, Summary Act 1 – Act 5
Act 1, Scene 1
In Act 1, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's "Othello," we are introduced to Roderigo and Iago in the
streets of Venice at night. Roderigo expresses his displeasure to Iago, who has been managing his
money and seemingly knows about a distressing situation. Iago confirms that he despises Othello
and explains how he feels wronged by him. Despite having influential people advocate for Iago's
promotion to lieutenant, Othello chose Michael Cassio, a mere "arithmetician" with no battlefield
experience. Iago is particularly resentful because he believes his own military merits and experiences
have been overlooked in favor of Cassio's bookish knowledge. Iago goes on to criticize the system
where promotions are based on favoritism rather than merit. He reveals his plan to feign loyalty to
Othello while secretly plotting against him. This introduces Iago's duplicitous nature: he serves
Othello only to exploit him later. Roderigo, who despises Othello and desires Desdemona, Othello's
wife, is easily manipulated by Iago's cunning. The scene takes a dramatic turn when Iago suggests
they wake Brabantio, Desdemona's father, to inform him of her secret marriage to Othello. Iago
uses crude and racist imagery to incite Brabantio, suggesting that his daughter is with an "old black
ram" (Othello), provoking Brabantio's anger. As they call out to Brabantio, he appears above,
confused and alarmed by the commotion. Brabantio, initially not recognizing Roderigo, is shocked
and outraged when he learns of his daughter's actions. Despite Roderigo's assurances that he means
well, Brabantio is distraught and incredulous, demanding to know if his daughter has indeed eloped
with Othello. He questions how she could be deceived and wonders if she has been charmed or
bewitched. The scene culminates with Brabantio summoning his household and preparing to confront
Othello, fueled by the belief that his daughter has been stolen from him through deceit or magic.
Iago, having planted the seeds of discord, subtly exits, not wanting to be seen as too directly
involved in the confrontation with Othello. Throughout this opening scene, Shakespeare sets the
stage for the ensuing tragedy by establishing key conflicts and character motivations. Iago's
manipulative nature and deep-seated hatred for Othello are made clear, as is Roderigo's gullible and
desperate infatuation with Desdemona. Brabantio's reaction underscores the societal prejudices and
tensions that will play a significant role in the unfolding drama. The scene effectively introduces the
themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racial tension, all of which are central to the play's tragic
trajectory. Iago's cunning and malicious intentions are laid bare, foreshadowing the chaos and
destruction he will bring to Othello's life. The audience is drawn into the web of deceit and
manipulation that will drive the narrative forward, creating a sense of anticipation and foreboding.
, Character Analysis
Othello
What is the character's background and social status?
Othello is a Moor, a man of African descent, and a highly respected general in the Venetian army.
Despite his foreign origin and racial differences, he has risen to a prominent social and military
position in Venice, a city-state that values his military prowess. Othello's marriage to Desdemona, a
white Venetian woman from a noble family, marks his integration into Venetian society but also sets
the stage for tensions and conflicts.
How does the character's background influence their actions and decisions?
Othello's background as an outsider, both racially and culturally, plays a significant role in his
actions and decisions. His status as a respected general is juxtaposed with the underlying prejudice
he faces, making him susceptible to insecurities about his place in Venetian society and his
marriage. These insecurities are exploited by Iago, leading Othello to make impulsive and tragic
decisions.
What are the character's primary motivations?
Othello's primary motivations include maintaining his reputation as a capable and honorable
general, securing his place within Venetian society, and preserving his marriage to Desdemona. His
love for Desdemona and desire for her loyalty are central to his motivations.
What goals is the character trying to achieve?
Othello aims to protect his honor and integrity, both as a military leader and as a husband. He
strives to ensure his love for Desdemona is reciprocated and remains steadfast. However, his goals
become clouded by Iago's manipulations, leading him to seek vengeance for perceived infidelity.
How does the character interact with other characters?
Othello's interactions are marked by respect and authority in his military role, and initially, by love
and trust in his relationship with Desdemona. He is also friendly and trusting towards Iago, whom
he considers honest and loyal. However, his interactions shift dramatically as Iago's deceitful
schemes unfold.
What are the key relationships that define the character's role in the play?
Desdemona: Othello's wife, representing love, trust, and eventually, the tragic breakdown of these
qualities.
Iago: Othello's ensign, whose betrayal and manipulation drive the play's tragic events.
