Analysis of Shakespeare’s language and structural choices in the conversations between Othello and Iago (lines 90-256). How does Shakespeare use language and structure to explore ideas on control?
In Act 3 Scene 3, Shakespeare uses distinctive language and structure to represent the relationship between Iago and Othello through their conversation and to explore the ideas of control.
In terms of language, Shakespeare uses repetition at the beginning of the passage between Othello and Iago. Every time Othello poses a question, Iago responds by simply repeating the same question back to Othello:
Othello: ”Is he not honest?”
Iago: “Honest, my lord?”
Othello: ‘Honest? Ay honest”
Iago: “My lord, for aught i know”
Othello: “What dost thou think?” …show more content…
This is extremely ironic, because Iago himself is a very jealous character and is in fact jealous of both Othello and Cassio, yet he is warning Othello to be aware of the fact that jealously can otherwise be known as a monster. Shakespeare’s use of the word monster is very unsettling, which could symbolise how jealously is seen as very wicked and picks its own victims. Again here it is very ironic as Iago can be seen as the monster and Othello as the victim. Furthermore Iago is also using negative language here, which results in Othello becoming increasingly suspicious and doubtful, resulting in him asking Othello many questions about his thoughts and therefore showing how Iago holds control over the conversation.
Othello also has a long syntax, in which he defends himself from any jealousy and also defending Desdemona by claiming that she chose him with her eyes wide open, so it is therefore not possible that she is involved with anyone else. After his speech, Iago then warns him:
Iago: “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor
In Act 3 Scene 3, Shakespeare uses distinctive language and structure to represent the relationship between Iago and Othello through their conversation and to explore the ideas of control.
In terms of language, Shakespeare uses repetition at the beginning of the passage between Othello and Iago. Every time Othello poses a question, Iago responds by simply repeating the same question back to Othello:
Othello: ”Is he not honest?”
Iago: “Honest, my lord?”
Othello: ‘Honest? Ay honest”
Iago: “My lord, for aught i know”
Othello: “What dost thou think?” …show more content…
This is extremely ironic, because Iago himself is a very jealous character and is in fact jealous of both Othello and Cassio, yet he is warning Othello to be aware of the fact that jealously can otherwise be known as a monster. Shakespeare’s use of the word monster is very unsettling, which could symbolise how jealously is seen as very wicked and picks its own victims. Again here it is very ironic as Iago can be seen as the monster and Othello as the victim. Furthermore Iago is also using negative language here, which results in Othello becoming increasingly suspicious and doubtful, resulting in him asking Othello many questions about his thoughts and therefore showing how Iago holds control over the conversation.
Othello also has a long syntax, in which he defends himself from any jealousy and also defending Desdemona by claiming that she chose him with her eyes wide open, so it is therefore not possible that she is involved with anyone else. After his speech, Iago then warns him:
Iago: “Look to your wife; observe her well with Cassio; Wear your eyes thus, not jealous nor