![]() ![]() ![]() Once commanded by Othello to ‘give thy worst of words/The worst of thoughts’, Iago has recognised the effect he is having on the protagonist, and so exploits the control he has gained to a further degree, by withholding information much more openly ‘I am not bound to that: All slaves are free:/Utter my thoughts? Why say, they are vile, and false?’ Here, Iago distorts Othello’s rational thinking process further, by openly suggesting that he’s having doubts about Desdemona’s faithfulness.Shakespeare illustrates Iago’s masterly manipulation of syntax throughout this scene also, in order to plant the idea of jealousy in Othello’s mind. The evidence of the effectiveness of these techniques is conveyed through Othello’s words ‘…thou echo’st me /As if there were some monster in thy thought…Īnd when I told thee, he was of my counsel…thou criedst, Indeed?…as if thou then had shut up in thy brain/Some horrible conceit.’ This is the first indication that Iago’s attempts at manipulating Othello’s thoughts have been successful, and again prove Shakespeare’s success at depicting Iago as a wily, calculating villain. In withholding his thoughts Iago appears to Othello as being loyal to Cassio and this is the quality recognised by Othello not Iago’s incrimination of the dependable Lieutenant.Therefore, Othello does not suspect Iago of foul play. ![]() His repeated repetition of Othello’s words, for example ‘Think, my Lord?’, also proves to be extremely effective in evoking Othello’s suspicions. For instance in his reply to Othello’s query about the reason behind Iago’s curiosity, he states ‘But for satisfaction of my thought. Thus Shakespeare has effectively conveyed Iago’s intelligence and opportunistic nature within these few moments early on in this scene, as the manipulative villain manages to take advantage of a situation, using it to further his cause.A feigned reluctance to speak is a persuasive technique frequently demonstrated by Shakespeare in Iago’s behaviour throughout this scene. ‘ Since Iago is responding to an enquiry made by Othello here, it appears that he is merely answering to his superior, rather than manipulating his thoughts. We Will Write a Custom Essay Specifically Iago then exploits simple human nature, by feigning reluctance to speak, and withholding information ‘Nothing my Lord or if -I know not what’.Again, due to Othello’s sense that Iago does not wish to express his thoughts, Othello’s desire to hear of them increases, which allows Iago to indirectly plant suspicions in Othello’s mind through his use of language ‘I cannot think it/ That he would steal away so guilty-like,/Seeing your coming. It is essential that the audience find Iago’s performance here to be convincing, so that they are able to believe that Othello’s trust in Iago would not be doubted before that in his wife, and consequently do not lose interest in the play emotionally.Subtly introducing Iago’s manipulative behaviour to this scene, Shakespeare conveys how the villain begins the process of arousing Othello’s suspicions initially via indirect methods, such as his implicit introduction of the topic of the suspicious nature of Desdemona’s relationship with Cassio ‘Ha? I like not that.’ Iago would perhaps mutter this though audibly, under his breath, suggesting to Othello that Iago’s thoughts are incriminating, which causes Othello to focus his attention on the ‘Ancient’ and his thoughts. This scene is the first instance throughout the play that illustrates Iago putting his plan to manipulate Othello’s thoughts and feelings about his wife’s innocence and fidelity into execution. Demonstrating Shakespeare’s depiction of Iago’s masterly manipulation of language in order to seek his sworn revenge on Othello, Act 3 Scene 3 is the longest scene of ‘Othello’ and occurs in the middle of the play. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |