The Deepwater Horizon Is An Oil Drilling Rig - 1661 Words

The Deepwater Horizon is an oil drilling rig that was built in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries in 2001. The rig was a massive mobile drill as it was measured to be â€Å"396 by 256 feet† (Report). Additionally, it was considered to be an exploratory rig, not an actual excavator rig. The rig was commissioned to Transocean which later leased it to British Petroleum, an oil and gas company. The oil rig was once well known as â€Å"it set the world record for the deepest oil and gas well †¦ 35,055 feet† (http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/04/deepwater_horizon_rig_had_hist.html). However, in a more recent event, it is well known for the worst man-made environmental disaster in United States history. The disaster would occur 50 miles from Louisiana, at the Macondo well. The well was leased to BP in 2008 and drilling operation began in 2009. It had a crew of 146 people. The intention of drill the Macondo well was to create a route between the g as and oil supply that was under the sea floor. The disaster occurred on April 20, 2010, when the mobile drill unit, Deepwater Horizon was beginning final preparations to end drilling operations in the Macondo well. The plan was to seal the well and extract hydrocarbons at a later time and move on to a new drilling site. This, however, would not be the case as the rig experienced an explosion on board the drill. At around â€Å"10:00 p.m., the rig unexpectedly began to shake and a loud surging noise was accompanied by natural gas,Show MoreRelatedThe Deepwater Horizon Oil Drilling Rig1480 Words   |  6 PagesThe Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig caught fire on April 20, 2010, exploring and sinking after some days. The explosion was as a result of the equipment failure, perhaps the blowout protector, and the emerging explosion and fire killed 11 people, injuring others. The aftermath of the explosion became the largest issue in the US, estimated to surpass 1989 Exxon Valdez spill. The environmental contamination was huge, greatl y impacting marine life in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding beaches ofRead MoreEthical Dilemma with the Bp Oil Spill1125 Words   |  5 PagesThe BP oil spill, more famously referred to as the Deepwater Horizon Spill, occurred in 2010 in the Gulf of Mexico and flowed unmitigated for as long as 3 months. The BP oil spill has fared as the largest marine oil spill ever confronted in the history of the petroleum industry. The oil spill on the 20th of April 2010 was primarily the result of a gas release followed by an explosion in the Deepwater Horizon oil rig, in the Gulf of Mexico, established on the Mocando exploration well designed forRead MoreCurrent Ethical Issues on Oil Spill1482 Words   |  6 Pagesconsumptions of oil have led to increased prices of gasoline whereby alternative forms of energy production are sought. With this in mind, offshore drilling can be a viable option for satiating the need of oil and also to boost the economy of the nation. In this report, I am going to discuss how the current Deepwater Horizon rig explosion has led to disastrous oil spill into the Gulf of Mexico causing environmental problems and also discuss how the oil spill if resolved and with safe and secure drilling techniquesRead More The Oil Spill is Affecting Animals, but What About the Government?1204 Words   |  5 Pagesreliant on fossil fuels such as oil for energy. Oil fuels our car, warms our homes, generates our electricity, and creates a myriad of goods including everything that contains plastic. In our global economy, oil must be transported great distances to reach markets throughout the world. With seemingly increasing frequency, these journeys sometimes end in accidents that result in oil being spilled into the ocean. The most devastating oil spill, The Deepwater Horizon oil spill, occurred on April twentiethRead MoreOffshore Oil Drilling and the Deepwater Horizon Spill of the Gulf of Mexico1591 Words   |  7 PagesOil is a very important fossil fuel th at is used for various sources of energy. Oil supplies power to industries, fuel for transportation, heat for buildings, and provides raw material for plastics, paints, textiles, and other materials (hybrid cars). To access this fossil fuel, oil drilling is used. Land-based oil drilling became less productive and as the global stipulation for energy increased, technology, law, and geology impacts stepped in and pushed the exploration of oil away from shores (CITE)Read MoreThe Spill Of The Deepwater Horizon1188 Words   |  5 Pagesthe Deepwater Horizon experienced an explosive blowout on a rig located in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion was about 40 miles of the Louisiana coast. With the flow of gas leaking out, it caused the death of eleven workers on the rig. About two days later the rig sank, which caused quite a lot of damage to a pipeline that laid drawn-out through 5,000 feet of water. As a result, the oil begin pouring from