Devilish Imagery In Shakespeare's Othello

1376 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Character analysis of Iago in othello

Devilish/demonic
This interest in the end of the world is re-established by another type of imagery Shakespeare uses. This further example of imagery is the constant hellish, demonic and devilish imagery. Iago is in many ways a metaphor for the Christian concept of the devil. He does not commit crimes himself, he tempts others, abuses their moral weaknesses and persuades them indirectly to sully their souls. The representation of the Devil as a white man would have been especially poignant as before Iago, the Devil was largely presented as a black man and so the juxtaposition of the hero being a black man and the villain a white man would have been particularly notable for the Christian and inherently racist audience in Shakespeare’s time. …show more content…

One example of this in his language is when he swears “By Janus, I think no”. Janus is the Roman God of beginnings and endings often pictured with two faces, and ironically, the allusion is a quote from Iago who is a deceitful and two-faced character. When Othello steps away in this scene, Iago shows his "other" face of Janus and begins his evil scheming once again. He then switches back to his deceitful original face when Othello returns. Shakespeare also uses dramatic irony in his representation of Iago’s duplicity, when Othello asks Iago to explain what happened between Cassio and Montano and Iago replies, “I had rather have this tongue cut from my mouth than it should do offence to Michael Cassio”. This is dramatic irony because only the audience know that he has orchestrated the entire fight and that he is in fact, very keen to “do offence to Michael Cassio”. A further example of Iago’s duplicity is when, in Act 1 Scene 1, he says “I follow him to serve my turn upon him”. Not only is this Iago admitting that he is only pretending to follow Othello, but the specific language choice is significant. If Iago had said he followed Othello “to line his pockets” it would have a whole new meaning; instead this phrasing implies a form of revenge and a lack of motivation to Iago’s

Show More
Related

  • Color Imagery In Othello

    1649 Words  | 4 Pages

    The utilization of color imagery enhances the play, causing the audience to look past the words and search for a more profound understanding behind the scenes, besides race. In the realms of the play, the color black has always been used to create the mood for evil and deviousness, as we will see, since Iago is portrayed as satan and a trickster. Iago constructs most of his hellish plans in the dark of night to eventually influence the bestiality of Othello to protrude out and cause his demise. In the case of the devil, the color black is used to illustrate the vice and villainous nature of Satan. In act two, Iago assures Cassio that the best way he can get his job back, is to attract Desdemona, then Cassio is sent away. While Iago is alone on the stage, Iago asks the audience why he is evil, since his advice to Cassio is “honest” and free. Iago answers his question and then states, "When devils will the blackest sins put on, / They do suggest [tempt] at first with heavenly shows, / As I do now" (2.3.351-353). Iago knows that he is a hellish hypocrite, but he seems to be getting a laugh out of it since he is represented as

    Read More

  • Iago’s Use of Tone and Simile to Deceive Othello in Shakespeare’s Othello

    410 Words  | 1 Pages

    The greatest and best villains in literature are those who possess the ability to manipulate others in order to further their own causes. In Othello, Iago has the insight and tact to manipulate the other characters, such as Cassio, Roderigo, Desdemona, and in this case, Othello. The methods by which Iago works the other characters are varied, and one prime example of his cunning ability to manipulate can be seen in Act III.iii.333-450. In this passage Iago utilizes many rhetorical strategies to his advantage; in particular he uses tone and simile. These rhetorical strategies are instrumental in the deception of Othello.

    Read More

  • The Nature Of Evil In Othello

    910 Words  | 2 Pages

    He is capable of twisting and turning the truth around in a many of ways to make others fall into his traps. Although it is easy for the audience to see that Iago is a masked villain, the cast is clueless. This is an example of dramatic irony. Iago is a compelling person, which is why it is so easy for the other characters in the play such as Othello, to get caught up in him. Iago wants Othello's position as the American general in the Venetian Army. He is extremely jealous that this title is not in front of him and the fact that the title belongs to a black man does nothing but anger Iago even more. Iago hankers for this position so badly that he develops a pseudo personality and tells a plethora of lies while in the presence of Iago in order to get what he wants, and this, in turn, ends in