Cassio: Othello's loyal lieutenant, whose demotion and alleged affair with Desdemona become
central to the plot.
Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid, who ultimately reveals Iago's treachery.
, Quotes
Act 1 Scene 1
"Despise me if I do not." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago's words reveal his deep resentment towards Othello, highlighting his hatred and the
betrayal he feels over being passed over for promotion. This sets the stage for his manipulative and
vengeful actions throughout the play.
"It is as sure as you are Roderigo." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago asserts his loyalty to Roderigo, though ironically, this is part of his deceptive
nature. He uses Roderigo as a pawn in his larger scheme, demonstrating how he manipulates others
for his own gain.
"I follow him to serve my turn upon him." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago openly admits his deceitful intentions, revealing that his loyalty to Othello is only
a facade. This statement encapsulates Iago's duplicity and the theme of appearance versus reality in
the play.
"O heaven! How got she out?" (Brabantio)
Explanation: Brabantio's shock and disbelief at Desdemona's elopement reflect the societal
expectations of obedience from daughters. His reaction underscores the theme of betrayal and the
patriarchal control over women in the play.
Act 1 Scene 2
"’Tis better as it is." (Othello)
Explanation: Othello's calm acceptance of the situation reflects his confidence and sense of control.
Despite Iago's provocative comments, Othello remains assured that his service to Venice and his
honorable intentions will outweigh Brabantio's accusations. This quote underscores Othello's self-
assurance and belief in his own worth and righteousness.
"My parts, my title, and my perfect soul" (Othello)
Explanation: Here, Othello asserts that his qualities, rank, and moral integrity will speak for him
and counteract Brabantio's claims. This quote emphasizes Othello's belief in his own nobility and
moral standing, which he feels will defend him against the charges of wrongdoing.
"He’s married." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago’s terse statement reveals a critical piece of information about Othello’s private life.
This revelation is a subtle manipulation meant to stir up trouble and confusion among the
characters, illustrating Iago’s deceitful nature and his role in fueling Brabantio’s anger.
, Themes
Appearance vs Reality
The theme of appearance versus reality is a central one in William Shakespeare's play Othello. It
explores the difference between how things seem and how they actually are, a concept that is
deeply woven into the fabric of the narrative and characters.
What is this theme?
The theme of appearance versus reality in Othello revolves around the idea that outward
appearances can be deceptive and that reality often lies beneath the surface. Characters in the play
often present a faç ade that hides their true intentions or feelings, leading to misunderstandings and
tragic consequences.
How is this theme portrayed?
- Iago's Deception: The most significant portrayal of this theme is through Iago, who appears to be
honest and trustworthy but is, in reality, manipulative and deceitful. He is referred to as "honest
Iago" by other characters, but he is the mastermind behind the deceit and betrayal in the play.
- Othello's Trust: Othello's perception of reality is heavily influenced by Iago’s manipulations.
Othello trusts Iago's appearance of loyalty and honesty, which blinds him to the truth about
Desdemona's fidelity.
- Desdemona’s Innocence: Desdemona appears to be guilty of infidelity in Othello's eyes due to the
manipulations of Iago. In reality, she is innocent and faithful to Othello, showcasing the tragic
consequences of the discrepancy between appearance and reality.
- Cassio’s Reputation: Cassio is depicted as a noble and honorable man, but his involvement in the
drunken brawl, orchestrated by Iago, leads to his demotion and tarnishes his appearance in
Othello's eyes. However, the reality is that Cassio is a victim of Iago's schemes.
When is this theme portrayed?
Act I, Scene I: Iago and Roderigo discuss their hatred for Othello and begin to plot against him,
setting the stage for the deceptive appearances that will follow.
Act III, Scene III: Often called the "temptation scene," where Iago plants the seeds of doubt in
Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s fidelity.
Act IV, Scene I: Othello’s belief in Desdemona’s guilt is solidified by Iago’s manipulations
Who portrays this theme?
Iago: The primary agent of the theme, he consistently presents a false appearance to achieve his
malevolent goals.
Othello: His tragic flaw is his inability to see through appearances to the reality of Iago’s deceit and
Desdemona’s innocence.
Desdemona and Cassio: Both are victims
, Symbols and Motifs
Handkerchief
Symbol of Love and Fidelity
- Initially, the handkerchief is a symbol of Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona. Othello
describes it as a token of his affection, given to Desdemona as a symbol of their bond. In Act 3,
Scene 4, Othello explains its significance:
- "There's magic in the web of it: a sibyl That had lived in her time, which adored it, And made a
gift of it."