the damaged pipes into the ocean nearby, at the in credible rate. The Deepwater Horizon was builtRead MoreDeepwater Horizon Was An Offshore Drilling Rig966 Words   |  4 PagesDeepwater Horizon was an offshore drilling rig built in 2001 in South Korea by Hyundai Heavy Industries. In September 2009, the rig drilled the deepest oil well in history with a vertical depth of 35,050 feet. An unplanned flow of well fluids into the wellbore can be dangerous as it could cause a blowout which would then cause a fire. In order to prevent this, driller’s pump a drilling mud into the well, creating a barrier between the undersea oil and gas and the rig. The safety of the drillingRead MoreBp Oil Explosion in the Gulf of Mexico1412 Words   |  6 Pagesof its worst oil spill disasters in the history of marine petroleum exploration. A deadly oil well blowout at Macondo Prospect, about 41 miles off the southeast coast of Louisiana, spewed huge quantities of oil for 87 long days causing major environmental and economic troubles to the Gulf region (Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill). It started with a fire and explosion, killing 11 workers, and then unleashed a slow motion disaster that spread across the 600 mile gulf coastline. The massive oil spill disruptedRead MoreArgumentative Essay : Bp Oil Spill1558 Words   |  7 PagesArgumentative Essay: The BP Oil Spill Phillip Staton PHI 445 Personal Organizational Ethics Prof. Gloria Zuniga y Postigo February 29, 2016 Argumentative Essay: The BP Oil Spill Introduction In 2010, BP’s Deepwater Horizon rig exploded, causing millions of barrels of crude oil to be leaked out into the Gulf of Mexico. The extensive oil spill created a lot of pollution and far-reaching effects on the tourism industry. The resultant damage to marine wildlife such as fish will continue to be feltRead MoreThe Issue Facing Bp Pre Oil Spill1074 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction On Tuesday, April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon rig burned for 36 hours, combusting 700,00 gallons of oil leaving a trail of smoke over 30 miles long and spilling 53,000-62,000 barrels of oil into the Gulf per day from April 20 and July 15. As of 2010, the Deepwater Horizon disaster was the largest marine oil spill ever to occur in U.S. water. Oil was found on the shores of all five Gulf States and many birds, fish, and reptiles perished due to the oil spill (Ingersoll, 2011, p. 1-2; O’Conner

Effects Of Social Networking Sites On Relationships

Effects of Social Networking Sites on Relationships Several studies have found that using social networking sites excessively, including partner surveillance and monitoring, posting ambiguous information, and compulsive internet use, can be detrimental to romantic relationships (Ridgway Clayton, 2016). Social networking sites such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, negatively influence our relationships. It is important to know the common conflicts and how to avoid them. It is also important to realize how influential social networking sites affect our relationships daily. In the following paragraphs, I am going to talk about conflicts in relationships that are caused by Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Facebook is one of the most popular networking sites in the world, next to LinkedIn and Google plus. However, recent studies have found that people are unaware of Facebook’s influence on our lives. With recent technology and being able to communicate with thousands of peopl e a day Facebook has influenced our relationships in ways we would not have even thought of fifteen years ago. People today are now meeting over Facebook and it allows people to have a false identity. According to Sherrell and Lambie (2016), â€Å"one participant explained how frustrating it is to have spent time Facebook chatting with someone they met online, only to find out that, in person, that someone is not what he or she seemed like on Facebook. Participants in a Sherrell and Lambie’sShow MoreRelatedThe Effects Of Social Networking On Society1317 Words   |  6 PagesThe Effects of Social Networking Intro Over half of the world uses the internet. 2.2 billion people actively use any kind of social networking. There were 176 million new users of social media just last year (Regan 1). With the influence of so many people a pressing question: Is the impact of social media harmful or beneficial in its effects? Social networking is one of the biggest reports of online traffic. So, if so many people are using these networking sites, what are the effects on us? The â€Å"first†Read MoreDiscuss the Influence That Social Networking Plays in Society Today? How, and to What Extent, Has It Re-Defined Social Relationships and Is This Generationally Specific?1144 Words   |  5 PagesDiscuss the influence that Social Networking plays in society today? How, and to what extent, has it re-defined social relationships and is this generationally specific? Social Networking plays an important role in society today; it will