? No, sure, I cannot think it, That he would steal away so guiltylike, Seeing you coming; (p. 791, ll. 34-41) . This makes the already important fight between Cassio and Montano in Act II, Scene III seem even more pivotal than we first realize. Roderigo’s importance as Iago’s pawn becomes clear as you consider his role in the scuffle, easily summarized by Iago’s instructions: “find some occasion to anger Cassio, either by speaking too loud, or tainting his discipline, or from what other course you please” (p. 773, ll. 253-255). Despite being a fool, Roderigo proved effective in his effort to anger Cassio, as evidenced by Cassio’s reaction: Enter Cassio, pursuing Roderigo. Cassio: Zounds, you rogue! You

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