In William Shakespeare's play Othello, Shakespear uses diction in Iago's monolog to further the plot and for the reader to higher apprehend who Iago's character is and what his plan is. In addition to this, Shakespear moreover makes use of diction to create pathos to create a hateful and untrusting feeling towards Iago by portraying him as manipulative, scheming, and two-faced. Shakespeare can paint Iago's true nature of a master manipulator with the usage of diction in Iago's monologue to understand the scheming of his plan.
The first usage of Iago's monolog is while Iago is scheming a plan that will grant him the lieutenancy, and he has to make Cassio's appearance look bad. He starts with this declaration, 'I hate the Moor,.. After some time, to abuse Othello's (ear) That he is too familiar with his wife...To be suspected, framed to make women false…' (1.Iii. 438-439, 441). In this announcement, the reader sees Iago's true nature and the way he plans to control Othello into bestowing him what he desires. The terminology used within the passage displays Shakespeare's use of diction to create pathos that creates the readers aversion toward Iago's character. Iago's nature is communicated clearly through the diction that Shakespear demonstrates for the reader to apprehend what Iago's scheming will lead up too, and how he is converted as a character. Iago's nature reflects through his monolog; furthermore, when he says he will make Othello believe that Cassio and his wife are having an affair. He does this because he despises Othello and wants to obtain the job Othello gave to Cassio. Shakespeare effectively portrays Iago's character to the audience with his utilization of diction and pathos that allows the reader to apprehend Iago's individual fully.
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The second part of Iago's monolog also shows Shakespeare's utilization of diction and pathos, however he likewise creates another set of feelings when Iago discusses Othello. He says, 'The Moor is of a free and open nature. That thinks men honest that but seem to be so...' (i.iii.442-443). Iago discusses Othello's kindness and how he generally observes best in others. Shakespeare uses pathos in Iago's monolog to create a sentiment of sympathy towards Othello on the grounds that the reader knows what Iago's arrangement is. Shakespeare makes a differentiation of Othello and Iago when Iago is discussing Othello, creating pathos. The reader can plainly observe that Iago character speaks only about his deceit and his evil planning while, Shakespeare use of diction in Iago's words about how he will manipulate Othello's weaknesses such as, his kindness and ability to see the best in others, creates sympathy towards Othello. Another statement by Iago, “And will tenderly be led by th' nose As asses are ”(i.iii.444-445), again abuses Othello's weakness and how Iago will be able to utilizes this to go through with his plan. Shakespeare uses diction in Iago’s words so the reader feels hatred towards Iago but, sympathy towards Othello. Iago is essentially saying, Othello will be easily manipulated and controlling him will be as easily as leading a donkey. Iago's comparison of Othello to a donkey is a type of illustration that Shakespeare uses to once again, create pathos. The statement successfully creates diction to create stronger emotion of sentiment towards Othello because the reader knows that he can be easily controlled and Iago will use this for his own purpose.
In summary, Shakespeare uses diction to create the character of Iago, and this creates pathos because the reader can see Othello as a victim because of Iago’s plan to trick him. The choice of words used by Shakespeare in Iago’s monolog helps the reader easily identify him as the villain and his plan creates a hateful feeling for him and a sense of compassion for Othello.
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