be argued that social networking has redefined social relationships and that this effect is generationally specific (Salman,2009) Social Networking sites such as Facebook have had a profound effect on personal relationships. The twenty first century is an imprisonedRead MoreSocial Networking and Effects on Society1326 Words   |  6 PagesSocial Networking and Effects on Society Wouldn’t you say that online social networking has changed the way society interacts with friends, family and perfect strangers. When someone exposes themselves to these sites, they open the door to allow these people into their lives. Some of them you would have passed on the street and not even thought of befriending. These people you have chosen to interact with, whether they are in your city, another state, another country or just someone you met onlineRead MoreThe Impact of Social Media on Youth and Adults1646 Words   |  7 Pages Overview of topic and issues discussed Social networks like Facebook, Myspace and Twitter allow individuals to connect with anyone from coworkers to former classmates. The accessibility of these connections allow for individuals to feel easily connected to a larger community, but they have downsides. From false senses of connection, to data pervasiveness ,social networking is something that effects all groups within our culture to the point where we will have to decide if it is benefical orRead MoreThe Effects Of Social Media On Society1270 Words   |  6 PagesThe Effects of Social Media Social media is defined by the Merriam Webster dictionary as â€Å"Forms of online communication, through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content† (Merriam Webster). Social media, if used responsibly, is a great way for users to connect with the outside world in ways never before imagined. Such forms of communication have been able to connect millions of people from around the world and put them right at a user’sRead MoreSocial Networking Sites1614 Words   |  7 PagesSocial networking sites Online social networking site is a very common tool for communicating and socializing with each other. Nowadays, most of the adolescent like to use Facebook. There is a rapid growth of the number of user of social networking sites. According the recent research, Kreutz (2009) stated that â€Å"starting from 1997 to 2010 there are some 1.5 billion users of social networking websites† (p.222). This shows that how popular the social networking site is. Although many parents thinkRead MoreRelationship Status Based On Social Sites1220 Words   |  5 PagesVallin Mr. Blair English 121 22 October, 2015 Relationship Status based on Social Sites(1027) We live in the era of technology and many people say that in a sense social networking has become their life line to the world. Social networking is a way for people from anywhere in the world to be involved in someone s life even from a distance. Social networking has redefined the way people interact with one another (Guo 617). Many of the social networking sites allow people to communicate what s goingRead MoreSocial Networking Services Success Essay examples1026 Words   |  5 PagesVarious social networking services have achieved enormous success at the first decade of the 21st century. Up to 2010, more than 500 million users globally have been regularly using Facebook (Kirkpatrick, 2010, 2). For this purpose in this essay, social networking site is defined as an online platform where socially related users can communicate and share information with each other, such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace and Renren. It has long been a question that whether these services brought moreRea d MoreControversial Issues essay about Social Networking2034 Words   |  6 PagesThe Benefits of Social Networking Abstract In the following essay, the benefits and consequences of social networking are explained and the different uses of social media are revealed. Websites, such as Facebook, have grown so popular that they have been created into mobile apps for individuals to use when he or she is unable to access a computer. With the significant increase in the number of its users, social networking has become a universal activity with its positive effects outweighing itsRead MoreSocial Media And Its Effects On Society954 Words   |  4 Pagesaccess to the internet, and the use of social media has basically become a new way of living and communication between people. Some people stated that the social networking sites has more advantages than there is disadvantages. This statement is somewhat reliable since people can chat with friends, family, and other people that are in different countries through some social networking sites. However, there are also some serious problems that come up with social me dia if people cannot use it in the

Gender Roles in the Play Trifles free essay sample

