Imagery in the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare

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Imagery in the play "Othello" by William Shakespeare is to intensify characterization and define the meaning of the play. In Othello, the use of animal imagery is used multiple times by Iago to describe the relationships between humans, especially of Desdemona and Othello. Shakespeare describes the characters actions by comparing them to the similarities in animals and having animal-like qualities. By doing this readers can get an idea of what the character is doing or saying. Animal imagery was a strong device used in Othello because it helped make certain points in the play.
The first use of animal imagery was in Act One when Iago tells Desdemona's father that Othello has taken his daughter. Iago stated, "Your heart is burst. You have lost half your soul. Even now, now, very now, and old black ram is tupping your white ewe" (I.i.89-90). Shakespeare does this to create an illusion that Othello is immoral and selfish to take the virginity of a young white girl as an old black man. Iago's animal imagery is used to give Brabantio an animalistic, lustful picture of his daughter's r...

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