Iago’s Use of Language and Villainous Behavior in Shakespeare’s Othello

In Othello, Shakespeare forms the villainous character, Iago through his complex language. Iago shows

his evil nature towards Roderigo through his use of demeaning animal imagery. Iago also uses an

extended metaphor to try and trick the ignorant Roderigo and (unknowingly to Roderigo), insults him.

Lastly, Iago uses repetition to beguile Roderigo to keep paying him. Iago’s slyness is clearly seen through

his deceiving language towards the end of Act I.

In Act I, scene iii, line 319, Iago addresses the issue of love and lust through an extended

metaphor. In this speech, after Roderigo says he wants to kill himself, Iago tries to convince Roderigo

not to end his life for a woman. By doing this, he manages to give the impression that he is advising

Roderigo, while at the same time insulting him and making him and others part of his plan. Iago states,

“Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners” suggesting that our will (the

“gardener”) has power over our bodies (“the garden”). Also, while trying to convince Roderigo not to kill

himself, Iago uses statements in which negative words are the subject such as, “So that if we plant

nettles...”, “set hyssop and weed up thyme”. Because nettles, hyssop, and thyme can all be referred to

as weeds, Roderigo gives a negative tone. However, this is not the only place where it is seen that Iago

uses negativity.

Iago also uses animal imagery to beguile the ignorant Roderigo. In Act I, scene iii, line 314, Iago uses

degrading terms again in his dialogue; he states, “Ere I would say I would drown myself for the love of a

guinea hen, I would change my humanity with a baboon.” By expressing this, Iago is saying that he

would rather be a baboon than kill himself for a woman. The terms guinea hen, being a negative term

for a woman, and baboon, being a racial label, are both stated with the intent to insult Roderigo. Iago

also states, “Come, be a man. Drown thyself? Drown cats and blind puppies!”(Act I, scene iii, line 334)

which infers that Roderigo is weak and juvenile. Iago uses demeaning animal imagery to express his

thoughts towards the end of Act I.

Lastly, Iago uses repetition in the plot against Othello. In lines 337- 355, Iago reiterates the statement,

“put money in thy purse” to convince Iago not to give up on trying to pursue Desdemona. Iago wants

Roderigo to keep his feelings for Desdemona so that he can be successful in his plot and plan

accordingly. Iago also uses the statement “put money in thy purse” for Roderigo to pay him. Iago craftily

uses his repetition to assure ignorant Roderigo’s part in the scheme.

In conclusion, Iago’s use of language shows an important role in the developing of his plan. Roderigo

unknowingly accepts Iago’s demeaning “advice” through his extended metaphor and degrading animal

imagery. Also, Iago’s use of repetition towards the end of Act I convinces Roderigo to pay him and to

continue his feelings for Desdemona. Iago proves to be villainous through his language at the end of Act

I.