- The handkerchief is imbued with personal and emotional significance, representing the genuine
and sacred nature of their relationship.
Symbol of Othello’s Trust
The handkerchief also embodies Othello’s trust in Desdemona. Othello’s belief in the handkerchief ’s
significance is so strong that he sees it as a testament to Desdemona's faithfulness. When he finds
out that Desdemona has lost it, his trust in her begins to waver, and he becomes more susceptible to
Iago’s manipulations.
Symbol of Betrayal and Jealousy
As the play progresses, the handkerchief becomes a symbol of betrayal. Iago uses the handkerchief
to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In Act 3, Scene 3, Iago
cunningly plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s possession, leading Othello to think that Desdemona
has given it to Cassio, which fuels Othello’s jealousy and drives him to drastic actions.
Symbol of Iago’s Manipulation
Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief highlights his deceitfulness and cunning. By orchestrating
the handkerchief's transfer to Cassio and using it as false evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity, Iago
showcases his skill in exploiting symbols and emotions to achieve his ends. The handkerchief
becomes a key piece in Iago’s scheme to destroy Othello’s life.
Symbol of Miscommunication and Tragic Flaws
The handkerchief also symbolizes the tragic flaws in Othello’s character, particularly his tendency to
misinterpret and act on incomplete information. Othello’s inability to communicate openly and his
readiness to believe Iago's lies lead him to make tragic decisions based on the false evidence
represented by the handkerchief.
, Literary devices and Authors purpose
1. Jealousy
Shakespeare constructs jealousy as an unstoppable psychological force, and he uses imagery, metaphor,
and dramatic irony to show how it corrodes Othello from within. The most famous device is Iago’s
metaphor of the “green-eyed monster”, which personifies jealousy as a living creature that feeds on its
host. Shakespeare deliberately externalises the emotion, suggesting that Othello becomes possessed rather
than merely influenced. The metaphor signals that jealousy functions as an autonomous agent in the
tragedy, consuming Othello’s rational identity and overwhelming his sense of judgement. This aligns with
the structural use of dramatic irony: the audience watches Othello fall victim to an emotional force the
audience recognises as false but that Othello experiences as absolute truth.
Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses poison imagery to depict the spread of jealousy. Iago repeatedly
speaks about “pouring” ideas into Othello’s ear, and the vocabulary of toxins (“pestilence”, “infected”,
“poisoned”) transforms words into lethal substances. Shakespeare’s diction suggests that jealousy is not
born inside Othello but implanted, slowly corrupting his moral bloodstream. The imagery creates a sense
of progressive contamination, mirroring Othello’s linguistic breakdown—from the measured verse of Acts
1–2 to the disjointed, violent prose of Acts 4–5. Jealousy literally alters his language, which is one of the
strongest indicators of psychological destruction in Shakespearean tragedy.
Dramatic irony intensifies jealousy’s tragic force. Because the audience knows Iago’s intentions from his
soliloquies, every scene in which Othello tries to seek truth becomes unbearable. Shakespeare weaponises
the gap between what the audience knows and what Othello believes. Devices such as interrupted syntax,
escalating rhetorical questions, and violent metaphors reveal Othello’s desperate attempt to hold onto
reason, even as jealousy unravels him. The handkerchief, used symbolically as the “ocular proof ” Othello
demands, completes the device-driven collapse: Shakespeare turns a simple object into a tool of visual
deception, showing the tragedy of a man who mistakes symbolic evidence for objective truth.
Jealousy as a Monster (Metaphor)
Shakespeare personifies jealousy as a creature that consumes the mind:
Iago: “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds
on.” (3.3)
This metaphor reveals jealousy as predatory, mocking, and capable of devouring its victims — a warning
Othello fails to heed, making the device tragically ironic.
Jealousy as Poison (Imagery)
Iago frames manipulation as toxic contamination:
“I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear.” (2.3)
The poison imagery shows that jealousy spreads internally and invisibly, reflecting how Othello’s thoughts
become “infected.”
