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Revenge Quotes In Othello

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Revenge in Othello Revenge plays a pivotal role in the plot of Othello, it drives the story, and takes the characters to the brink. In the play, Iago is passed up for the position of Othello’s second in command, or his lieutenant, and so begins a crusade of revenge against the Moor, first attempting to sabotage his wedding, and then proceeding to tearing down his entire life. This thirst for revenge spreads pain and suffering to all the major characters in the play, and without it, there would be no action. However, while all of the characters in Othello have tasted the poison of Iago’s revenge, Othello, and Desdemona have suffered it the most. Before delving into the effects of Iago’s revenge, it is necessary to first discuss his motivations in the act and why it is …show more content…

She shines through Iago’s web of revenge as a symbol of purity, having done nothing wrong. However, it is her who Iago hurts the most. Through no fault of her own, her husband is turned against her and eventually kills her. Beyond the obvious, Iago hurts her in more subtle ways. Her treasured handkerchief which she received from Othello is used as an instrument of revenge to bring her down. Iago uses the handkerchief to trick Othello into believing that Desdemona has been disloyal, “I know not that, but such a handkerchief—I am sure it was your wife’s—did I today See Cassio wipe his beard with.(3.3.447-449)” Here, Iago uses a simple, easily believable fib, to attempt to persuade Othello to believe him. Of course, since Iago is in possession of the handkerchief, it is easy for him to plant it on Cassio, and prove him invariably guilty. Desdemona is none the wiser to the loss of her handkerchief and is unawares that it is being used to turn her true love against her. In this way, Iago turns both the handkerchief and Othello against Desdemona, and fashions all three into weapons for Othello’s

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