We Will Write a Custom Essay SpecificallyFor You For Only $13.90/page! Shakespeare was attempting to illustrate a man, who wastorn between his good friend, someone who he respected,and his lover. Let’s consider imagery in this essay. Iago tells Brabantio that, "Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (1.1.97). Shakespeare used it in many of his plays, and it is still used today. Imagery is one very prominent example of figurative language, the language writers use to convey meaning beyond literal explanation. 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) In William Shakespeare”s play “Othello” the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. 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. What other device is a powerful as that?! Cite this article as: William Anderson (Schoolworkhelper Editorial Team), "Shakespeare’s Othello: Animal Imagery Essay," in, Shakespeare’s Othello: Animal Imagery Essay. Roderigo thinks that no human could ever do things Iago had done. 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. Has I as many mouths as Hydra, such ananswer would stop them all (p.101). Commend me to my kind lord. He is also insinuating that being a toad, or living upon the dungeons air would be preferable to his current situation. This changed once Iago began to manipulate and lie to him. 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. 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. But the animal imagery in Othello’s speeches reveals the hero’s misery, rather than sneering triumph. The Use Of Animal Imagery In Othello Word Count: 986 In William Shakespeares play Othello the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. If I simply wanted to communicate literally, I could tell my friend that the seasons are changing and leaves are beginning to turn colors and fall. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Animal imagery is used by Iago to derogate Othello as bestial when considering him as a mate for Desdemona. 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. After Othello finds out about the terrible things Iago had done to him, Othello talks to some of the soldiers and says to them, “I look down towards his feet; but that’s a fable. Metaphors and similes are often use by writers. The specific examples I present will describe a character either as seen by himself or by a fellow character. 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. 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. How about receiving a customized one? Shakespeare describes the characters actions by comparing them to the similarities in animals and having animal-like qualities. Would you like to get a custom essay? In Act 1 Scene 1, he calls him a ‘Barbary horse’ and an ‘old black ram’, using these images to make Desdemona’s father angry and telling him that Othello and Desdemona ‘are making the beast … As it turns out, a few words are also sufficient to paint a verbal picture. They are more obvious and easier, so the audience can understand right away what the writer is trying to imply. O inhuman dog!” (V, i, 62) He calls him an inhuman dog because of all the people that Iago betrayed. According to Arthur O. Lovejoy and E. M. W. Tillyard, the Great Chain of Being is a universal hierarchy of all creation that … Writers use imagery in their work to help the audience paint such pictures in their minds. 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. The term imagery has various applications. Shakespeare was trying todisplay a woman, who in the mind of her husband, wascrying tears of deception. Shakespeare uses this concept a lot to show the theme. Science, English, History, Civics, Art, Business, Law, Geography, all free! Othello had let his mind beso altered by Iagos lies, that he had even began tobelieve everything he said. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Finally, in Act Four Othello slapped Desdemonabecause he felt that she had wronged him. Discuss Shakespeare 's Use of Imagery in Othello to Reveal Character A lack of empathy makes for a true villain. Othello is infected by this imagery and begins to speak in the same terms. 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. Imagery is one of the strongest devices in literature wherein the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. The act of them running off together seems a lot worse when Iago uses animal imagery – the difference between them is much more obvious. 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. Shakespeare uses animal imagery very powerfully and intelligently. 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. 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. As it turns out, a few words are also sufficient to paint a verbal picture. Earlier in Act I, … Comparison of humans to animals has been an interesting and powerful tool that has been effectively used by many authors and playwriters. ATTENTION: Please help us feed and educate children by uploading your old homework! Desdemona never said anything negative about Othello throughout the play, and did not use animal imagery once. In each case, the animal language is connected to prejudice. Iago's Beast Imagery Iago tells Roderigo that they can get a measure of revenge upon Othello by telling Desdemona's father and kin of the elopement. 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). The characters in “Othello” were often depicted as having animal-like characteristics. With the countless of such envisions, a great deal can be articulated to the reality that Iago's lecture comprises over one-half. Quote 1 Speaker and Situation (who says it and what is going on in the play?) These metaphors also become increasingly prevalent in Othello’s … This action of Othello wasfueled by his earlier animal-like change caused byIago. The Use Of Animal Imagery In Othello Word Count: 986 In William Shakespeares play Othello the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. Thus, though Othello may be happy at the moment, they can "Plague him with flies" (1.1.71). In A1, S1, animal imagery first appears in the text to illustrate factors of Iago's personality. In Othello, Shakespeare uses a lot of animal imagery. Roderigo was played by Iago throughout the story, and in the end, Iago killed him. He says to himself that he would rather be a toad, than stay in a relationship with her. It continues throughout the remainder of the play. If I wanted to write more figur… Thus, though Othello may be happy at the moment, they can "Plague him with flies" (1.1.71). In a more limited application, the term describes visible objects only. When a swan is going to die, it will sing its I had rather be a toad / and live upon the vapour of the dungeon / than keep a corner in the thing I love / for others’ uses.” (III, iii, 270-5) In this quote Othello is talking very negatively about his wife Desdemona. 