Designed for D. Mitchell's English A1 HL International Baccalaureate class at Socastee High School, this blog offers students key information, blog questions, assignments, and homework related to Part IV and Oral/Written Commentaries. Useful and fun links, as well as other resources, will also be included as time permits.
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Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Othello #1 Imagery
What type(s) of imagery does Shakespeare use prominently and what is its effect?
Shakespeare’s use of kinesthetic imagery helps the audience to understand the importance. The handkerchief represents love and it is described as being “spotted with strawberries” (III. iii). The strawberries are often direct relations to goddesses of love. Therefore, when Desdemonia cannot find her handkerchief for Othello, it is almost as if she has lost love for Othello. Strawberries can be a symbol of innocence as well. Because the handkerchief is no longer in her possession, part of her innocence has disappeared because they had a special bond through the handkerchief that has been in Othello’s family for many generations. The concept of the handkerchief makes it important that she has it at all times because “when [his] fate would have [him] wi[f]e, to give it [to] her” (III. iv). Shakespeare uses kinesthetic imagery to further explain the importance of symbols throughout the text.
Shakespeare also uses a lot of color imagery. Shakespeare is constantly labeling things either black or white. The colors are used to depict racial prejudice in the play and the opinionated ideas of good versus evil. Ironically one of the main characters, Othello, a black man, is on love with a white woman, Desdemona. When Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is first revealed in the novel to her father, Iago says “[e]ven now… an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (I. i). Comparing the black to the white and the ram to the ewe connotes the black has more power of the white, but power in a sense that the white ewe has no other choice but to listen to the black ram. As the story continues, the role of black and white switches; what was once white and good becomes evil. Iago, a white man, is the villain of the novel and manipulates Othello into thinking his wife is cheating on him. Othello’s world turns upside down, the black man becomes victim to a white man’s devious plan. Shakespeare forces the reader to ponder which color he means to symbolize good, and which color he means to symbolize evil.
Shakespeare also uses a lot of animal imagery. Shakespeare repeatedly marks his characters as animals. For instance creature, toad, dog, or even what Sara had stated ram. Animal imagery displays a character and how they are interpreted by other characters. In act IV scene II Emilia describes what Iago has maliciously compiled (Othello against Desdemona) as, “the serpent’s curse.” Iago is metaphorically being referred to as a serpent. Throughout literature, serpents are often clever creatures who are able to sneak around and strike when they feel their targets are vulnerable. Serpents are also a biblical allusion to the snake who tempted Eve in Genesis. There are also 9 remarks of the word, “poison” which is what snakes exert to subdue or kill their victims. Often animal imagery is applied to announce the status of a character or how they stack up in the food chain. Othello, the ram, is the prey in this story (I.i). He is an older version of lamb which is typically portrayed as sacrificial. Shakespeare employs “ram” because a ram can defend itself, but it is not a predator. So Othello would be susceptible to Iago because he is lower on the chain. In other words animal imagery controls a characters place in the novel.
I think that because Othello does end up killing his wife under Iagos plan, he is in a way evil. While not as horrible as Iago, Othello falls pray to emotions and does some truely horrible things, like killing Desdemona. I think throughout the entire play Shakespeare through the characters trys to make the reader believe that even though he is black he is good. Even though during the entire play the characters only refer to him by his race, calling him a Moor, Othello himself believes that he is more the just black, but a person of great stature. However, once Iago has messed with him and Othello thinks his wife is cheating on him, he calls himself "black and [that he has]not those soft parts of conversation [t]hat chamberes have"(264). Here I think he does turn "evil" while before this he wasn't. The fact that Iago is white and evil the entire time I do believe is supposed to be ironic, but not because he is white, because he is supposed to be "honest Iago," which of course doesn't mean he's good.