Gender roles have caused strain over decades to not only females, but recently males as well. There are many attributes that humans have associated with each gender, causing a divide between sexes not only with each other, but also separating the two into almost completely different species. Due to this categorizing which is placed on gender, there can be a declining value of a person or even a higher hand given to the one gender which is seen as more powerful to society.The stereotypical labeling of genders can determine one person’s outlook on life. The judgment can make one feel like there is a set rubric to follow in order to remain in the lines regarding which gender they belong to. Such influences from peers or partners can alter ones thoughts on what is supposed to be versus what the person truly desires or feels. Influences such as these are also capable of making one feel inferior and certain personal characteristics may make one feel automatically categorized as male or female. The resources that have demonstrated characteristics of gender roles or have input on this topic have made their way into literature and journals that have opened the door to gender topics and what that can entail. Literature has demonstrated people’s beliefs, wants, downfalls, and differences on the subject of gender roles. These pieces of literature have proven the change which has been made over time through the transformation of gender classification.Literature such as this is what has made a better understanding and sense of relief on this suppressing stereotype. Opening up the ideology of gender roles, there are many things that determine how we associate gender and sex with peoples’ identities. The article, â€Å"The Context of Current Content Analysis of Gender Roles: An Introduction to a Special Issue† written by Rudy Rena, Lucy Popova, and Daniel Linz, demonstrates the idea of symbols representing our sex and gender and are explained by bringing up social influences associated with our sexual categories (705).An important part of this article is also a timeline description simply picking apart the order of where gender roles shifted and what powered this separat ion of physical characteristics. Within this timeline, there are different viewpoints in which stem from feminist movements, comparing reality with media, and media’s influence on its audience. Gender roles have been present for decades, and the everlasting struggle for equality between men and women has been a never ending battle still to this day.Although there has been quite a lot of success for women dealing with equality, there was not always a perfect balance in the household for gender roles. It began in the 1950’s when women began to break free of the hand that held them under and they began to surface and push through their harsh labeling (707). Humans have mainly been labeled because of their attributes and sexual characteristics and under minded for their contributions as human beings. It seems there has been a mutual agreement formed that humans are categorized based on characteristics such as strength, emotional stability, and power.In the 1950’s, there are examples of gender and sex roles integrated into media and advertisement. Women are seen powerless before this time and it was a struggle to remain equal with the media advertising them as pow erless due to their gender. There has been a labeling formed under the surface that automatically associated the male gender with power and success. In a study on comic strips in the 1950’s, women figures lacked presence due to their â€Å"powerless† state of being.Using the male gender to portray strength and success forced a strong opinion on its young audience and began to shape minds at an early age. Female comic characters were associated with issues of romance and personal charm through their domestic duties and males seemed to be geared to continually seek achievement and justice (707). Comic strips were not the only source of advertising sexual segregation, the television, the radio, and even treatment in the workplace were a huge part in dismissing a persons’ ability to succeed in equality due to their gender.There has been a major shift in gender roles since the 50’s, but due to media and its power to mold peoples’ opinions, it was definitely a struggle to maintain equality because of the cataloging of sexual characteristics. Home life is a core area that can be the biggest influence on ones opinions of gender roles. The content of the article â€Å"Parental Influence on Children’s Socialization to Gender Roles† written by Susan Witt introduces where stereotypical gender association derives. Gender roles can easily be dopted through the household and when children are placed in an environment where it is easily transmitted through the parents’ then that child will follow their parents’ influences (Witt, par. 1). Schooling, media, and society are also large influences on children at a young age to behave a certain way. Self-concept is also a large chunk of the way children see themselves when they begin to grow and criticism from parents can be a large influence on shaping that child’s perspective (Witt, par. 3). As humans we nurture newborns and associate