In Othello, Shakespeare uses a variety of imagery to create a vivid picture for the reader. One such example is when Othello imagines Desdemona’s infidelity:
“She that was ever fair and happy,
And loved and approved by the best persons,
Suddenly at her husband’s home infected,
A most contagious disease.” (3.3.391-395)
Through Othello’s description, we can see how distraught he is by the thought of Desdemona being unfaithful. He paints a very bleak picture, using words like “infected,” “contagious,” and “disease” to describe what he believes is happening. This imagery helps to convey Othello’s emotional state, and allows the reader to feel as though they are right there with him.
The use of imagery is a very important tool in Othello. Othello is a play written by William Shakespeare, and it is set in Venice. Othello is a tragedy, and it tells the story of Othello, a Moor who is married to Desdemona. Othello is jealous of Iago, and he kills Desdemona after mistakenly believing that she has been unfaithful to him.
One of the most important uses of imagery in Othello is the way that it is used to create a sense of fear and suspense. For example, in Act 1 Scene 3, Othello says “And yet, how nature can betray itself/Desdemona must be false if she be true” (lines 97-98). This is an example of Othello using imagery to create a sense of fear and suspense. He is saying that it is natural for people to be false, and this creates a sense of fear and unease.
Another important use of imagery in Othello is the way that it is used to create a sense of jealousy. For example, in Act 3 Scene 3, Othello says “And yet, how nature can betray itself/As I am now, I needs must curse myself” (lines 167-168). This is an example of Othello using imagery to create a sense of jealousy. He is saying that it is natural for him to curse himself, and this creates a sense of jealousy and anger.
The use of imagery in Othello is a very important tool, and it is used to create a variety of different effects. Othello is a play that is full of fear, suspense, and jealousy, and the use of imagery is a key part of creating these feelings.
The use of images and metaphors in William Shakespeare’s Othello is important for establishing the play’s dramatic atmosphere and emphasizing major themes. As a result, the audience can acquire a deeper understanding of the drama. Images relating to poison are frequently used throughout Othello. These allusions are made mostly by Iago. This appears to be correct, given that Iago exhibits the features of poison; they being fatal and deadly.
In the first scene, Iago refers to Othello as a “black ram” who is “stuck in the mud”. He also calls Othello a “moor”, which is an archaic term for black person. This type of language is used by Iago to lower Othello in the eyes of those around him. Othello is also called a “Devil”, signifying that Iago views Othello as being evil.
As well as using derogatory language, Iago also uses positive images to play with Othello’s mind. For instance, in Act 2 Scene 1, Iago describes Desdemona as being “a most exquisite lady”. This is a direct contrast to the images of Othello that Iago has been using. By doing this, Iago is able to make Othello doubt his own judgement. Othello starts to believe that maybe Desdemona is really innocent and that he has been wrong about her all along.
The use of imagery in Othello is therefore very important in terms of the development of the plot and the characters. It helps to create a vivid picture in the minds of the audience, which allows them to understand the play better.
In Shakespeare’s Othello, several characters use animal images to symbolize the more negative aspects of humanity. He dehumanizes Othello and shaming Brabantio into action by employing animal imagery. “An old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe even now,” Iago tells him.
Othello is not a man, he is an animal. Iago goes on to call Othello a “ Barbary horse,” one that is not even fit for battle. Othello is not human, he is something lesser. This use of animal imagery dehumanizes Othello and makes it easier for others to hurt him.
Brabantio also uses animal imagery to illustrate Othello’s difference. He says: “An old black ram / Is tupping your white ewe.” Othello is not like Brabantio and his white ewes, he is different and dangerous. Othello is an animal that needs to be controlled.
Even Desdemona uses animal imagery to describe Othello. She says: “And yet, I think, Othello’s honest.” Her comment shows that she does not see Othello as an animal, but as a man who is capable of being honest. However, later in the play when Othello starts to believe Iago’s lies, Desdemona starts to see him as an animal. She says: “I am abused, and my Poor honesty / Hath been abus’d.” Othello has become an animal to her and she no longer trusts him.
Animal imagery is used throughout Othello to illustrate the darkness of humanity. It is used to dehumanize Othello and make it easier for others to hurt him. Othello is not seen as a man, but as an animal that needs to be controlled. As the play progresses, Othello starts to see himself as an animal and this leads to his downfall.
Othello is driven by ealousy to kill Desdemona and, ironically, poisoned himself. The play makes several allusions to animals. Iago employs beast imagery to convey his loathing and belittle people he dislikes.
Othello also compares Desdemona to a “gull”, which is a seabird that is known for being easily frightened and gullible. Othello is not the only one to use animal imagery though. Emilia says of Iago, “He’s a devil: a very fiend in nature, as I may call him.”
There are also several references to Othello’s color. Othello says, “But look, the morn in russet mantle clad / Walks o’er the dew of yon high eastward hill.” This is referencing how the sun looks red early in the morning. Othello is commenting on how his life is going to be in the morning, and how it will be covered in red (dew).
Later in the play Othello says, “She has deceived her father, and may thee.” The use of thee here is an archaic form of you. Othello is saying that Desdemona has deceived him, and may have also deceived Iago.
