Othello - Flawed Roderigo

Othello - Flawed Roderigo

In the play Othello many of the important characters are individuals with a clear sense of who they are and they exude self confidence and certainty in the choices they make. By contrast Roderigo is the perfect description of gullibility, indecisiveness, and a lack of self confidence. Roderigo's character flaws make him vulnerable to Iago's exploitation and deceit.

Roderigo is a very gullible man and his love for Desdemona exacerbates his vulnerability to Iago's manipulative ways. The first words of the dialogue between Iago and Roderigo in Act 1 of the play reveal the nature of the relationship between the two, as one of a master manipulator and his victim. After Roderigo discovers that Othello has married Desdemona, he reveals the great influence and control Iago has over him when he says, "Tush never tell me! I take it much unkindly That thou, Iago, who hast had my purse As if the strings were thine, shouldst know of this. (1.1, line 1) This level of dependence on Iago highlights Roderigo's continual willingness to provide Iago with whatever he asks for in his bid to win Desdemona's love. Every decision Roderigo makes or any action he takes is conceived by Iago, who cleverly creates the impression that Roderigo is in full control of everything he does. This way Iago is able to continually direct and influence Roderigo who regards Iago as indispensible in the effort to win over Desdemona.

Roderigo's inability to speak or think for himself without Iago's direction is evident early in the play. When he heads to Brabanzio's house at Iago's urging, who then prompts Roderigo to report Desdemona and Othello's elopement to her father Brabanzio when he says: "Call up her father, Rouse him, make after him, poison his delight, Proclaim him in the streets; incense her kinsmen." (1.1, line 67) Roderigo unquestioningly agrees to do Iago's bidding with the hope that he will win Brabanzio's favor and ultimately Desdemona's affections. Iago's manipulation and control over Roderigo is shown further when he determines the tone of voice Roderigo should use as he calls out to Brabanzio, and without hesitation Roderigo calls out as directed: "What ho, Brabanzio, Signor Brabanzio, ho!" (1.1, line 78) Roderigo follows Iago's instructions with no regard for his own reputation, which shows him as an unthinking and uncritical individual.

Roderigo's relentless pursuit of Desdemona's love exposes his gullibility and unwitting submission to Iago's exploitation and manipulation. At the conclusion of the Council meeting when Othello and Desdemona's marriage is made public, Roderigo is so discouraged that he considers suicide when he says: "I will incontinently drown myself,"(1.3, line 303) however, Iago is able to convince him that he can still win Desdemona's love. Iago tells Roderigo that Desdemona's relationship with Othello is nothing more than youthful lust that will eventually cease when she has had her fill of him. He then continuously demands for money from Roderigo as he assures him of the cessation of the love between Desdemona and Othello when he says: "I say, put money in thy purse. It cannot be long that Desdemona should continue her love to the Moor- put money in thy purse- nor his to her...when she is sated with his body she will find the error of her choice. Therefore put money in thy purse." (1.3, line 332, 339) Roderigo once again unquestioningly accepts Iago's explanations and demands, which shows how gullible he is and how much more vulnerable he is to manipulation because of his love for Desdemona. Roderigo declares that, "I'll sell all my land," to raise money (1.3, line 358) after he is persuaded by Iago to follow both Othello and Desdemona to Cyprus.

Once in Cyprus, Roderigo is still unable to decide on what he needs to do to win Desdemona for himself. Yet again Roderigo relies on devious Iago for guidance. Iago concocts yet another story to manipulate Roderigo so as to accomplish his ultimate goal of destroying Othello. He tells Roderigo that Desdemona is in love with Othello's lieutenant Cassio, whom Iago describes as more