them with their gender immediately. Whether this be the colors concerning their gender before they are even born, their clothing as a baby, even the toys we supply them with as children, humans gravitate naturally to associate certain characteristics with gender. Unknowingly, parents find themselves setting their children up for sexual segregation regarding what sports they play as children to what toys they possess and favor (Witt, par. 7). It is interesting to point out that although both parents have influences on their children, men are more likely to push the gender role farther to make sure their child meets that association with their sexual characteristics (Witt, par. ). Studies also have shown that partners that appear to be androgynous in a relationship have a lasting effect on the child and succeed as parents to be more supportive of the child and encourage them highly to be unique (Witt, par. 14). In relation to androgynous relationships and appearances determining household roles the article â€Å"Gender, Gender Roles, and Physical Appearance† written by Linda Jackson, Linda Sullivan, and Janet Hymes, dissects the ideas and determines how we decide what gender pertains to certain household duties and also how physical appearance dictates a persons’ personality.Physical appearance and gender associations are what determine how we label someone as masculine or feminine (51). Similar to how parents view their children’s’ roles, society views people based on appearance and that too can have an effect on someone’s personality traits (51). Within different gender roles and sex groups there have been studies that prove who finds physical attractiveness more important. It is obvious that in traditional beliefs of men being masculine and women being feminine, women are more concerned with their appearance than men (52).In androgynous roles where men and women are equally feminine and masculine, physical appearance was seen as less important to each partner (52). These mentioned influences in different sex groups also have lasting influences on how gender roles are perceived. These influences are normally tendencies that have been passed down through parents and how partnerships form ideas and combined traditional beliefs. Again, this concerns the importance and heavy influence on children from their parents in the household, schooling, and media.Throughout literature there has been clear evidence of turmoil dealing with gender roles. There are several pieces of literature that display these characteristics and act as foundations for jurisdiction of gender role classification. â€Å"Trifles† written by Susan Glaspell is a prime example of associating the societal view of hierarchy based on sexual characteristics. The characters in the play all seem to act on the idea of segregating themselves due to their gender.From the beginning of the play, it is apparent that the women and men separate themselves into two different groups almost as if they are completely different species, â€Å"Come up to the fire ladies,† the attorney suggests to the women inviting them into personal space (1334). â€Å"I’m not—cold† Mrs. Peters responds (1334). The women maintain the household chores, as this is common of this time period in 1916 and the men are the hardworking business men whom run the household. Due to the period, this play is the viewing of gender roles before women stood up to men and they seemed belittled in their sexual category.It is an interesting note that in Glaspell’s play, the women are seen belittling men as well behind their backs, â€Å"I’d hate to have men coming in my kitchen, snooping around and criticizing† (1337). Although during this time it is an easier to see how women were suppressed, it is interesting to note that they too have opinions about the opposite sex. In literature, it is widely seen that women are put down and have been placed in that role for years, but Glaspell turns the situation around giving the women the right to also put men beneath them. This is the ongoing battle that is experienced between men and women and how it is almost seen as a competition to be seen as equals in a partnership. Other literature explores opposite sides of the gender spectrum such as the poem â€Å"Those Winter Days† written by Robert Hayden in 1962. Hayden uses a male approach to suggest that the father in the play is beaten down, wore out, and goes unwelcomed by anyone (line 5). Hayden flashes small examples in this poem such as this that lets the audience see a side to men that has barely been viewed when suggesting that males are not always seen as soft.The father does demonstrate the classical characteristics of a hard working male however, with cracked aching hands from labor, waking up early, and even anger associated with his personality (lines 1, 3, 9). This portrayal of a male figure is interesting in the sense that this poem seems to be taking a turn to see a side of the male gender that is rarely seen in society during this t ime. â€Å"Cat in the Rain† written by Ernest Hemingway