Iago's Manipulation

When Iago first plants the seed in Othello's mind relating to the relationship between Desdemona and Cassio, he reacts quickly because of Iago's ability to twist words and situations around to work in his favour because people believe him because he has the reputation of being honest. When Desdemona married the moor, Othello, she went behind her fathers back and deceived him. When Iago mentions to Othello that she decided her father and cold very easily deceive you, this frightens and angers Othello as he does not want to believe that the love of his life is a cheat. Iago then plants another seed in Othello's ear to suggest that the way the communicate is close and as if they were in a relationship. Iago says, "Look to your wife, observe her well with Cassio"(3.3.132). This suggests that Desdemona is not being completely faithful towards Othello and that there is more than whats meets the eye, and as Iago knows Desdemona is trying to help Cassio become left lieutenant again. Cassio also has the reputation of a ladies man which does not help the situation at all as Othello sees his actions as flirtation. Reputation is one of the main reasons that Othello believes that Desdemona is unfaithful. With Iago being labelled honest, Othello believes all that he says as accurate and true without question.