Act 1, Scene 1
In Act 1, Scene 1 of William Shakespeare's "Othello," we are introduced to Roderigo and Iago in the
streets of Venice at night. Roderigo expresses his displeasure to Iago, who has been managing his
money and seemingly knows about a distressing situation. Iago confirms that he despises Othello
and explains how he feels wronged by him. Despite having influential people advocate for Iago's
promotion to lieutenant, Othello chose Michael Cassio, a mere "arithmetician" with no battlefield
experience. Iago is particularly resentful because he believes his own military merits and experiences
have been overlooked in favor of Cassio's bookish knowledge. Iago goes on to criticize the system
where promotions are based on favoritism rather than merit. He reveals his plan to feign loyalty to
Othello while secretly plotting against him. This introduces Iago's duplicitous nature: he serves
Othello only to exploit him later. Roderigo, who despises Othello and desires Desdemona, Othello's
wife, is easily manipulated by Iago's cunning. The scene takes a dramatic turn when Iago suggests
they wake Brabantio, Desdemona's father, to inform him of her secret marriage to Othello. Iago
uses crude and racist imagery to incite Brabantio, suggesting that his daughter is with an "old black
ram" (Othello), provoking Brabantio's anger. As they call out to Brabantio, he appears above,
confused and alarmed by the commotion. Brabantio, initially not recognizing Roderigo, is shocked
and outraged when he learns of his daughter's actions. Despite Roderigo's assurances that he means
well, Brabantio is distraught and incredulous, demanding to know if his daughter has indeed eloped
with Othello. He questions how she could be deceived and wonders if she has been charmed or
bewitched. The scene culminates with Brabantio summoning his household and preparing to confront
Othello, fueled by the belief that his daughter has been stolen from him through deceit or magic.
Iago, having planted the seeds of discord, subtly exits, not wanting to be seen as too directly
involved in the confrontation with Othello. Throughout this opening scene, Shakespeare sets the
stage for the ensuing tragedy by establishing key conflicts and character motivations. Iago's
manipulative nature and deep-seated hatred for Othello are made clear, as is Roderigo's gullible and
desperate infatuation with Desdemona. Brabantio's reaction underscores the societal prejudices and
tensions that will play a significant role in the unfolding drama. The scene effectively introduces the
themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racial tension, all of which are central to the play's tragic
trajectory. Iago's cunning and malicious intentions are laid bare, foreshadowing the chaos and
destruction he will bring to Othello's life. The audience is drawn into the web of deceit and
manipulation that will drive the narrative forward, creating a sense of anticipation and foreboding.
, Character Analysis
Othello
What is the character's background and social status?
Othello is a Moor, a man of African descent, and a highly respected general in the Venetian army.
Despite his foreign origin and racial differences, he has risen to a prominent social and military
position in Venice, a city-state that values his military prowess. Othello's marriage to Desdemona, a
white Venetian woman from a noble family, marks his integration into Venetian society but also sets
the stage for tensions and conflicts.
How does the character's background influence their actions and decisions?
Othello's background as an outsider, both racially and culturally, plays a significant role in his
actions and decisions. His status as a respected general is juxtaposed with the underlying prejudice
he faces, making him susceptible to insecurities about his place in Venetian society and his
marriage. These insecurities are exploited by Iago, leading Othello to make impulsive and tragic
decisions.
What are the character's primary motivations?
Othello's primary motivations include maintaining his reputation as a capable and honorable
general, securing his place within Venetian society, and preserving his marriage to Desdemona. His
love for Desdemona and desire for her loyalty are central to his motivations.
What goals is the character trying to achieve?
Othello aims to protect his honor and integrity, both as a military leader and as a husband. He
strives to ensure his love for Desdemona is reciprocated and remains steadfast. However, his goals
become clouded by Iago's manipulations, leading him to seek vengeance for perceived infidelity.
How does the character interact with other characters?
Othello's interactions are marked by respect and authority in his military role, and initially, by love
and trust in his relationship with Desdemona. He is also friendly and trusting towards Iago, whom
he considers honest and loyal. However, his interactions shift dramatically as Iago's deceitful
schemes unfold.
What are the key relationships that define the character's role in the play?
Desdemona: Othello's wife, representing love, trust, and eventually, the tragic breakdown of these
qualities.
Iago: Othello's ensign, whose betrayal and manipulation drive the play's tragic events.
Cassio: Othello's loyal lieutenant, whose demotion and alleged affair with Desdemona become
central to the plot.
Emilia: Iago's wife and Desdemona's maid, who ultimately reveals Iago's treachery.
