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Othello Critical Abalysis

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Submitted By bswagg
Words 583
Pages 3
Shakespeare uses a great deal of irony in his play Othello to develop certain characters while also thickening the plot. Iago develops by the constant use of irony while also mentioning the true nature of jealousy. Jealousy is a cruel thing and Iago plants the evil seed of it into Othello. Shakespeare’s use of Irony in Othello helps to develop Iago’s character as well as show the true nature of jealousy. The Irony in Othello changes or view of Iago’s character and reveals to us how sinister this man is. In Act III scene iii Iago and Othello are having a conversation when Othello says “Think my lord! By heaven, he echoes me, as if there were some monster in his thought to hideous to be shown.” This is verbal irony and since Iago truly does have a “monster in his thought” a sense of villainy is further shown in Iago by letting Othello think him a good man. Later of in the dialogue Iago states that “Men should be what they seem;” which also is ironic because Iago himself isn’t the man he seems to be. The true nature of this conversation is beginning to be revealed and again Iago’s true vile nature is shown because he is misleading Othello and setting him up. The whole conversation Iago is saying how he should not speak badly against his friend and leading Othello on to want more which is human nature. In this situational irony a heightened sense of awareness to Iago’s character is gained because of the revelation to his plot. Iago’s key characteristics are revealed in this section of Othello. Jealousy is a dangerous thing and can drive men mad. Iago plants a seed in Othello’s head that makes him jealous. The nature of jealousy in Iago’s words are “it is the green-eyed monster which doth mocks the meat it feeds on;” and this comment makes Othello deny being jealous. Jealousy is a weird thing and the more you have it the more you deny it. Othello states “away at

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