Free College Essays - Use of Imagery in Shakespeares Othello :: GCSE Coursework Shakespeare Othello

Use of Imagery in Othello In William Shakespeares Othello, the manipulation of mental imagery and metaphors is significant in conveying meaning as it helps to entrap the dramatic atmosphere of the play and reinforce the main themes. Through this, the audience is able to grasp a better understanding of the play. Throughout Othello, images relating to toxicant frequently occur. These references are predominantly made by Iago. This seems appropriate for Iago who exhibits the characteristics of embitter they be fatal and deadly. There are several possible explanations to what motivates Iago being overlooked for the lieutenancy, the belief that Othello and Cassio had committed adultery with his wife, though this is never rightfully proved class differences present in the society that made him find inferior, and racial differences. This desire for revenge is so great it doth, like a poisonous mineral, gnaw his inwards. Iagos use of language is a primary ordnance in manipulating O thello. By pouring this pestilence into his ear, Iago contaminates his thoughts. Once Othello starts to doubt Desdemonas fidelity, he is so incredibly driven by jealousy that it leads him to murder her, ironically with poison. Many references are made to animals in the play. Iago uses beast imagery to hold his contempt and to downgrade those he despises. Early in Act 1, he rouses Brabantios anger by using crude images of animals fornicating to inform him that his daughter and the moor are now making the beast with two backs. Such a metaphor is designed to evoke a strong emotional response. In a soliloquy at the conclusion of Act One, Iago says It is engendered. Hell and night / Must bring this monstrous birth to the worlds light. Shakespeare uses the image of a freak being born as a metaphor for the start of Iagos repulsiveness scheming. It also becomes evident that Othellos mind has been corrupted by Iagos evil handicraft when he too starts to use the same sort of animal imag ery in his speech. In one scene, convinced of his wifes infidelity, Othello loses all self-control call out goats and monkeys, animals traditionally considered lascivious. There is also a wealth of promised land and hell imagery in Othello. Iago, who is Machiavellian in nature and revels in tormenting others, can be perceived as the devil personified. Even he himself acknowledges this when he says devils will the blackest sins put on...suggest at first with heavenly shows / As I do now.