Despite being a respected leader, Othello is discriminated using animal imagery. Throughout the play, Iago in particular uses these metaphors. In the beginning, Iago explains “an old black ram/ is tupping your white ewe (1.1 97-98). In this quote, the ram is a symbol for Othello because of his age and appearance, The white ewe represents Desdemona due to her fair complexion and purity. Iago uses this imagery to illustrate a form of dehumanization. By stripping Othello of his human nature, Iago is degrading Othello’s ranking. Iago attempts to present himself as someone who is superior. Since Othello is the general, that makes him higher class. If it weren't for this position, he would be the lowest ranked man in Venice because he is a moor.