    Read More

  • Shakespeare's Othello - The Motivations of Iago in Othello

    799 Words  | 2 Pages

    Have you ever met a devil who does evil for his own sake? Iago in William Shakespeare's Othello could seem like he has good motives, but I feel that he uses them as his excuses. The first thing that I did was uncovered Iago's motives. Iago is the most controversial character in Othello. He is able to keep his true thoughts and motives from everyone. Are his motives only excuses for his actions? Iago pretends to have so many motives that they seem more like excuses. Iago then uses these excuses to justify his actions, which are pure evil. I also feel that Iago has motives and actions that cause his actions. Does Iago have many different excuses, or does he only have one? This paper will prove that Iago has one clear motive and reason for his madness. Iago is not looking for justification that causes him to act the way he does. There is much more though to Iago. He is not a man of only excuses, he has goals with his motives, which causes him to act the way he does.

    Read More

  • Spinning a Treacherous Web in Shakespeare's Othello

    1210 Words  | 3 Pages

    To better understand Iago’s effect on these different characters, it is important to look in to his own character. Iago’s motives are not clear, however, it is true that he despises Othello, and that he is jealous of the fact that Michael Cassio had taken over the role of lieutenant; a role that Iago wanted very badly. It is in the beginning of the play that Iago confesses to follow Othello but not be loyal to him,

    Read More

  • Iago as a Satan Figure in Shakespeare's Othello

    1433 Words  | 3 Pages

    The play "Othello" by William Shakespeare is based on an Italian story in Giraldi Cinthio's Hecatommithi (Groliers). In "Othello" we encounter Iago, one of Shakespeare's most evil characters.  Iago is an ensign in Othello's army and is jealous of Cassio's promotion to Lieutenant. Through deception and appearance, we see unfolded a plethora of lies and clever schemes. The astonishing thing about Iago is that he seems to make up his malicious schemes as he goes along without any forethought. Noted writer Samuel Taylor Coleridge describes Iago's plan as "motive-hunting of a motiveless malignity" (Scott 413). Iago seizes every opportunity to further advance his plan to his advantage. Greed plays a major role as a motive for his various schemes. Throughout the story, Iago portrays himself as a Satan figure. In many ways, Iago can compare with Satan.

    Read More

  • Iago: One Of The Most Complex Character In William Shakespeare's Othello

    1042 Words  | 3 Pages

    Iago is one of the most complex characters in William Shakespeare’s Othello. To most of the characters, he is “Honest Iago” (Shakespeare, 5.2.73). however, the audience knows that Iago is the furthest thing from honest. Iago is a devil bent on destroying the lives of everyone around him. At the beginning of the play, the audience learns that Iago is determined to ruin Othello’s marriage to Desdemona. He has appointed a new lieutenant, Michael Cassio. This angers Iago because he feels that he has much more military experience and should be the lieutenant. Iago has also heard rumours that both Othello and Cassio have slept with his wife Emilia. He concocts a malicious plan to ruin the lives of all who have wronged him, and consequently establishing

    Read More

  • Who Is Iago A Villain

    1293 Words  | 3 Pages

    However, this is just one of Iago’s personalities in the play. He speaks poorly of Othello while Othello is not in the scene, but while Othello is in the scene Iago puts on another face hiding his true identity. In a way Iago is two-faced switching between his façade will talking to different characters.

    Read More

  • Iago's Manipulation

    1125 Words  | 3 Pages

    In William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Othello, Iago demonstrates a mastery of manipulation over people who had previously trusted and confided in him. His sudden turn from Othello’s loyal ensign to rage-filled villain seems indicative of a man who can no longer accept his position in life. Iago’s plotting of Othello’s demise starts as idle talk of a disgruntled 28 year-old career military man passed over for promotion. Iago believes that such a promotion may never come after Othello rejects his candidacy and makes it clear that he did not believe him suitable. He sees Othello is only concerned with personal and political gain with his choice of Cassio as lieutenant. When Iago teams with love-scorned and desperate Roderigo, he begins to construct Othello’s downfall. Iago is declaring an all-out covert war on Othello, Cassio, and anyone else who gets in his way. In Iago’s first speech in Act I Scene II, he proclaims hatred for Othello and lays out his plan for seeking vengeance. “After some time, to abuse Othello’s ears that he is too familiar with his wife (Shakespeare 1473).”

