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Use of Imagery in Othello

In William Shakespeare's Othello, the use of imagery and metaphors is significant in conveying

meaning as it helps to establish 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 poison frequently occur. These references are

 predominantly made by Iago. This seems appropriate for Iago who exhibits the characteristics of 

 poison; they being fatal and deadly. There are several possible explanations to what motivatesIago: being overlooked for the lieutenancy, the belief that Othello and Cassio had committed

adultery with his wife, though this is never really proved; class differences present in the society

that made him feel inferior, and racial differences. This desire for revenge is so great it "doth,

like a poisonous mineral, gnaw [his] inwards." Iago's use of language is a primary weapon inmanipulating Othello. By "pour[ing] this pestilence into his ear", Iago contaminates his thoughts.

Once Othello starts to doubt Desdemona's 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 express his

contempt and to downgrade those he despises. Early in Act 1, he rouses Brabantio's anger by

using crude images of animals fornicating to inform him that his "daughter and the Moor arenow 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 world's light." Shakespeare uses the image of a monster  being born as a metaphor for the start of Iago's evil scheming. It also becomes evident that

Othello's mind has been corrupted by Iago's evil handiwork when he too starts to use the same

sort of animal imagery in his speech. In one scene, convinced of his wife's infidelity, Othello

loses all self-control crying out "goats and monkeys," animals traditionally consideredlascivious.

There is also a wealth of heaven and hell imagery in Othello. Iago, who is Machiavellian innature 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." Iago's manipulation of Othello causes him to see Desdemona as'devilish', therefore she must be brought to 'justice'.

Desdemona, though, is associated with images of light, heaven and purity, thus suggesting her 

innocence. Even in the last scene as Othello prepares to kill her, he uses a rose as a metaphor for Desdemona. This indicates that her beauty still has an influence over him as well as his ever 

 present feelings of affection for her. When at last Iago is exposed as the true villain and just

 before committing suicide, Othello, using another metaphor, compares Desdemona to a pearl

whom he has thrown away. This is one of many times where she is referred to as a priceless jewel.

Throughout the play, the contrast between black and white is also used as a metaphor for thedifference between Othello and the Venetian society. Several references to Othello as "an old

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 black ram" and "far more fair than black" indicate that even though he holds the distinguished

 position of a general, the fact that he is black still makes him the 'outsider'.

Through the use of imagery and metaphors, Shakespeare is able to generate a considerable

impact on the audience positioning them to recognise the full extent of the tragic outcome as a

result of Iago's treachery. The use of these vivid images and comparisons effectively defines thenature of each character and explores central themes such as deception, race and jealousy.

How to Cite this Page

MLA Citation: "Free College Essays - Use of Imagery in Shakespeare's Othello." 123HelpMe.com. 14 Nov

2011

<http://www.123HelpMe.com/view.asp?id=2953>.