Racial barriers are often used as a way to manipulate a member of a minority group. The tragedy Othello was written by William Shakespeare (1564-1616), an English poet and playwright, often considered the greatest writer in the English language. The story begins with Othello, a black general in the Venetian army who secretly marries Desdemona, a white woman. Early on, Othello promotes Michael Cassio as his lieutenant instead of Iago, sparking mass jealousy. Desperate for revenge on Othello, Iago hatches elaborate plans to ruin his marriage to Desdemona. Iago's effective manipulative skills lead Othello to take his wife's life, and then his own. Iago succeeds in deceiving Othello due to their many differences, mainly racial, and his understanding of how manipulation works. Despite Othello's high status, it was still very difficult for him to gain a complete perspective in a society dominated by whites; it was this vulnerability that allowed Iago to thrive. Because Desdemona tricked her own father into marrying him, Iago tries to convince Othello that she is ...