Othello - Act 2 , Techniques

458 Words2 Pages
Othello - Act 2
Iago’s Soliloquy (II, iii, 303-329):
In Iago’s soliloquy, he uses the metaphor, “So will I turn her virtue into pitch”(II,iii, 327), this indicates that he will turn her virtue into “pitch”, this indicates that he will turn her virtue; kind acts towards Cassio, into “pitch”, which is symbolic to evil. The antithesis of virtue and pitch represents the conflict Iago has with Othello.
Also in the same soliloquy is the dramatic irony when Iago claims “This advice is free I give, and honest” (II, iii, 304). The word “honest” in the earlier quote and in the quote “honest fool”(II, iii, 320), draws attention to how Iago’s motives are hidden from the characters onstage, portrayed through the dramatic irony. The desperation for a particular reputation can lead to lying and the manipulation of others, which in total causes conflict. In the same scene we see Iago’s manipulation and deceptiveness.
The binary opposites “divinity of hell” and “heavenly “is also imagery, it conveys the motives of the characters that can be related to Iago versus Othello, or Iago versus Cassio.
“When devil will that blackest sins put on” (Line 318) alludes to the ‘Garden of Eden’ where Iago is the serpent, Desdemona Eve and Othello Adam. This allusion indirectly relates to biblical conflict.

Discussion between Iago and Cassio (II, iii, 12-55)
Juxtaposition of the dialogue and attitudes towards Desdemona between Iago and Cassio, Iago: ‘She is a sport for Jove”(II, iii, 16). Jove is the king of gods, known for his sexual ability/skill. However Cassio responds with “She’s a most exquisite lady” (II, iii, 17). The juxtaposition of their language and attitudes emphasises naivety and goodness in Cassio. Iago continues to refer to Desdemona sexually “And I’ll warrant her full of game” (II, iii, 18). The ‘game’ is sexual innuendo, for meaning sexual tricks. Iago reveals his
Open Document