3.

Examine the use of animal imagery in the play, beginning with Iagos speeches in the first scene of the play. Locate as many references to animals as you can. Establish patterns. What does the animal imagery contribute to the themes of the play? Animal imagery in Othello expresses racist remarks and compares some characters to an animal counterpart. For example, the racist comparisons made to Othello show his beastly and foolish side. Shakespeare reveals to the audience the true characteristics of his characters, and show themes dealing with corruption, sexuality, and gender differences.

1.3.443-445 OTHELLO AS A DONKEY. Iago compares Othello to a donkey, meaning he is easily manipulated. The imagery of the donkey contributes to the theme of manipulation and references to his willingness to trust Iago. 1.1.125 IAGOs RASCISM. Iago refers to Othello as a Barbary horse, and makes constant racist remarks throughout the play in order to make Othello seem less than a human. 2.3.293-295 CASSIO =DOG, CYPRUS=LION Cassio is only given a harsh punishment to appease the people of Cyprus. 4.1.24 RAVEN Othello constantly worries about the handkerchief and compares his thoughts to a raven bringing bad omens over ones house. This relates to jealousy and how Othellos constant doubt of Desdemona led to both of their demise. 1.1.97-98 OTHELLO AS AN OLD RAM, DESDEMONA AS A WHITE EWE. Othello is being described as old black Ram villainizing him by making him seem as if he is corrupting Desdemona. The characters are frequently dehumanized in order to make their actions seem primitive. This remark also contributes to the theme of race because it showcases the stereotypes people held about Othello and Desdemona and how it contributed to their separation. 5.1.74: IAGO, THE DOG. Roderigo refers to Iago as an Inhuman dog after discovering Iagos true intentions for Desdemona, Cassio, and himself. This is the first instance a character sees the real Iago. Using dog to refer to a person reveals trickery and underhandedness. 5.2.296 EMILIA, THE SWAN. According to legend, the swan would sing as it died, and as she dies Emilia sings the "willow" song which Desdemona sang and which foretold Desdemona's death. It is as though Emilia, lying beside Desdemona and singing her song, is Desdemona's voice from beyond the grave. 2.3.324: HYDRAS HEADS: In these lines, Cassio tells Iago that even if he had many heads (like a Hydra) in which to answer to Othello, Othello calling him a drunkard would silence all of them. Cassio uses the Hydra to help demonstrate his respect and adoration for Othello, which becomes ironic later when Othello orders Cassios death. 3.3.460-461GOATS, MONKEYS, AND WOLVES, OH MY! Iago is falsely comparing Cassio and Desdemona as intensely lustful creatures known for frequent copulation. These metaphorical representations imply their sexuality as mindless and fervent as opposed to romantic and humane. This

relates to an animalistic theme because many of the actions in the play are referred to as beastly or subhuman.

3.3.452 CASSIO HAS TUPPED THE EWE Iago has replaced Othello with Cassio as the ram in his twisted metaphor and has removed any possible sympathy for Desdemona with his more vulgar use of topped to dehumanize her. Again the characters are mentioned as being controlled by impulse and subhuman. 7. What opinions of Iago, before his exposure, are expressed by Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, and Lodovico? Is Othello the only one taken in by him? Does his own wife think him capable of villainy? Many of the characters address Iago as Honest Iago and more or less do not suspect him of any danger, although Brabantio is the only character to call him a villain. Many characters seek his advice because they trust him to point them in the right direction. His wife, Emilia, expresses annoyance with him every now and then, but does not think much it. 2.1.178 IAGO IS OFFENSIVE Desdemona thinks he is profane, yet liberal. She finds him offensive, but harmless. She is one of the few characters to express doubt at Iago because of his attitude towards women, but she does not suspect him of villainy. 5.2.189: HONEST IAGO. In this line, Othello refers to Iago as My friend, thy husband; honest, honest Iago. This shows what Othello thought about Iago even towards the final act. He even shows surprise when Iagos ruse falls through. 3.1.43-45: KIND AND HONEST FLORENTINE. Cassio expresses his opinion of Iago, saying that he never knew A Florentine more kind and honest. Through this, its evident that Cassio believed Iago to be genuine. He even listens to his advice and doesnt question it. 4.1.296-301 LODOVICO AND IAGO. When he comes to visit Cyprus and sees Othello strike Desdemona, Lodovico turns to Iago for an explanation and then believes the explanation Iago provides. Even though he is new to the events in Cyprus, he doesnt express any doubt about Iago. 3.3.345-365. EMILIA AND IAGO. Emilia is mistreated by Iago, and when Othello questions her about honest Iago she doesnt believe it. However, she doesnt think him capable of true villainy. She hands him the handkerchief because he simply wanted it, and not because she was a part of his plot.