Animal imagery in othello

Animal imagery in othello

1. Iago

   • reflection of his mind and outlook
   • degraded view of human nature
     • no differences to man and beast
       • qualities repulsive and disturbing of animal one
   • love-matter of animal instinct
     • lust of blood and a permission of the will
   • depicted imagined love of D and C in terms of gross animality
     • 'as prime as goasts as hot as monkeys'

2. othello uses it act 3 s 3 onwards

   • corsening of language sign that iagos endeavour to poison his mind and corrupt had desired effect
     • 'rather be a toad and live upon the vapour of a dungeon'
       • than share desdemona with others
         • we know that iago has been succesfull
   • use of it through 2nd half of play more repulsive than iagos degrading him and D whos chief subject of bestial feautures
     • 'fair warrior' esteemed as chaste as summer flies in slaughterhouse 'that quicken even with blowing'
   • deranged by passsionate jelousy leaves venetian emissaries with cry 'goats and monkeys'