, Quotes
Act 1 Scene 1
"Despise me if I do not." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago's words reveal his deep resentment towards Othello, highlighting his hatred and the
betrayal he feels over being passed over for promotion. This sets the stage for his manipulative and
vengeful actions throughout the play.
"It is as sure as you are Roderigo." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago asserts his loyalty to Roderigo, though ironically, this is part of his deceptive
nature. He uses Roderigo as a pawn in his larger scheme, demonstrating how he manipulates others
for his own gain.
"I follow him to serve my turn upon him." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago openly admits his deceitful intentions, revealing that his loyalty to Othello is only
a facade. This statement encapsulates Iago's duplicity and the theme of appearance versus reality in
the play.
"O heaven! How got she out?" (Brabantio)
Explanation: Brabantio's shock and disbelief at Desdemona's elopement reflect the societal
expectations of obedience from daughters. His reaction underscores the theme of betrayal and the
patriarchal control over women in the play.
Act 1 Scene 2
"’Tis better as it is." (Othello)
Explanation: Othello's calm acceptance of the situation reflects his confidence and sense of control.
Despite Iago's provocative comments, Othello remains assured that his service to Venice and his
honorable intentions will outweigh Brabantio's accusations. This quote underscores Othello's self-
assurance and belief in his own worth and righteousness.
"My parts, my title, and my perfect soul" (Othello)
Explanation: Here, Othello asserts that his qualities, rank, and moral integrity will speak for him
and counteract Brabantio's claims. This quote emphasizes Othello's belief in his own nobility and
moral standing, which he feels will defend him against the charges of wrongdoing.
"He’s married." (Iago)
Explanation: Iago’s terse statement reveals a critical piece of information about Othello’s private life.
This revelation is a subtle manipulation meant to stir up trouble and confusion among the
characters, illustrating Iago’s deceitful nature and his role in fueling Brabantio’s anger.
, Themes
Appearance vs Reality
The theme of appearance versus reality is a central one in William Shakespeare's play Othello. It
explores the difference between how things seem and how they actually are, a concept that is
deeply woven into the fabric of the narrative and characters.
What is this theme?
The theme of appearance versus reality in Othello revolves around the idea that outward
appearances can be deceptive and that reality often lies beneath the surface. Characters in the play
often present a faç ade that hides their true intentions or feelings, leading to misunderstandings and
tragic consequences.
How is this theme portrayed?
- Iago's Deception: The most significant portrayal of this theme is through Iago, who appears to be
honest and trustworthy but is, in reality, manipulative and deceitful. He is referred to as "honest
Iago" by other characters, but he is the mastermind behind the deceit and betrayal in the play.
- Othello's Trust: Othello's perception of reality is heavily influenced by Iago’s manipulations.
Othello trusts Iago's appearance of loyalty and honesty, which blinds him to the truth about
Desdemona's fidelity.
- Desdemona’s Innocence: Desdemona appears to be guilty of infidelity in Othello's eyes due to the
manipulations of Iago. In reality, she is innocent and faithful to Othello, showcasing the tragic
consequences of the discrepancy between appearance and reality.
- Cassio’s Reputation: Cassio is depicted as a noble and honorable man, but his involvement in the
drunken brawl, orchestrated by Iago, leads to his demotion and tarnishes his appearance in
Othello's eyes. However, the reality is that Cassio is a victim of Iago's schemes.
When is this theme portrayed?
Act I, Scene I: Iago and Roderigo discuss their hatred for Othello and begin to plot against him,
setting the stage for the deceptive appearances that will follow.
Act III, Scene III: Often called the "temptation scene," where Iago plants the seeds of doubt in
Othello’s mind about Desdemona’s fidelity.
Act IV, Scene I: Othello’s belief in Desdemona’s guilt is solidified by Iago’s manipulations
Who portrays this theme?
Iago: The primary agent of the theme, he consistently presents a false appearance to achieve his
malevolent goals.
Othello: His tragic flaw is his inability to see through appearances to the reality of Iago’s deceit and
Desdemona’s innocence.
Desdemona and Cassio: Both are victims
, Symbols and Motifs
Handkerchief
Symbol of Love and Fidelity
- Initially, the handkerchief is a symbol of Othello's love and commitment to Desdemona. Othello
describes it as a token of his affection, given to Desdemona as a symbol of their bond. In Act 3,
Scene 4, Othello explains its significance:
- "There's magic in the web of it: a sibyl That had lived in her time, which adored it, And made a
gift of it."
