Iago's Use of Language in William Shakespeare's Othello

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Iago's Use of Language in William Shakespeare's Othello

The play, 'Othello', written in the 17th century by William

Shakespeare is a tragic play which involves romance, love, murder and

deceit. 'Iago', one of the main characters, other than Othello, is

very cunning and manipulative person. He is very sly in his ways and

he will do anything to be more powerful, not caring about whom he

hurts in the process.

In Act 3 Scene 3, we can see that Iago's plan of revenge is on

progress. He lies and cleverly persuades Othello to believe that his

wife Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio and he also involves

Roderigo and Emilia in his plotting. Iago is further assisted in this

by Desdemona chance of dropping handkerchief of great sentimental

value given to her by Othello. Othello commits himself to revenge

wanting Iago to plan Cassio's death while he plans to kill Desdemona.

Thus, this scene is important because it is showing us turning points

of different characters. Othello who appears to be good and less

tempered in previous acts is now angry and obsessed with revenge and

vulnerable in this act. So, we can see a sudden change in Othello's

character.

After reading the act, audience is convinced and can predict that the

play will end tragedically because these scenes have no going back for

Othello.

The audience responds in different ways. At the beginning of the play,

when Iago is talking to Roderigo, we think that Othello is the bad

one. However as the play continues we see Iago's hatred towards him.

The audience does fear Iago to a certain extent as he seems so

faithful on the outside but is deceit and clever from inside. However,

I believe the audience admires Iago, as the way he manages to get

everyone participated in getting revenge on Othello.

Iago focuses on Othello's insecurities and uses them to bring about

suspicion and jealousy from Othello. Leading up to Act 3 Scene 3, Iago

has managed to lower Cassio's rank.

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