How does Shakespeare use representation of speech and other dramatic techniques to convey Iago's feelings towards Othello.

by yasmine15 (student)

How does Shakespeare use representation of speech and other dramatic techniques to convey Iago’s feelings towards Othello in the extract and in one other episode elsewhere in the play?

Shakespeare presents Iago’s feelings towards `Othello in the play, through numerous images and explicit lexical choices. In addition to the printed extract, I will look at the last part of Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1.

In this text, Iago recounts a story as to why he detests Othello. He recalls when Othello passed him over promotion for the position of lieutenant. He sarcastically describes Othello as pompous, “Loving his own pride and purposes”, as he used military language to deliver the message that he has already chosen another man. “Horribly stuffed with epithets of war”. The rhetorical question Iago’s uses, “And what was he?” Prepares him to delve further into why he despises Othello. Iago believes that Othello has greatly misjudged choosing “Michael Cassio”, over him, as Cassio is a “Mere prattle without practice”.

Throughout this extract Iago dominates through sheer volume of words it only begins as a typical conversational pattern, then Iago dominates the text with his lengthy speeches.

Shakespeare uses metaphors to make a contribution to the dramatic impact of this verse. For example, Iago uses the metaphor of a ship “blee’d and clam’d”. A ship is “bleed and calm’d” when the wind is taken out of it’s sails, and this reflects how Iago feels at being passed over promotion by Othello.

Furthermore, reiterating the point that Iago displays utter contempt for Othello, Iago states that he has ...

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Throughout this extract Iago dominates through sheer volume of words it only begins as a typical conversational pattern, then Iago dominates the text with his lengthy speeches.

Furthermore, reiterating the point that Iago displays utter contempt for Othello, Iago states that he has to continue with being his “Moorship ancient.” Iago here has used a pun on the respectful word “worship”. His pun mocks both Othello’s race and character.

Possibly the only point throughout the play, where Roderigo is perceptive, is where he states if Iago despises the Moor so much, why does he “follow him.”

Here Shakespeare uses a shared line the words “follow and “Oh” overlap. The line “Oh sir, content you:” Iago uses creates a sense of urgency; they promote a reaction from Iago to make sure Roderigo trusts his reasoning completely.

Roderigo’s quote illustrates that Iago is a master manipulator, as although he truly despises Othello he stills pretends to be a loyal soldier, in order to poison Othello’s mind. This quote from Roderigo brings out a stream of sentences to assure Roderigo hat the hates the Moor and that there are many men who serve there masters all their lives and then get fired. However, Iago believes that he is not one who deserves any punishment. Moreover, Iago is inspired by men who can exploit their masters and make money by pretending to be honest and loyal.” These fellows have some soul; and such a one do I profess myself.” An audience would view theses men as fraudsters or worse. Here there is a double irony to his statement that Iago passed off as the truth yet Iago views them in a different light. People who act one way and are another are duplicitous and scarcely deserve the credit that Iago is trying to give them.

Iago concluded his lengthily speech with a statement, which sums up his character. “I am not what I am.” Roderigo fails to notice that Iago is self-serving and dishonest.

In Iago’s soliloquy at the end of Act 1, Iago reveals his feelings towards Othello and one of his motives for revenge, with clarity the audience cannot miss:

I hate the moor,

And it is thought abroad that twixt my sheets

He;

‘s done my office

Iago’s soliloquy is in measured verse and brings out the clarity with which he works out the precise track this revenge will take. The simile of the “asses” brings out Iago’s obvious contempt for Othello.

It is imperative to note how masterfully Shakespeare develops this opening scene of Othello. It sets the stage for the entire play, revealing the time, place and background information of the plot. It also introduces the personality of the major characters, some in person and some through conversation. It also introduces the themes of appearance vs. reality, romantic love and deception. Finally, it foreshadows the action of the play, driven by the hatred and revenge of Iago, which is clearly established in Act 1 scene 1.

Y.B