Ethos Pathos And Logos In Othello

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In his soliloquy from Act 2, Scene 1 of Othello, Shakespeare underlines Iago's search for justification as he conducts a plan to destroy Othello through repetition, connotation, and absolutes. Firstly, Shakespeare incorporates the repetition of "love" in Iago's soliloquy creating an appeal to logos as well as pathos. The use of "love" in the beginning if Iago's soliloquy when he accuses Cassio and Desdemona of being in love with each other is an example of his search for justification: "Cassio loves her, I do well believe't./ That she loves him, 'tis apt of great quality". The reader knows Iago has no proof of an affair; his accusation is simply an attempt at convincing himself and the reader that the chaos he will soon cause is just by using logos. Then, creating an appeal to pathos, Iago describes his love for Othello and Desdemona, as if admitting this will make up for what his plan entails: "I dare think he'll prove to Desdemona/A most dear husband. Now, I do love her too" (2.1.311-312). The repetition of love changes meaning, but still represents Iago's search for excuses and forgiveness for his upcoming actions. …show more content…

This contrasts with the innocent "white ewe" description that is often ascribed to Desdemona. These animal references continue in Iago's second soliloquy: "Make the Moor thank me, love me, and reward me/ For making him egregiously an ass" (2.1.330-331). First, Iago calls Othello "the Moor", a racist reference to Othello's African background. Next, Iago announces his plan to make Othello thank him, not knowing that Iago is the cause of destruction. The word "ass" continues to reference Othello's allegedly animal-like nature. Iago uses these racist, connotative words to undermine Othello as justification of his barbaric

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