is a powerful example of how gender roles can weaken partnerships. The couple in this short story demonstrates how placing set roles on different genders can put pressure and stress on personal achievement. The wife in â€Å"Cat in the Rain† demonstrates these same issues as her husband seems to disregard her desires and views her as a petty housewife, â€Å"’Oh, shut up and get something to read’, George said† (689). The husband does portray the ultimate â€Å"male dominating† role that society places on majority of men at this time of 1925. This active forceful attitude begins to push his wife away from him once she reaches a conclusion that she is searching for more than she possesses now. I want a cat. I want a cat now. If I can’t have long hair or any fun, I can have a cat,† the wife begins to struggle with her real emotions as they begin to surface from her frustration with her husband suffocating her (689). The female figure has turned to search for her true wants and finds a mysterious quality in the hotel owner who seems to supply her with materials and gestures that appeal to her liking. These qualities of gender classification supply as evidence that forcing societal roles to certain genders are headed for and unhappy ending.Failure is more likely common within assigned gender role relationships due to the fact that partnerships cannot remain equal if one person has an upper hand over the other. â€Å"Boys and Girls† is a short story written by Alice Munro which is the most recent piece of literature out of these chosen examples. With the idea in the 1960’s involving feminism and women’s rights as humans, Munro releases some of these suggestions on her short story. This story has a foundation associated with parenting and children’s ideas of gender as they are raised.The daughter in this story strives to be what is defined earlier as manly characteristic s of power, emotional stability, and strength. She is lying in bed at night and pictures herself as filling a heroic, powerful figure as most men would be portrayed in stories or films (792). The young girl is filled with excitement, adventure, and daring personality that pushes her to strive after her father in the sense of assisting him in daily farm chores. Her personality that is so lively and unimpressed by feminine traits is soon diminished when she sneaks to see her father kill their farm horse (797).Soon after this incident is processed in the mind of the young girl, it reaches time for the other farm horse by the name of Flora to be killed also, â€Å"this time I didn’t think of watching it,† (798). As the story continues and the young girl matures, she seems to begin to adopt the principles of a young woman as society has claimed to be traits of sensitivity and compassion. The young girl begins to pull away from her parents due to the fact that they are beginning to try to shape her into the lady she is d estined to be according to society.In the end of the story her father stamps the gender label on his daughter firmly by stating â€Å"Never mind, she’s only a girl,† (800). The father dismisses the girl’s ability to maintain masculine traits due to the fact that she illustrated her emotions for the death of the horse. Munro supplied evidence that it is exemplified that women and men are asserted characteristics formed by their reactions to attachment, comprehension of death, and duties. â€Å"General Review of the Sex Situation† written by Dorothy Parker is a short and witty poem that pin points every genders societal characteristics of the other.The title of the poem clearly dictates that there is a situation between sexes and it is not a situation that appears to be up for debate. Parker forms generalizations on men and women labeling traits that women pursue such as finding commitment, love, and faith while male characteristics gravitate towards trophy winning, showcase qualities, and are easily stricken with boredom (lines 1-6). Parker is clear in the end of her poem in questioning what good can come of the combination of male and fem ale (line 8).This questioning brings the idea to minds of readers of how two separate genders that are positioned on such opposite ends of the spectrum work as a partnership. This ideology begins to stir ideas within the mind and supports the claim that people must be willing to present equal agreement in their traits to cohere successfully. Although gender roles have several angles and explanations that try to justify their reasoning, it is common knowledge that the labeling issues have come a long way throughout history.The following articles are based upon studies that provide evidence that people in today’s generations are more understanding of gender roles within the household and society. The journal, â€Å"The Role of Husband and Housewife as Perceived by a College Population† written by Diane Wentworth and Robert Chell, explores studies that have been performed based upon the differences of sex and how gender is automatically assumed with that sexual connotation (640). This collection