https://schoolworkhelper.net/shakespeares-othello-animal-imagery-essay/, Shakespeare’s Othello: Iago’s manipulation of others, Essay: Shakespeare’s Influence on Authors, Musicians, and Films, Laertes’ Role & Importance in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, “On the Sidewalk, Bleeding”: Analysis & Theme, “Mid Term Break”: Poem Analysis & Summary, Hiro Murai’s “Guava Island”: Film Analysis, Alice Dunbar Nelson: Poet, Essayist and Activist, Impact of Globalization- Gini Coefficient, Themes in William Shakespeare’s Sonnet 19. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. The devil is known for having cloven feet, and when Othello looked down to Iago’s feet he was surprised and disappointed to see that he didn’t  have them. At last, this lie is going to turn to jealousy. Some characters were even compared to animals by other characters in the play. As it turns out, a few words are also sufficient to paint a verbal picture. Discuss Shakespeare 's Use of Imagery in Othello to Reveal Character A lack of empathy makes for a true villain. It also makes everything said a lot more dramatic. Othello was a noble gentleman and was known for his greatness. In Othello, Shakespeare uses a lot of animal imagery. Iago begins all his scheming when he notices the close friendship between Desdemona and Cassio. In Shakespeare’s tragic play, Othello, animal imagery is a convincing device used throughout the play to further develop the devastating tale. Shakespeare uses animal imagery to show anger, jealousy, and persuasion in the play, which help to give the play its lasting power. If Shakespeare didn't have any animal imagery in the play "Othello" some parts of the play would be hard to understand and it wouldn't be as entertaining to read. This time he toldOthello of an alleged affair that Cassio and Desdemonawere having. Animal Imagery Iago uses a lot of animal imagery to describe Othello. How about receiving a customized one? The web he is referring to is all the lies that Iago will cast around Cassio. These images are often inappropriate, but they attach a certain edginess to the atmosphere of the play. Firstly, Shakespeare uses animal imagery to show that Iago views others as less than him. In Act I Scene 1 the ensign says that he wants to 'poison his [Brabantio’s] delight' (I.1.68) so that he can make trouble for Othello. Othello yelled forthis side of him to rise from hell, which had aspicstongues, a tongue from a poisonous snake. Thus, though Othello may be happy at the moment, they can "Plague him with flies" (1.1.71). When they carry out this plan, Iago repeatedly uses beastly vulgarity to describe the sexual relationship between Othello and Desdemona. In Othello, Shakespeare uses a lot of animal imagery. In thatstatement Iago was comparing Othello to an old blackram by comparing Othellos skin color to that of theblack rams, and the white ewe, a young female sheep,to Desdemona.Shakespeare was trying to illustrate inhis writing the act of and old black man making love toa young white woman. Shakespeares comparisonof characters to certain animals is unlike any others. Cassio wasexplaining to Iago that if he went to Othello now tospeak with him, Othello would call him a drunk becausehe had been drinking all night. O inhuman dog!” (V, i, 62) He calls him an inhuman dog because of all the people that Iago betrayed. In Act Three Iago once again tries to manipulateanother character in the play. Imagery is one very prominent example of figurative language, the language writers use to convey meaning beyond literal explanation. With as little a web as this will in ensnare as great a fly as Cassio.” (II, i, 163-5) Iago calls Cassio a great fly because of how noble Cassio is. Iago is the character that uses this the most. Although the play is in Shakespearian language, it is easily understood through animal references. This is first seen at the very beginning of the play, wherein Iago provokes Brabantio by telling him that “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram / Is …show more content… The first use of animal imagery I noted occurred came in Act One when Iago, Othellos standard bearer, has awaken Brabantio, who was a Venetian senator and the father of … The characters in "Othello" were often depicted as having animal-like characteristics. This phrase means “having sexual intercourse”, but without saying it literally, as Iago wants to politely explain to Desdemona’s father what is going on. Has I as many mouths as Hydra, such ananswer would stop them all (p.101). Animal imagery is also used to express prejudice, such as that against Othello's race, and/or against the female gender, or merely as descriptive terminology. Earlier in Act I, … In your significance, you will be discussing how Shakespeare uses this imagery to characterize Othello. Shakespearesdepiction of a man changing from good to evil provideda very vivid description of animal imagery. This changed once Iago began to manipulate and lie to him. Writers use imagery in their work to help the audience paint such pictures in their minds. Animal Imagery Iago uses a lot of animal imagery to describe Othello. In the very first act of Othello, villain Iago seeks to stir up conflict for Othello and Desdemona by reporting their elopement to her father Brabantio in the middle of the night. In Shakespeare’s play Othello, beast imagery is … Describing a person or group in animal terms is a way of defining that person or group as being less than human, something that deserves to be humiliated and controlled. Othello is infected by this imagery and begins to speak in the same terms. Generally, imagery includes all kinds of sense perception (not just visual pictures). An example of animal imagery is when Iago called Othello “A barbary horse,” and “an old black ram.” “Barbary horse” is an insult that Iago says a lot, but even without saying it directly to Othello, Shakespeare’s original Jaacobean audience would have realized that Iago was talking to a Moor. Writers use imagery in their work to help the audience paint such pictures in their minds. Generally, imagery includes all kinds of sense