Monday, May 5, 2008

Othello I.ii.49-52

Cassio: "Ancient, what makes he here?"
Iago: "Faith, he to-night hath boarded a land carract. / If it prove lawful prize, he's made for ever."
Cassio: "I do not understand"

This passage comes where Iago mentions to Cassio before leaving that Othello has married. demonstrates his delicate choice of wording, and his ability to use wording effectively. Usually accompanying his words, that other's would not understand right away as Cassio demonstrates, is a double meaning. While Iago first describes Othello's marriage to Desdemona, he also creates a double meaning with the image of Othello boarding a carract, or boat. While Desdemona serves as the image of a boat, Othello is meant to symbolize one invading and taking control of the boat, similar to a pirate. Here, the language directed toward Othello is one with negative connotations, a description that occurs multiple times within the text. Iago's language becomes a central part of the story, as his words are the fuel that moves the story along. Iago's overall ability to manipulate people around him is also shadowed by his ability to manipulate his words to mean more than one thing.

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