of studies examines nearly every aspect of male and female interactions with society and household labels that are supplied by humans.The most interes ting search that was reported in this journal was in the summer of 1999 and was a study of men leaving work to remain at home while the wife went to work (641). The reasoning behind these findings is simply the statement of the husband saying that the women was simply making more money in her workplace in comparison to his, and he would rather give care to his own children then sending them to a daycare (641). The study reaches another question of whether the men’s gender roles have been affected within the family and majority answered no (641).The idea of the male figure being capable of caring for the household with the women supplying the income is a very large change from the 1950’s where women were belittled in society. The people in this study are evidence that in the past, gender biased situations and roles were unnecessary when trying to form a family, household, and even societal views. The last article that also provides evidence of gender biased situations being put to ease in â€Å"Adolescents’ Attitudes toward Female Gender Roles: Implications for Education† written by Randy and Ryan Mills.This article examines teachers’ thoughts on their own middle school students and how 90% of them believe that their students are more understanding and open to accept equal gender roles (742). These teachers believe that the cause of this high rate concern ing gender role flexibility relies in media and school curriculum changes that have been made over the years to create a more equal environment (742). This study also demonstrates how gender is now being placed on a more equal playing field and how younger generations are influenced by media that empowers each gender to follow their own personal traits regardless of their sexual orientation. Gender roles have remained a powerful topic throughout all of history. Gender roles can be taught, ignored, or placed on someone and all of this judgment winds up being in that persons control. This topic holds a large amount of weight as it is a heavy subject that is powered by peoples’ beliefs which are all extremely diverse. Although in this lifetime there may or may not be sight of complete equality in the world, it is safe to say that gender roles have evolved drastically in time and seem to be reaching a more equal state.

Othello Iagos Manipulative Nature Essay Example

Othello: Iagos Manipulative Nature Essay In life, those who may wound us most deeply are not our open rivals, but rather are those in whom we place our trust. William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello utilizes this concept to great extent in the development of its devious villain, Iago. While Iago clearly feels no allegiance to even one other character in the play, he makes each feel as if he is his or her personal confidant and most trustworthy friend and advisor. Additionally, he continually places himself in a dominant role, as one who knows more or is more capable than his peers, and can therefore execute their affairs for them, or at least advise them most aptly on what best to do. In these ways, Iago is able to manipulate the lives of all those around him with ease. The other characters’ trust of Iago is apparent through both their actions and their words. Othello not only entrusts Iago with his affairs, such as repeatedly relying on him to be a truthful witness (II. iii. 180, 220) but openly proclaims this trust, calling him â€Å"most honest† (II. ii. 7). Ultimately, it is upon Iago’s exaggerated reports that Othello, misunderstanding Iago’s treachery, bases his painfully ironic decision, which he announces to all those in attendance, â€Å"I know, Iago/ Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter,/ Making it light to Cassio. Cassio, I love thee;/ But never more be officer of mine. † (II. iii. 251-254) This statement alone not only shows how Iago’s ability to endear himself to others directly allows him to influence their decisions, but it also demonstrates his deviousness in such influences. We will write a custom essay sample on Othello: Iagos Manipulative Nature specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Othello: Iagos Manipulative Nature specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Othello: Iagos Manipulative Nature specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Rather than directly say to Othello that Cassio ought to be dismissed from his position, Iago defends Cassio in a rather weak way, in order to alienate no one while still ensuring Cassio’s dismissal, an occurrence necessary to his most carefully calculated plot. Despite such wrongs that Iago has, in reality, committed against Cassio, his apparent sincerity and friendliness blinds Cassio to his true nature. For instance, it is Iago’s calculated amiability that convinces Cassio to drink in the first place, prompting a series of disgraces that ultimately ruin him. When Cassio repeatedly refuses