perception (not just visual pictures). O farewell.” (V, ii, 125-6) Before these words, Othello strangled and tried to kill Desdemona. In this paper I hope to give examples of animalimagery used in Othello that assist in explaining theplay. Animal imagery is a powerful tool in Othello because it helps make certain points in the play, and shows contrast. These images are often inappropriate, but they attach a certain edginess to the atmosphere of the play. In the beginning of the play, when Iago is telling Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello, Iago says to him, “Even now, now very now, an old black ram / is tupping your white ewe.” (I, i, 89-90) Swell, bosom, with thyfraught, for tis of aspics tongues (p. 149). The animal imagery permeates the play, often referring to Othello's "otherness." Comparison Of Hero And Government In Beowulf And Oedipus Rex, The Effects Of Music On Advertising And Choice Befhavior. Some characters were even compared to animals by other characters in the play. Animal Imagery: Iago calls Othello a ‘beast’, a ‘Barbary horse’ and an ‘old black ram’ to Brabantio, Desdemona’s father. As they continue to argue, Othello says to her, “If that the earth could teem with woman’s tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile.” (IV, i, 142-3) Desdemona is referred to as a crocodile because of her tears. His  evilness is evident throughout the entire play. He refers to her as a white ewe, meaning pure and young. Belittling "Oh damn'd Iago! When Iago informs Brabantio of Desdemona leaving with Othello, he puts explicit images into her father’s mind. Imagery is one very prominent example of figurative language, the language writers use to convey meaning beyond literal explanation. Her final words illustrate how powerful and loyal she was. In Shakespeare’s tragic play Othello, the nature of Iago’s character is revealed through the use of animal, plant, and devil imagery. The first use of animal imagery I noted occurred came in Act One when Iago, Othellos standard bearer,has awaken Brabantio, who was a Venetian senator andthe father of Desdemona, to tell him that Othello hastaken his daughter Desdemona, and as they speak ismaking love to her. The animal imagery permeates the play, often referring to Othello's "otherness." In Othello certain scenes would have beenharder to understand or relate to if it was not for theanimal imagery related to it. By comparing people to beasts, their true evilness or goodness is nicely illustrated. Desdemonabegan to explain to Othello that she had not wrongedhim and thus does not deserve this treatment. These images are often inappropriate, but they attach a certain edginess to the atmosphere of the play. A surprising, zoo-like variety of animal injury occur throughout the play. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Iago says to him, “…You’ll have your daughter / covered with a Barbary horse.” (I, i, 112-3) Iago obviously wants Othello to seem more evil, and wants Brabantio to take action against him. Shakespeare does this to create the illusion that Othello is perverted, has no control over his sexual urges, and is lustful, immoral and selfish to take the virginity of a young white girl. Dungeons were often the sewers of the castle which proves how desperate and hurt Othello felt. Animal Imagery in Othello Introduction All through his play Othello, William Shakespeare provides the exploit of animal simile as an intends for his role players that are to say Iago, to correspond their ideas and personality. In Othello, the use of animal imagery is used multiple times by Iago to describe the relationships between humans, especially of Desdemona and Othello. Imagery Poisoning Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com. Ay, well said; whisper. In the beginning of the play, when Iago is telling Brabantio about Desdemona and Othello, Iago says to him, “Even now, now very now, an old black ram / is tupping your white ewe.” (I, i, 89-90). Imagery is one of the strongest devices in literature wherein the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. This statement that Othello madereferring to a crocodile meant that the tears she shedwere deceptive tears. One canonly imagine Othello, who is generally of calm andcollective nature, turning into this ravaging beast. He uses it in a way to be crude and derogatory. Upon hearing of this alleged affair though,Othello went into a fit of rage yelling, Arise, black vengeance, from hollow hell! He often makes people angry at first and then persuades them a lie is the truth. In the play Othello, there are certain symbols and some recurring motifs which help us to understand the crucial aspects of the play. Shakespeare used it in many of his plays, and it is still used today. In conclusion, Shakespeares use of animal imageryin Othello was crucial to the description of thestory. In response, Desdemona uttered the quote above. 250–252).Othello’s blackness, his visible difference from everyone aroundhim, is of little importance to Desdemona: she has the power tosee him for what he is in a way that even Othello himself cannot.Desdemona’s line is one of many references to different kinds ofsight in the play. Animal imagery in Othello is used in a few ways, most notably to portray Iago’s sense of superiority over those around him and to fuel fires. