An essay explaining the way in which the latter half of Act 3 Scene 3 of 'Othello' affect my response to Othello and Iago
The latter half of Act 3 Scene 3 contains, what some may consider, the climax of the play, as Iago completes his manipulation of Othello and decides that he must now let nature run its course. The scene depicts Othellos declining mental condition as Iagos supposed evidence, which in some parts has descended to complete lies, begins to take its effect on the once great general.
The latter part of Act 3 Scene 3 is the climax of the play. It is here where Iago finally convinces Othello of his wifes dishonesty with Cassio and after which Iagos just needs to let nature run its course. This is shown by the large amounts of natural imagery used by Iago, particularly when Othello is present. This is made clear when Othello enters for the final time in the scene. Immediately before Othello enters, Iago is using his by now almost trademark imagery of poison, hell and death burn like the mines of sulphur. However, as soon as Othello reappears, Iagos language turns to talk of nature and flowers, in particular those with sleep-inducing qualities. This shows how Iago and his cunning nature know that he does not yet have the complete trust of Othello and has yet to convince him of Desdemonas affair with Cassio. The use of this natural imagery also shows how Iago has now planted the seeds of jealousy in Othellos mind and must now let nature run its course.
A little later in the scene, Othello begins to say goodbye to his life in the military to concentrate on maintaining his marriage to Desdemona. In speech, Othello uses the word farewell as an anaphora, giving the speech melodramatic feel. This speech can be seen as being incredibly selfish, with Othello focussing solely on his own military career and appearing to be very nostalgic about the subject. It can also be seen as a major indication that Iago has begun to be been won over by Iagos argument. However, it is clear that he has yet to be completely convinced, saying: Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore (line 360).
The latter part of Act 3 Scene 3 is the climax of the play. It is here where Iago finally convinces Othello of his wifes dishonesty with Cassio and after which Iagos just needs to let nature run its course. This is shown by the large amounts of natural imagery used by Iago, particularly when Othello is present. This is made clear when Othello enters for the final time in the scene. Immediately before Othello enters, Iago is using his by now almost trademark imagery of poison, hell and death burn like the mines of sulphur. However, as soon as Othello reappears, Iagos language turns to talk of nature and flowers, in particular those with sleep-inducing qualities. This shows how Iago and his cunning nature know that he does not yet have the complete trust of Othello and has yet to convince him of Desdemonas affair with Cassio. The use of this natural imagery also shows how Iago has now planted the seeds of jealousy in Othellos mind and must now let nature run its course.
A little later in the scene, Othello begins to say goodbye to his life in the military to concentrate on maintaining his marriage to Desdemona. In speech, Othello uses the word farewell as an anaphora, giving the speech melodramatic feel. This speech can be seen as being incredibly selfish, with Othello focussing solely on his own military career and appearing to be very nostalgic about the subject. It can also be seen as a major indication that Iago has begun to be been won over by Iagos argument. However, it is clear that he has yet to be completely convinced, saying: Villain, be sure thou prove my love a whore (line 360).