Iago’s Use of Tone and Simile to Deceive Othello in Shakespeare’s Othello :: Othello Essays

Iagos Use of Tone and Simile to Deceive Othello in Shakespeares OthelloThe greatest and best villains in literature are those who possess the capacity to manipulate others in order to further their own causes. In Othello, Iago has the insight and tact to manipulate the other characters, such as Cassio, Roderigo, Desdemona, and in this case, Othello. The methods by which Iago workings the other characters are varied, and one prime example of his cunning ability to manipulate can be seen in Act III.iii.333-450. In this passage Iago utilizes numerous rhetorical strategies to his advantage in particular he uses notation and simile. These rhetorical strategies are instrumental in the deception of Othello.Throughout this passage Iagos savour when he speaks is critical in his effort to make Othello do as planned. This tone is one of innocence and loyalty, and is used effectively to make Othello trust Iagos statements. Iago appears to be innocent in his reluctance to relate to Othello w hat he knows about Desdemona and Cassio, as seen on lines 373-380. In this particular passage Iago uses his tone to demonstrate how he did not want to make enemies by telling the truth. Consequently, Othello assumes that Iago is not a part of any scheme and therefore must be telling the truth. The tone of innocence and loyalty to Othello is one of the methods by which Iago successfully manipulates Othello.Not only does Iago utilize the rhetorical strategy of tone, he also employs similes to emphasize points. On lines 403-405, Iago uses seven-fold similes with the intent of deceiving Othello into thinking that Desdemona and Cassio had a promiscuous relationship. By give tongue to that they were as prime as goats and as hot as monkeys, Iago is almost directly saying that they are having wild sexual relations. Furthermore, by using these similes, Iago helps to confirm Othellos suspicion of Cassio and Desdemona, which was brought about by Iago in the first place. The use of similes is instrumental in Iagos manipulation of Othello as seen in this passage.