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Essay In William Shakespeare"s play "Othello" the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. Shakespeare describes the characters actions by comparing them to the similarities in animals and having animal-like qualities. By defining characters in terms of thesecharacteristics one can get a clear description of whatthe character is doing or saying as compared to certainanimals. You havelost half your soul. Your online site for school work help and homework help. The Imagery of Othello Talks In the tragedy Othello the Bard of Avon uses imagery to talk between the lines, to set moods, to create a more dramatic impact on the mind of the audience, and for other reasons. He believes that she was crying to makehim feel that she was truly sorry, or that she had notdone anything wrong. It continues throughout the remainder of the play. According to Arthur O. Lovejoy and E. M. W. Tillyard, the Great Chain of Being is a universal hierarchy of all creation that … Iago wants Brabantio to get extremely angry with his daughter and especially with Othello, and knows that telling him that they are having sex, and comparing them to beasts, would make Brabantio or any other father furious. The first use of animal imagery in Othello occurs in the very first act, setting the tone for the rest of the book. In each case, the animal language is connected to prejudice. In this part of the play, Othello begins to lose his sanity. Let’s consider imagery in this essay. Even now, now, very now, and oldblack ram is tupping your white ewe (p. 13). Shakespeare describes the characters actions by comparing them to the similarities in animals and having animal-like qualities. Shakespeare uses this concept a lot to show the theme. Animal imagery can make the play easier to comprehend, and can show how the characters, mainly Iago, think. In particular, this language is used to describe Othello, the "Barbary horse," or the "beautiful creature" Desdemona. Later in the play, when Othello and Desdemona were fighting, Othello hits her in the heat of an argument. She remained loyal to him even after terrible things that he had done to her. Get an answer for 'What are examples of animal imagery in Othello, and what is their purpose in the drama? ' The Imagery of Othello Talks In the tragedy Othello the Bard of Avon uses imagery to talk between the lines, to set moods, to create a more dramatic impact on the mind of the audience, and for other reasons. They are more obvious and easier, so the audience can understand right away what the writer is trying to imply. With the countless of such envisions, a great deal can be articulated to the reality that Iago's lecture comprises over one-half. In Othello, the use of animal imagery is used multiple times by Iago to describe the relationships between humans, especially of Desdemona and Othello. A contrast is similarly shown when Iago talks about Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant. Animal Imagery in Othello...Animal Imagery in Othello Most often, such imagery is utilized in a grotesque manner, common to Iago’s speech, in order to further distress the listener. Throughout Othello, Shakespeare allows the use of animal imagery as a means for his characters, namely Iago, to communicate their thoughts and personality. This quote helps contrast the evilness of Iago with the greatness of Cassio. His plan was to get Cassio drunk and havehim mutter words of hate and disgust to Othello, aperson who Cassio had great respect for, until he wasdrunk and then fed him lies told to him by Iago. Othello is tricked into believing that she is cheating on him, and is disgusted by it. Let’s consider imagery in this essay. WORDS 4,838. It only takes seconds! Animal imagery in Othello is used in a few ways, most notably to portray Iago’s sense of superiority over those around him and to fuel fires. Tutor and Freelance Writer. It is ever so influential, and is very easily understood. In "Othello" certain scenes would have been harder to understand or relate to if it was not for the animal imagery related to it. And to Othello Iago refers to as an old black ram. After Iago planted more lies about Desdemona and her relationship with Cassio, Othello’s lieutenant, Othello said to himself, “O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours / and not their appetites! Another instance where using animal imagery made the statement more effective was when Roderigo was stabbed by Iago. If that the earth could teem with womans tears,Each drop she falls would prove a crocodile (p. 189). Calling him a dog was the worst thing that Roderigo could have called him, and he knew how powerful it would be. In Act III Scene 3he says: I had rather be a toadAnd live upon this vapour of a dungeonThan keep a corner in a thing I … Othello Animal Imagery Directions: Find three examples of animal imagery from Othello and set them up using the SSS method. Shakespeare used it in many of his plays, and it is still used today. On animal imagery, exemplified here are Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Othello by Shakespeare, and how they used some animal imagery. Quote 1 Speaker and Situation (who says it and what is going on in the play?) It distinguishes the characters, and also shows variation between them. Most often, such imagery is utilized in a grotesque manner, common to Iago's speech, in order to further distress the listener. Othello proclaimed, O, devil,devil! The play Othello, written by William Shakespeare, has a major theme of animal imagery, which is used throughout the play to intensify and deepen the underlying meanings. Could animal imagery be one of the strongest tools in literature? She is very pure and noble, and should never have been compared to a crocodile. When a swan is going to die, it will sing its In William Shakespeare’s play “Othello” the use ofanimal imagery was evident throughout the telling ofthe story. But the term is perhaps most commonly used to describe figurative language, which is as a... > × Home; Examples of Animal Imagery in 'Othello' PAGES 10. This is when Iago refers to seeing Desdemona and Cassio sleeping together, but by using animal imagery, he words it in a way that seems bestial. Othellonevertheless, yelled at her and continued to call herthe devil. He says to himself that he would rather be a toad, than stay in a relationship with her. Faith, he tonight hath boarded a land carrack, if it prove lawful prize, he’s made for ever. In using thecomparison of Hydra, the many headed monster, to Cassioexplained how Cassios burden would be lifted if heonly had more mouths to explain everything he had tosay at one time. The term imagery has various applications. In this paper I hope to give examples of animal imagery used in Othello that assist in explaining the play. Earlier in Act I, … Farewell. 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