Othello

3 Pages 731 Words

The Webster’s dictionary defines a motif as a recurrent thematic element in a musical, artistic, or literary work. In the play Othello, by William Shakespeare, an overriding motif is animals. The characters use reference to animals to show their hatred and scorn to other characters in the play, especially Iago towards Brabanzio, Roderigo, and Othello. There are occurrences in the speech of other characters that also play a significant role. The reference to animals conveys a sense that the laws of nature, rather than those of society, are the primary forces governing the characters in the play.
Iago is a manipulative character, and uses his wise tongue to influence others and their feelings. In the beginning of the play, when Iago informs Brabanzio of the whereabouts of his daughter, he refers to Desdemona and Othello to be, “Making the beast of two backs.” (I.i.117-118). He does this so Brabanzio becomes angry with Othello and possibly cause enough harm and havoc in his life to give Iago what he wishes, power. Iago is manipulating Brabanzio because he secretly is plotting the fall of Othello, but wants everyone else to seem at fault. He is thinking about no one else except himself.
We see the overriding concept of the motif when Iago continues his devilish ways with Roderigo by ridiculing him for his foolish attempt of killing himself. After Roderigo failed at gaining the love of Desdemona, suicide became an option. When Iago became aware of this, he told Roderigo, “Ere I would drown myself for the love of a guinea-hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon.” (I.iii.312-313). He does nothing to encourage Roderigo after a very emotional moment in his life. He makes the situation worse when he says that drowning is only for “Cats and blind puppies.” (I.i.330-331). Instead of helping Roderigo in the time of need, he uses this opportunity to anger Roderigo and uses him as a pawn in his game against Othello...