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OTHELLO
The abuse of power is shown through the manipulation and psychological torment that is a recurring theme throughout the play Othello. Iago is seeking revenge upon Othello for the appointment of Cassio to Lieutenant rather than himself. He has also heard rumors that the Moor, Othello, has slept with his wife, Emilia. As he is already hellbent on revenge, he will take any gossip that reaches him to be true, regardless of the lack of fact behind the accusations. He will go to any length, and use any person, to get his revenge.
In this process Iago hurts many people, both physically and emotionally, and shatters any trust that anyone ever had in him. Iago convinces Othello to believe the that Desdemona (Othello's wife) is having an affair with Cassio, and because Othello has known Iago to be a true friend, he believes every word that Iago says to him. Othello's pondering as to whether Desdemona is having an affair sends him mad. He becomes suspicious of both Desdemona and Cassio's every move.In the end, Othello's madness drives him to kill Desdemona despite her pleas of innocence. Emilia finally sees the intricate network of pain and suffering that have occurred as a result of the manipulation and dishonesty of Iago. When she reveals this to Othello, Gratiano and Montano, Othello, in a fit of remorse, kills himself to be with Desdemona and to end the pain that Iago's lies have left him feeling.