Iago's Words In Othello

Regardless of Othello’s emotion and the depth of his love, Othello is another victim. He kills his wife due to a seemingly loyal person, Iago. Iago is Othello’s ancient who follows Othello and pretends loyalty. Iago says “Good my lord, pardon me/ though I am bound to every act of duty/ I am not bound to that all slaves are free to/ utter my thoughts?” (3.3.138-141). Iago’s words show that Iago puts an effort to build the trust with Othello, pretending that he will be always honest to Othello. Othello completely believes Iago without any suspicion because Iago’s voice is robust and sounds as if Iago didn’t tell the truth just because he is afraid that Othello might hurt. Janet Adelman asserts that Othello is self-assured and positive at the …show more content…
Othello could have asked Desdemona about the rumor with Cassio or when Othello and Emilia are having conversation about Desdemona, he can doubt Iago, not Desdemona (4.2.1-21).However, Iago’s words are strong enough to prevent Othello from being suspicious of Iago. Rebecca Olson mentions that Iago’s speech style rouses the jealousy. Act 3, Scene 3 has good examples of his speech style. Iago’s lines such as, “Did Michael Cassio, when you wooed my lady/ know of your love?”, “I did not think he had been acquainted with her,” “Indeed?”, “Honest, my lord?” show that Iago doesn’t actually state Desdemona’s affair but implies it so that Othello can be suspicious of her (3.3.95-106). Instead of answering the questions, Iago asks the question again or repeats what Othello says. From this, Othello becomes curious about the truth that Iago knows, and jealousy starts from this delusion. The words, tone, and phrases represent the person’s characteristic and is one of the most important factors when people build relationship. For Othello, Iago’s words are beyond trustworthy in that Iago tells everything and also brings strong evidence to