To present his characters through his own perception, Shakespeare utilizes many forms of imagery. Among the different types of imagery used, animal imagery is most prominent. Animal imagery aids the reader in understanding the behaviors of the characters. Othello, the protagonist character of the play, is compared to an “old black ram” (Act I, Scene I) and his wife Desdemona to a “white ewe” (Act I, Scene I). Being compared to a ram, one can infer that Othello is a very territorial and aggressive man. Desdemona, compared to a ewe, reveals herself to be timid, weak, or submissive, and easily swayed or led. This example of animal imagery foreshadows when Desdemona agrees to help Cassio regain his position and falls into Iago’s deceiving plot to reveal Cassio and Desdemona’s supposed love affair. Iago, setting the “serpent’s curse” (Act IV, Scene I) on several other characters in the play in order to manipulate events benefitting him, identifies greatly with a snake. Many times in literature the serpent represents someone or something full of deceit. Iago’s “forked tongue” was useful in his manipulation and persuasion. Just as snakes slowly kill their prey, Iago artfully and carefully ruins his victims. Along with sharing the traits of vengefulness and vindictiveness, Iago becomes very close to his victims and then suddenly “goes in for the kill”. Not only does animal imagery give the reader insight on how the characters behave, but also aids in foreshadowing the characters’ next move. -Julia
Shakespeare is constantly using animal imagery as well. The reference to animals is used to suggest that the characters are controlled by the laws of nature instead of the laws of society. Shakespeare presents the laws of nature when Cassio is drunk, he's a "fool, presently a beast" (II.iii.) The reference to the beastly persona connotes a savage and uncontrolled nature in the characters. Shakespeare also uses animal imagery to describe the racism surrounding the protagonist, Othello. For example Iago refers to Othello as an "old black ram" and a "barbary horse" (I.i.). Iago wants the audience to understand a negative connation towards Othello. Iago depicts Othello as a savage Moor by using the reference to the animals. Shakespeare’s use of animal imagery has a negative connotation that shows the untamed nature of each character. -Jon Morgan
I agree that Shakespeare uses color imagery to depict prejudice in the play. Othello and Desdemona's marriage is not the ideal marriage for people of the time, based on the color of their skin. This is portrayed when Brabantio says, “Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom” (13). This racial remark manifests the idea that Othello’s skin color hinders Brabantio’s acceptance of Othello marrying his daughter. The dichotomy that exists between skin color, black and white, depicts the prejudice of Brabantio. As said by Sara the irony of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage fosters the idea of prejudice within the play. Othello does not want to “shed her blood, nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow” (114). Othello uses color imagery, which gives recognition between his skin color and Desdemona's. He recognizes a distinct difference in skin color, right before he is about to kill her, which reveals his recognition of purity. Her white skin represents her pure nature and his gullibility has tainted his skin making him metaphorically dark inside and physically dark outside. He decides to smother he because if he murdered her in a different manner her blood would taint her purity and bring her down to his level.
Shakespeare also uses a form of bestial imagery to express the uncivilized and underhanded nature of the events occurring throughout the play. In prose form, Iago declares to Desdemona’s father that she and Othello “are making the beast with two backs” (220). Referring to sex, not only does the imagery connote the illicitness of such an act, however the use of prose as well shows its negativity. Also, Othello refers to Iago multiple times as “creature” (264), and also refers to women as “delicate creatures”, showing that no matter who, even to his most trusted Iago, everyone reflects the same lack of humanity at some point, regardless of his personal relation to them. Throughout that same monologue, he says “her jesses were my dear heartstrings”, jesses being that which binds a falcon to the falconer. The use of jesses molds her character into a bird of prey, conveying just how much Othello’s heart has changed regarding her. By frequent use of animal imagery, Shakespeare portrays the characters described not only by their actual personalities, but those perceived negatively in the web of misunderstanding throughout the play.
Shakespeare prominently uses animal imagery to create an insight for the reader to venture into the characters minds to depict their certain role within the play. Most of the animal imagery relates to Iago. Iago is said to be the “serpent” and as the play progresses, so does the serpent. By the time the climax occurs Iago’s venom begins to take a toll on the Moor, resulting in death. By using the word “serpent” the reader automatically classifies Iago as malicious and will most likely be the reason for the tragedy. Iago is referred to as a spider after Desdemona and Cassio clasp hands and states: "with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio"(II.i). Here, Iago illustrates a picture of his web catching all of those whose minds will be manipulated by him, foreshadowing what will happen in the continuation of the play. Also, the word “ensnare” relates back to the serpent and trapping the minds of the people. The animal imagery referring to Iago guides the reader into deciphering his role in the play. -Caitlin
(Agreeing with Sara) I agree that Shakespeare use’s color symbolism in order to show the racial prejudice in the play and the opinionated ideas of good versus evil. Shakespeare uses the contrasting colors of black and white to show the drastic differences between both Othello and Iago, and how their personalities are so contradicting. In act III, scene III Othello himself admits that the differences between races are common in the society when he states “Haply, for I am black”(264). Othello, states this during his soliloquy, which is the climax of the play, when Othello begins to persuade himself into believing about the alleged affair. Shakespeare’s shift in views on whether black is evil or if white is evil changes in the play when Othello begins to believe Iago. Therefore I agree that Shakespeare forces the reader to ponder which color he means to symbolize good, and which color he means to symbolize evil. The use of color symbolism is essential to the plot and for Shakespeare to be able to communicate to the audience of his character characterizations.
