Theme Of Similes In Othello

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William Penn once said “Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.” If Othello, the protagonist of Othello , had followed this cynical attitude many lives would have been saved. In Othello Shakespeare tells the tragic story of Othello who is led to his downfall because of his confidante’s deception. Shakespeare effectively utilizes symbolisms, asides, imageries, similes and metaphors to demonstrate the effect of the opportunistic Iago’s lies in the ruination of Othello.
Shakespeare excellently uses Desdemona’s handkerchief as a symbol in this drama. It symbolizes the love between Othello and Desdemona. The handkerchief was Othello’s “first gift” (3.3) to Desdemona; therefore, it was precious to both of them. Othello tells Desdemona that her “napkin is too little” (3.3) after Iago questions the relationship between Cassio and Desdemona. By saying this Othello means that her love for him is inconsequential. This dialogue shows how trusting Othello is of Iago. Iago later says that he saw “Cassio wipe his beard with [the …show more content…

Iago tells Rodrigo to “poison [Brabantio’s] delight … incense [Desdemona’s] kinsmen, and though he may be in a fertile climate dwell, plague him with flies” (1.1). This sensory imagery shows how Iago thinks this news will affect Desdemona’s father. He also says“with as little web as this will I ensnare a great fly as Cassio” (2.1). Through this simile, Shakespeare creates the image of Iago as a spider and Cassio as a fly that is about to become the prey to the spider. By stating that that Cassio is a great fly Iago is stating how great he is. Othello cries “farewell the neighboring steed and the shrill trump, the spirit-stirring drum, the ear- piercing fife, the royal banner and all quality”(3.3). By describing some of the things related to war and the military Shakespeare emphasizes how Othello can no longer care for such things because hurting Cassio and Desdemona is his main

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