Throughout the conversation between Iago and Othello, Iago ensures that Othello sees him as a loyal friend before he “discloses” his fears about Cassio. Throughout lines 102-318, Iago implies that he is a person of loyalty and is only there to support actions that Othello is willing to take out of open interpretation. Furthermore, during the entire scene, Iago leaves a baseline through his hesitation in fully answering Othello’s questions, and thus leaves a doubt in Othello’s mind in regards to his wife and her loyalty. Iago puts in phrases such as “…My lord, you know I love you” (3.3 line 134) in order to ensure that Othello does not see any evil intention in the conversation, but rather a friend expressing a general, vague concern. Furthermore, Iago uses states, “I dare be sworn” in line 145, in order to secure his statement and show his placidness while Othello fills up with jealousy. Apart from the placid nature, Iago continues the conversation by underestimating himself through the use of words such as “meaningless,” “weak,” and “imaginary” in lines 170-175 when describing his thoughts and beliefs about the “affair.” Shakespeare uses this as a way to illustrate how others’ actions can be of influence, as Iago’s fidgety nature when describing himself makes Othello question himself due to the uneasiness of his most trusted man. Thus, Shakespeare uses diction in order to create a
Throughout the conversation between Iago and Othello, Iago ensures that Othello sees him as a loyal friend before he “discloses” his fears about Cassio. Throughout lines 102-318, Iago implies that he is a person of loyalty and is only there to support actions that Othello is willing to take out of open interpretation. Furthermore, during the entire scene, Iago leaves a baseline through his hesitation in fully answering Othello’s questions, and thus leaves a doubt in Othello’s mind in regards to his wife and her loyalty. Iago puts in phrases such as “…My lord, you know I love you” (3.3 line 134) in order to ensure that Othello does not see any evil intention in the conversation, but rather a friend expressing a general, vague concern. Furthermore, Iago uses states, “I dare be sworn” in line 145, in order to secure his statement and show his placidness while Othello fills up with jealousy. Apart from the placid nature, Iago continues the conversation by underestimating himself through the use of words such as “meaningless,” “weak,” and “imaginary” in lines 170-175 when describing his thoughts and beliefs about the “affair.” Shakespeare uses this as a way to illustrate how others’ actions can be of influence, as Iago’s fidgety nature when describing himself makes Othello question himself due to the uneasiness of his most trusted man. Thus, Shakespeare uses diction in order to create a