- The handkerchief is imbued with personal and emotional significance, representing the genuine
and sacred nature of their relationship.
Symbol of Othello’s Trust
The handkerchief also embodies Othello’s trust in Desdemona. Othello’s belief in the handkerchief ’s
significance is so strong that he sees it as a testament to Desdemona's faithfulness. When he finds
out that Desdemona has lost it, his trust in her begins to waver, and he becomes more susceptible to
Iago’s manipulations.
Symbol of Betrayal and Jealousy
As the play progresses, the handkerchief becomes a symbol of betrayal. Iago uses the handkerchief
to manipulate Othello into believing that Desdemona has been unfaithful. In Act 3, Scene 3, Iago
cunningly plants the handkerchief in Cassio’s possession, leading Othello to think that Desdemona
has given it to Cassio, which fuels Othello’s jealousy and drives him to drastic actions.
Symbol of Iago’s Manipulation
Iago's manipulation of the handkerchief highlights his deceitfulness and cunning. By orchestrating
the handkerchief's transfer to Cassio and using it as false evidence of Desdemona’s infidelity, Iago
showcases his skill in exploiting symbols and emotions to achieve his ends. The handkerchief
becomes a key piece in Iago’s scheme to destroy Othello’s life.
Symbol of Miscommunication and Tragic Flaws
The handkerchief also symbolizes the tragic flaws in Othello’s character, particularly his tendency to
misinterpret and act on incomplete information. Othello’s inability to communicate openly and his
readiness to believe Iago's lies lead him to make tragic decisions based on the false evidence
represented by the handkerchief.
, Literary devices and Authors purpose
1. Jealousy
Shakespeare constructs jealousy as an unstoppable psychological force, and he uses imagery, metaphor,
and dramatic irony to show how it corrodes Othello from within. The most famous device is Iago’s
metaphor of the “green-eyed monster”, which personifies jealousy as a living creature that feeds on its
host. Shakespeare deliberately externalises the emotion, suggesting that Othello becomes possessed rather
than merely influenced. The metaphor signals that jealousy functions as an autonomous agent in the
tragedy, consuming Othello’s rational identity and overwhelming his sense of judgement. This aligns with
the structural use of dramatic irony: the audience watches Othello fall victim to an emotional force the
audience recognises as false but that Othello experiences as absolute truth.
Throughout the play, Shakespeare uses poison imagery to depict the spread of jealousy. Iago repeatedly
speaks about “pouring” ideas into Othello’s ear, and the vocabulary of toxins (“pestilence”, “infected”,
“poisoned”) transforms words into lethal substances. Shakespeare’s diction suggests that jealousy is not
born inside Othello but implanted, slowly corrupting his moral bloodstream. The imagery creates a sense
of progressive contamination, mirroring Othello’s linguistic breakdown—from the measured verse of Acts
1–2 to the disjointed, violent prose of Acts 4–5. Jealousy literally alters his language, which is one of the
strongest indicators of psychological destruction in Shakespearean tragedy.
Dramatic irony intensifies jealousy’s tragic force. Because the audience knows Iago’s intentions from his
soliloquies, every scene in which Othello tries to seek truth becomes unbearable. Shakespeare weaponises
the gap between what the audience knows and what Othello believes. Devices such as interrupted syntax,
escalating rhetorical questions, and violent metaphors reveal Othello’s desperate attempt to hold onto
reason, even as jealousy unravels him. The handkerchief, used symbolically as the “ocular proof ” Othello
demands, completes the device-driven collapse: Shakespeare turns a simple object into a tool of visual
deception, showing the tragedy of a man who mistakes symbolic evidence for objective truth.
Jealousy as a Monster (Metaphor)
Shakespeare personifies jealousy as a creature that consumes the mind:
Iago: “O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! It is the green eyed monster which doth mock the meat it feeds
on.” (3.3)
This metaphor reveals jealousy as predatory, mocking, and capable of devouring its victims — a warning
Othello fails to heed, making the device tragically ironic.
Jealousy as Poison (Imagery)
Iago frames manipulation as toxic contamination:
“I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear.” (2.3)
The poison imagery shows that jealousy spreads internally and invisibly, reflecting how Othello’s thoughts
become “infected.”