    Read More

  • A Comparison of Iago and Lucifer

    2324 Words  | 5 Pages

    Wicked, dishonorable, corrupt, villainous, malicious, and vicious all have one thing in common: they define evil. A person or a group of people that display these qualities are often to be defined as evil beings or creatures. Two people that have many of these characteristics developed within them are Iago from Shakespeare’s Othello and Lucifer from the Bible. Both Iago and Lucifer are developed with many “evil” qualities woven intricately into their character development. The representation of each “evil” characteristic gives them something they have in common allowing the description and portrayal of both Iago and Lucifer in literature show the audience they share common “evil” characteristics and that they lead to chaos and downfall.

    Read More

  • Imagery In Othello

    1740 Words  | 4 Pages

    The function of imagery in the mid-sixteenth century play Othello by William Shakespeare is to aid characterisation and define meaning in the play. The antagonist Iago is defined through many different images, Some being the use of poison and soporifics, sleeping agents, to show his true evil and sadistic nature. Othello’s character is also shaped by much imagery such as the animalistic, black and white, and horse images which indicates his lustful, sexual nature. Characterisation of women is heavily dictated by imagery used to show the patriarchal gender system of the time. Some of this imagery is that of hobbyhorses and the like showing that they, Desdemona and Emelia, were nothing better than common whores. Othello’s view at the start of the play is contradicting of these patriarchal views with Desdemona and Othellos’ true love overcoming these stereotypes and we are told this through imagery of fair warriors and the like. The power of deceit is shown also through imagery of spiders and webs, uniforms and other such images. Also the power of jealousy is well defined by imagery. The handkerchief, green-eyed monster and cuckolding imagery are prominent in defining this theme.

    Read More

  • Othello and Iago's Relationship

    587 Words  | 2 Pages

    However, there is more to this irony, in terms of dramatic irony, seen. throughout the whole extract. Where Othello, in an effort to find the start of the conflict between the two men, Iago says. This is a monstrous. Iago, who began, so the audience is now left with a. huge knowledge over Othello, about the real motives of Iago, and the very fact that they can't share it with Othello, and the way he first turns to Iago for his version, is the torment known as the dramatic.

    Read More

  • The Role Of Iago To Blame For The Downfall Of Othello

    1115 Words  | 3 Pages

    Iago has been excellent at saying the what is needed to get to people, he misleads them to get a reaction he wants out of them. He is clever with his words to avoid confrontation that can easily happen. “Othello 's confusion is the human experience of language. In other words, language itself, not the outside world, determines meaning” (Christofides 2). Iago uses his words against Othello to get him to do Iago’s doings. Iago has an eloquence with

    Read More

  • The Hate of Iago in Othello by William Shakespeare

    605 Words  | 2 Pages

    Before anything, we must address that Iago was disappointed that he was passed over for the position of lieutenant. This argument was presented within the first few lines of Iago very bluntly. From the play, we find that Iago was obviously more capable than a drunken Vinetian, Cassio, for the position. Yet, in spite of everything, the promotion was given to him and Iago took it as a personal insult from Othello. His hate erupted quickly and a plan erupted to take proper revenge. As we see since the first lines of the play from Iago, he hates Othello.

    Read More

  • Iago Character Analysis Essay

    1674 Words  | 4 Pages

    Iago’s first plot is to somehow get this position no matter what so he can get closer to Othello. He stated how far he will go by saying, "I will wear my heart upon my sleeve for daws to peck at; I am not what I am."(I.i.64-65) Iago feels that since he fought with Othello in battles before that he should have received the title. Throughout the play Iago gets the job he dreamed of by stealing and killing. Iago begins to express his opinion to Roderigo by stating, “In personal suit to make me his lieutenant, off-capp’d to him: and, by the faith of man, I know my price, I am worth no worse a place.”(I.i.8-10)

    Read More

More about Devilish Imagery In Shakespeare's Othello

Open Document