to drink, it is Iago’s friendly, â€Å"But one cup! I’ll drink/ For you† (II. iii. 34-35) that allows him to control and still not estrange himself from the useful Cassio. It is this ability of Iago’s to stay on good terms with Cassio that is proven most useful to him later, as Cassio accepts Iago’s advice of what best to do in order to restore his good name after his drunken brawl. In advising Cassio, Iago constantly plays himself up as truthful, loving and steadfast. He claims bluntly that all his advice is merely because he is a true friend, saying â€Å"I protest, in the sincerity of love and honest/ kindne ss. † (II. iii. 330) In planting even these small suggestions, Iago makes great headway in his ability to influence Cassio, proven when Cassio later says, regarding Iago, â€Å"I never knew/ A Florentine more kind and honest. † (III. i. 42-43) This statement is especially rich in irony, taking into consideration that it was Iago’s subtle deception that first landed Cassio in trouble. Friendliness is not the only means, however, by which Iago wins the favor of those around him. Part of what makes him such an appealing character, both to those in the play and to the audience or reader, is his incredibly magnetic personality. He has an impeccably sharp wit and a presentation that, while varying from flirtatious to charming to near clownish, never wavers from this charming spectrum (except for his moments of soliloquy, at which point his true wickedness becomes patent). His charms can be seen as he greets Desdemona with a clever round of couplets upon her arrival in Cyprus. II. i. 134-193) While he is biting in his verse, it is a calculated meanness, intended to delight Desdemona and consequently win her favor. While this scene entertains both those in the scene and in the audience, it also allows Iago to assert himself as the dominant party. This position fulfills his personal desire for power as well as lends his advice to those around him the authoritative pull it would otherwise lack. This dominant nature of Iago’s becomes most apparent in his scenes with Roderigo. In their conversations, Iago demonstrates most clearly the characteristics that make him an extraordinary villain; not only is he charming and extremely clever, he is also deeply persuasive, able to dominate Roderigo and control his actions while continuing to appear friendly. Iago establishes this dominance over Roderigo not only by elevating his own position in their relationship, but also by subtly belittling Roderigo, such as when he first presents his plan to hurt Michael Cassio. â€Å"If thou be’st valiant (as they say base men being in love have a nobility in their natures more than is native to them), list me. (II. i. 247-249) Such challenges to Roderigo’s character make him bound to prove himself, at which point he becomes easy fodder for Iago’s manipulations. Roderigo is not the only character whose integrity Iago challenges. When Othello enters to see Montano and Cassio fighting, he chides them, only to be loudly echoed by Iago. Oth. Hold for your liv es! Iago. Hold, hold! Lieutenant—sir—Montano—gentlemen! Have you forgot all sense of place and duty? Hold! The General speaks to you. Hold, hold, for shame! (II. iii. 166-170) In saying this, Iago succeeds in both ingratiating himself to Othello, a condition necessary in order to gain his trust, and establishing his dominance over the other characters in the scene because of his acting as Othello’s â€Å"right hand man. † In saying these few lines, Iago has highlighted his quickness to act, his sense of duty, and his high morals, and has most likely impressed all those present. While Iago is incredibly careful to always remain friendly when those he needs are present, it is when they leave that his backstabbing nature is revealed. Despite all the camaraderie Iago puts on when speaking with Cassio, in his absence Iago makes no attempts at false allegiance. This is made clear in the scene in which Montano and Iago discuss Cassio behind his back and Iago lies, â€Å"’Tis evermore the prologue to his sleep. / He’ll watch the horologue a double set/ If drink rock not his cradle. † (II. iii. 124-126) This lie is made doubly frustrating to hear by the fact that it was Iago himself who coerced Cassio into drinking heavily, something he would not have otherwise done. Every move that Iago makes is utterly calculated, every word a lie to guide others to his own ends. This fact becomes fully apparent only in Iago’s moments of soliloquy, when no other characters are present to be deceived. It is during these times that Iago speaks his mind freely and lets the audience see that all his civilities are merely stepping stones in his quest to undo Othello. After divulging his plan in soliloquy, Iago states, â€Å"When devils will the blackest sins put on/ They do suggest at first with heavenly shows/ As I do now. † (II. iii. 353-354) This precisely encapsulates the nature of his manipulative powers; Iago suggests with heavenly shows, but is truly a devil just waiting for the right moment.