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. We often say that a picture paints a thousand words. Comparison Of Hero And Government In Beowulf And Oedipus Rex, The Effects Of Music On Advertising And Choice Befhavior. It is ever so influential, and is very easily understood. It makes you think while you read the book which is very intriguing. Essay In William Shakespeare"s play "Othello" the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. The characters in Othello were often depicted as having animal-like characteristics. Lastly,without the vivid comparisons of animals andcharacters, this play would undoubtedly have been morecomplicated to both interpret and understand. In a more limited application, the term describes visible objects only. The use of a black ram and awhite ewe to compare Othello and Desdemona helped inthe visualization of their affair. Free proofreading and copy-editing included. Animal Imagery: Iago calls Othello a ‘beast’, a ‘Barbary horse’ and an ‘old black ram’ to Brabantio, Desdemona’s father. Later in the play, when Othello and Desdemona were fighting, Othello hits her in the heat of an argument. In Othello , Shakespeare therefore conveys the tragedy of a great person’s degradation by frequent use of animal imagery. Shakespeare displayed animal imagery again in ActTwo when Cassio was explaining to Iago that if he hadas many mouths as Hydra, a many headed monster slain byHercules, he could silence the many questions asked ofhim. He never compared people to animals or used animal imagery in his everyday language. This is another example of animal imagery in Othello, where Iago relates Othello and Desdemona as animals. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Let’s consider imagery in this essay. This is illustrated at the very beginning through the character Iago. In Shakespeare’s tragic play, Othello, animal imagery is a convincing device used throughout the play to further develop the devastating tale. He refers to her as a white ewe, meaning pure and young. Although Othello was the one who killed her, she did not want to expose her husband. He uses it in a way to be crude and derogatory. and find homework help for other Othello questions at eNotes The crocodile was a creature thought to shedhypocritical tears. She never truly changes, even after all  the hardships she faced throughout. 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. Othello even begins … Although the play is in Shakespearian language, it is easily understood through animal references. These images are often inappropriate, but they attach a certain edginess to the atmosphere of the play. Shakespeare used it in many of his plays, and it is still used today. 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. Animal Imagery Iago uses a lot of animal imagery to describe Othello. Get an answer for 'What are examples of animal imagery in Othello, and what is their purpose in the drama? ' Iago is the character that uses this the most. He often makes people angry at first and then persuades them a lie is the truth. In Shakespeare’s play Othello, beast imagery is used throughout the entire play. Some characters were even compared to animals by other characters in the play. Swell, bosom, with thyfraught, for tis of aspics tongues (p. 149). This quote illustrates the major difference between Desdemona and Othello. 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. Shakespeares comparisonof characters to certain animals is unlike any others. Othello calls his wife a ‘minx’, a pejorative term (derived from the name for a small dog) for a perverse or flirtatious, untrustworthy woman. According to Iago, there is something bestial and animalistic about Othello ("The old black ram"); he's base and beastly, somehow beneath everyone else in Venice because of his North African heritage. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Iago's Beast Imagery. At last, this lie is going to turn to jealousy. … 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… In William Shakespeare”s play “Othello” the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. His devilish ways are particularly illustrated by his use of beast imagery. Firstly, Shakespeare uses animal imagery to show that Iago views others as less than him. Othello was a noble gentleman and was known for his greatness. But the animal imagery in Othello’s speeches reveals the hero’s misery, rather than sneering triumph. A common person, as well as a well-educated one would be able to understand that comparison. When they carry out this plan, Iago repeatedly uses beastly vulgarity to describe the sexual relationship between Othello and Desdemona. Animal imagery can make the play easier to comprehend, and can show how the characters, mainly Iago, think. This statement that Othello madereferring to a crocodile meant that the tears she shedwere deceptive tears. In Othello, Shakespeare uses a lot of animal imagery. Dungeons were often the sewers of the castle which proves how desperate and hurt Othello felt. Iago stated, Your heart is burst. Throughout Othello, Shakespeare allows the use of animal imagery as a means for his characters, namely Iago, to communicate their thoughts and personality. Shakespeares animal imagery in this paragraph helpsone to understand Cassios burden of having too manyquestions and not enough answers. Animal Imagery Iago uses a lot of animal imagery to describe Othello. You havelost half your soul. Imagery is