Shakespeare’s use of kinesthetic imagery helps the audience to understand the importance. The handkerchief represents love and it is described as being “spotted with strawberries” (III. iii). The strawberries are often direct relations to goddesses of love. Therefore, when Desdemonia cannot find her handkerchief for Othello, it is almost as if she has lost love for Othello. Strawberries can be a symbol of innocence as well. Because the handkerchief is no longer in her possession, part of her innocence has disappeared because they had a special bond through the handkerchief that has been in Othello’s family for many generations. The concept of the handkerchief makes it important that she has it at all times because “when [his] fate would have [him] wi[f]e, to give it [to] her” (III. iv). Shakespeare uses kinesthetic imagery to further explain the importance of symbols throughout the text.
ReplyDeleteShakespeare also uses a lot of color imagery. Shakespeare is constantly labeling things either black or white. The colors are used to depict racial prejudice in the play and the opinionated ideas of good versus evil. Ironically one of the main characters, Othello, a black man, is on love with a white woman, Desdemona. When Othello and Desdemona’s relationship is first revealed in the novel to her father, Iago says “[e]ven now… an old black ram is tupping your white ewe” (I. i). Comparing the black to the white and the ram to the ewe connotes the black has more power of the white, but power in a sense that the white ewe has no other choice but to listen to the black ram.
ReplyDeleteAs the story continues, the role of black and white switches; what was once white and good becomes evil. Iago, a white man, is the villain of the novel and manipulates Othello into thinking his wife is cheating on him. Othello’s world turns upside down, the black man becomes victim to a white man’s devious plan. Shakespeare forces the reader to ponder which color he means to symbolize good, and which color he means to symbolize evil.
Shakespeare also uses a lot of animal imagery. Shakespeare repeatedly marks his characters as animals. For instance creature, toad, dog, or even what Sara had stated ram. Animal imagery displays a character and how they are interpreted by other characters. In act IV scene II Emilia describes what Iago has maliciously compiled (Othello against Desdemona) as, “the serpent’s curse.” Iago is metaphorically being referred to as a serpent. Throughout literature, serpents are often clever creatures who are able to sneak around and strike when they feel their targets are vulnerable. Serpents are also a biblical allusion to the snake who tempted Eve in Genesis. There are also 9 remarks of the word, “poison” which is what snakes exert to subdue or kill their victims. Often animal imagery is applied to announce the status of a character or how they stack up in the food chain. Othello, the ram, is the prey in this story (I.i). He is an older version of lamb which is typically portrayed as sacrificial. Shakespeare employs “ram” because a ram can defend itself, but it is not a predator. So Othello would be susceptible to Iago because he is lower on the chain. In other words animal imagery controls a characters place in the novel.
ReplyDeleteI think that because Othello does end up killing his wife under Iagos plan, he is in a way evil. While not as horrible as Iago, Othello falls pray to emotions and does some truely horrible things, like killing Desdemona. I think throughout the entire play Shakespeare through the characters trys to make the reader believe that even though he is black he is good. Even though during the entire play the characters only refer to him by his race, calling him a Moor, Othello himself believes that he is more the just black, but a person of great stature. However, once Iago has messed with him and Othello thinks his wife is cheating on him, he calls himself "black and [that he has]not those soft parts of conversation [t]hat chamberes have"(264). Here I think he does turn "evil" while before this he wasn't. The fact that Iago is white and evil the entire time I do believe is supposed to be ironic, but not because he is white, because he is supposed to be "honest Iago," which of course doesn't mean he's good.
ReplyDeleteTo present his characters through his own perception, Shakespeare utilizes many forms of imagery. Among the different types of imagery used, animal imagery is most prominent. Animal imagery aids the reader in understanding the behaviors of the characters. Othello, the protagonist character of the play, is compared to an “old black ram” (Act I, Scene I) and his wife Desdemona to a “white ewe” (Act I, Scene I). Being compared to a ram, one can infer that Othello is a very territorial and aggressive man. Desdemona, compared to a ewe, reveals herself to be timid, weak, or submissive, and easily swayed or led. This example of animal imagery foreshadows when Desdemona agrees to help Cassio regain his position and falls into Iago’s deceiving plot to reveal Cassio and Desdemona’s supposed love affair. Iago, setting the “serpent’s curse” (Act IV, Scene I) on several other characters in the play in order to manipulate events benefitting him, identifies greatly with a snake. Many times in literature the serpent represents someone or something full of deceit. Iago’s “forked tongue” was useful in his manipulation and persuasion. Just as snakes slowly kill their prey, Iago artfully and carefully ruins his victims. Along with sharing the traits of vengefulness and vindictiveness, Iago becomes very close to his victims and then suddenly “goes in for the kill”. Not only does animal imagery give the reader insight on how the characters behave, but also aids in foreshadowing the characters’ next move.
