How Does Iago Use Language In Othello

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Language is used for many concepts such as describing emotion, sharing thoughts, and depicting objects. It is not often thought that language could be used in a way that proves a character is good or evil. Iago, the antagonist in the tragedy Othello by William Shakespeare, proved that he was a villainous character through the use of language. Iago uses language to manipulate others in order to achieve his own ambitions. Roderigo, convinced by Iago that Desdemona would tire of her love for Othello, is told to fill his purse and travel to Cyprus. Blinded with the hope of winning Desdemona’s hand, Roderigo did not see that Iago is only using him.“If I would time expend with such a snipe/ But for my sport and profit” (Shakespeare 53). Iago manipulated…show more content…
Iago tells Othello that Cassio was boasting about his affairs with Desdemona and states, “For I will make him tell the tale anew,/Where, how, how oft, how long ago...” (Shakespeare 171). He told Othello that he would talk with Cassio in order to convince Othello that he is loyal and trustworthy. In reality, Iago asks about Cassio’s affairs with Bianca, but it seems as though they are talking about Desdemona from Othello’s point of view. In the beginning of the tragedy, Iago is angered that Othello passed him for a promotion as lieutenant and gave it to Cassio instead. He confesses his true feelings toward Othello saying, “Though I do hate him as I do hell pains.../I must show out a flag and sign of love…” (Shakespeare 15). Iago means to say that he must hide his true feelings for Othello and remain friendly in order to find a way to deceive him as revenge for not promoting…show more content…
Iago planted in Othello’s mind that Desdemona and Cassio were lovers; Othello took the bait, and Iago triumphs as he loses control. “My medicine, work! Thus credulous fools are caught…” (Shakespeare 167). Iago knew that Desdemona was Othello’s weakness and used her “betrayal“ to destroy him. Iago noticed the attachment and love between Othello and Desdemona, and he knew that he had found Othello’s weakness and stated, “Oh, you are well tuned now!/But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music…” (Shakespeare 71). Iago set a plan to use that weakness against Othello and enact his revenge. Language was used in Othello to prove that Iago was the antagonist of the tragedy. The characteristics of a villain such as ambition, befriend only to betray, and a weak protagonist makes a strong antagonist can all be established through language. There are many ways to recognize a villain but to recognize the villain through the use of language is by far the most

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