one of the strongest devices in literature wherein the author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. It continues throughout the remainder of the play. In the beginning of the play, Othello was seen to be a lot different from Iago. By: Kristina, Giuiana, Lili Animal imagery is used in Othello by characters to racialize, sexualize, and belittle each other and this is evident in many quotes read in the play. Iago tells Roderigo that they can get a measure of revenge upon Othello by telling Desdemona's father and kin of the elopement. Animal imagery helps further develop the play by showing who the characters truly were, makes everything said a lot more dramatic and the points a lot clearer. It is present in many intelligent pieces, and is continually used. When Iago informs Brabantio of Desdemona leaving with Othello, he puts explicit images into her father’s mind. In this part of the play, Othello begins to lose his sanity. The characters in “Othello” were often depicted ashaving animal-like characteristics. If I wanted to write more figur… Othello is infected by this imagery and begins to speak in the same terms. View Full Essay. This is exactly whatIago wanted. In Othello certain scenes would have beenharder to understand or relate to if it was not for theanimal imagery related to it. By defining characters in terms of thesecharacteristics one can get a clear description of whatthe character is doing or saying as compared to certainanimals. In your significance, you will be discussing how Shakespeare uses this imagery to characterize Othello. What Emilia asked her was what had happened and who had done this to her. 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. 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! O inhuman dog" (5.1.63) -compares Iago to a Dog -Iago has betrayed him and At last, this lie is going to turn to jealousy. Earlier in Act I, … The animal imagery permeates the play, often referring to Othello's "otherness." Shakespeare explained several charactersactions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Another instance where using animal imagery made the statement more effective was when Roderigo was stabbed by Iago. Iago reminds Othello, in Act 3 Scene 3, of Brabantio’s accusation that Othello had used witchcraft to win Desdemona’s love, as well as the fact that she did deceive her father in marrying Othello. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. Comparison of humans to animals has been an interesting and powerful tool that has been effectively used by many authors and playwriters. On animal imagery, exemplified here are Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck and Othello by Shakespeare, and how they used some animal imagery. Animal imagery is introduced to us right away in the first scene when Iago and Roderigo want to "plague [Brabantio] with flies." Get an answer for 'What are examples of animal imagery in Othello, and what is their purpose in the drama? ' The animal imagery permeates the play, often referring to Othello's "otherness." In the first step in his plan to destroy Othello, Iago uses animal imagery in order to enrage Desdemona's father, Brabantio. Calling him a dog was the worst thing that Roderigo could have called him, and he knew how powerful it would be. Othello Animal Imagery Directions: Find three examples of animal imagery from Othello and set them up using the SSS method. The web he is referring to is all the lies that Iago will cast around Cassio. His  evilness is evident throughout the entire play. When Desdemona asks to be allowed to accompany Othelloto Cyprus, she says that she “saw Othello’s visage in his mind,/ And to his honours and his valiant parts / Did I my soul and fortunesconsecrate” (I.iii. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. 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. In Othello, the use of animal imagery is used multiple times by Iago to describe the relationships between humans, especially of Desdemona and Othello. Desdemona, on the other hand, is a very different character from Othello and Iago. and find homework help for other Othello questions at eNotes This is a very strong quote which exemplifies animal imagery perfectly. The first use of animal imagery in Othello occurs in the very first act, setting the tone for the rest of the book. He uses it also to crudely describe the false affair between Cassio and Desdemona. 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. This is another example of animal imagery in Othello, where Iago relates Othello and Desdemona as animals. Upon hearing of this alleged affair though,Othello went into a fit of rage yelling, Arise, black vengeance, from hollow hell! Writers use imagery in their work to help the audience paint such pictures in their minds. In particular, this language is used to describe Othello, the "Barbary horse," or the "beautiful creature" Desdemona. She is very pure and noble, and should never have been compared to a crocodile. Animals and insects; The sea and military heroism; Black and white; Themes [Add note to page. Even now, now, very now, and oldblack ram is tupping your white ewe (p. 13). In the play Othello, there are certain symbols and some recurring motifs which help us to understand the crucial aspects of the play. Belittling "Oh damn'd Iago! Her final words illustrate how powerful and loyal she was. According to Iago, there is something bestial and animalistic about Othello ("The old black ram"); he's base and beastly, somehow beneath everyone else in Venice because of his North African heritage. Animal Imagery: Iago calls Othello a ‘beast’, a ‘Barbary horse’ and an ‘old black ram’ to Brabantio, Desdemona’s father. A surprising, zoo-like variety of animal injury occur throughout the play. Othello is tricked into believing that she is cheating on him, and is disgusted by it. In response, Desdemona uttered the quote above. He often makes people angry at first and then persuades them a lie is the truth. Science Teacher and Lover of Essays. Her purity and goodness is apparent in the beginning, and continues to shine through the entire play. 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.