ReplyDelete-Julia
Shakespeare is constantly using animal imagery as well. The reference to animals is used to suggest that the characters are controlled by the laws of nature instead of the laws of society. Shakespeare presents the laws of nature when Cassio is drunk, he's a "fool, presently a beast" (II.iii.) The reference to the beastly persona connotes a savage and uncontrolled nature in the characters. Shakespeare also uses animal imagery to describe the racism surrounding the protagonist, Othello. For example Iago refers to Othello as an "old black ram" and a "barbary horse" (I.i.). Iago wants the audience to understand a negative connation towards Othello. Iago depicts Othello as a savage Moor by using the reference to the animals. Shakespeare’s use of animal imagery has a negative connotation that shows the untamed nature of each character.
ReplyDelete-Jon Morgan
I agree that Shakespeare uses color imagery to depict prejudice in the play. Othello and Desdemona's marriage is not the ideal marriage for people of the time, based on the color of their skin. This is portrayed when Brabantio says, “Run from her guardage to the sooty bosom” (13). This racial remark manifests the idea that Othello’s skin color hinders Brabantio’s acceptance of Othello marrying his daughter. The dichotomy that exists between skin color, black and white, depicts the prejudice of Brabantio. As said by Sara the irony of Othello and Desdemona’s marriage fosters the idea of prejudice within the play. Othello does not want to “shed her blood, nor scar that whiter skin of hers than snow” (114). Othello uses color imagery, which gives recognition between his skin color and Desdemona's. He recognizes a distinct difference in skin color, right before he is about to kill her, which reveals his recognition of purity. Her white skin represents her pure nature and his gullibility has tainted his skin making him metaphorically dark inside and physically dark outside. He decides to smother he because if he murdered her in a different manner her blood would taint her purity and bring her down to his level.
ReplyDeleteShakespeare also uses a form of bestial imagery to express the uncivilized and underhanded nature of the events occurring throughout the play. In prose form, Iago declares to Desdemona’s father that she and Othello “are making the beast with two backs” (220). Referring to sex, not only does the imagery connote the illicitness of such an act, however the use of prose as well shows its negativity. Also, Othello refers to Iago multiple times as “creature” (264), and also refers to women as “delicate creatures”, showing that no matter who, even to his most trusted Iago, everyone reflects the same lack of humanity at some point, regardless of his personal relation to them. Throughout that same monologue, he says “her jesses were my dear heartstrings”, jesses being that which binds a falcon to the falconer. The use of jesses molds her character into a bird of prey, conveying just how much Othello’s heart has changed regarding her. By frequent use of animal imagery, Shakespeare portrays the characters described not only by their actual personalities, but those perceived negatively in the web of misunderstanding throughout the play.
ReplyDeleteShakespeare prominently uses animal imagery to create an insight for the reader to venture into the characters minds to depict their certain role within the play. Most of the animal imagery relates to Iago. Iago is said to be the “serpent” and as the play progresses, so does the serpent. By the time the climax occurs Iago’s venom begins to take a toll on the Moor, resulting in death. By using the word “serpent” the reader automatically classifies Iago as malicious and will most likely be the reason for the tragedy. Iago is referred to as a spider after Desdemona and Cassio clasp hands and states: "with as little a web as this will I ensnare as great a fly as Cassio"(II.i). Here, Iago illustrates a picture of his web catching all of those whose minds will be manipulated by him, foreshadowing what will happen in the continuation of the play. Also, the word “ensnare” relates back to the serpent and trapping the minds of the people. The animal imagery referring to Iago guides the reader into deciphering his role in the play.
ReplyDelete-Caitlin
(Agreeing with Sara)
ReplyDeleteI agree that Shakespeare use’s color symbolism in order to show the racial prejudice in the play and the opinionated ideas of good versus evil. Shakespeare uses the contrasting colors of black and white to show the drastic differences between both Othello and Iago, and how their personalities are so contradicting. In act III, scene III Othello himself admits that the differences between races are common in the society when he states “Haply, for I am black”(264). Othello, states this during his soliloquy, which is the climax of the play, when Othello begins to persuade himself into believing about the alleged affair. Shakespeare’s shift in views on whether black is evil or if white is evil changes in the play when Othello begins to believe Iago. Therefore I agree that Shakespeare forces the reader to ponder which color he means to symbolize good, and which color he means to symbolize evil. The use of color symbolism is essential to the plot and for Shakespeare to be able to communicate to the audience of his character characterizations.
-Pooja