Use of Imagery in Othello - 1555 Words

Before the ability to read words, pictures can be used to communicate to babies or even the illiterate. Pictures are universal. They will be seen as the same language no matter what part of the globe you are in. A good author can create pictures through his words. A great author can create the same imagery for centuries to come. The function of imagery in the mid-sixteenth century play Othello by William Shakespeare is to add characterization and eventually define meaning in the play. The antagonist Iago is defined through various images, some being the use of poison and sleeping aids, to show his true evil nature. Othello’s character is also shaped by imagery such as the black and white, animalistic, and horse images, which indicates his†¦show more content†¦This is based solely on his black skn and the fact that he is of a non-Venetian decent which makes him an alien to others. Although, in the end it is proved that Iago is the real â€Å"Demi-devil† that is common throughout the play, even tho Othello is made out to be some devil solely because of his skin color. From this we can get a grasp of how racial prejudices were prominent in the mid-sixteenth century. Female characters in Othello are also somewhat determined by images. Women were not treated with any respect throughout the play. Mainly because of the society of the time was focused on men being the dominant gender, which is showed through the imagery portrayed of women throughout the play. Prostitutution imagery plays a heavy part in revealing the women throughout the play, with the women being called many names such as â€Å"Hobby-horses†, â€Å"Minxes†, and â€Å"Minions†. Desdemona, Emelia and Bianca are all referred to as some of these names throughout the play. Through the whole disregard for the emotions and feelings of women in the play, we can see how it went along with the views of women on its contemporary audience. Women all throughout the play are treated like objects by the males. Which is evident through the deaths of all but one of the women, Bianca. All of their deaths happen because of the mens’ need to have them as a possession that th ey have completeShow MoreRelated The Use Of Animal Imagery In Othello Essay1040 Words   |  5 Pages In William Shakespeare’s play â€Å"Othello† the use of animal imagery was evident throughout the telling of the story. Shakespeare explained several characters actions by comparing them to similarities in animals. The characters in â€Å"Othello† were often depicted as having animal-like characteristics. Some characters were even compared to animals by other characters in the play. 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