Act 2 Scene 1
The start of act 2 is where Shakespeare reveals what Iago is truly like. He was the most important character in this scene as it is centered mostly on his actions and thoughts. This scene reveals Iago’s plan to destroy Othello and Desdemona’s relationship as a revenge for giving Cassio the position of being a lieutenant. It also talks about how women was viewed during that time and shows the difference in the way the character speaks depending on their social status.
The act opens with the characters discussing about the terrible storm raging at the sea. “It is a high-wrought flood. I cannot ‘twixt the heaven and the main/Descry a sail”. The storm creates a frightening and unpleasant atmosphere which stays throughout the whole scene. It also foreshadows Iago’s evil intentions and conflict that will happen later on. Shakespeare makes use of personification and alliteration to emphasize the dangers of the sea. “wind hath spoke aloud at hand”, ”mountains melt”, “wind-shaked surge with high and monstrous mane”(line 13-14). This scene of the sea is also significant because Shakespeare associates anything that relates to water to
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Although he is clearly aware that he is above Roderigo, he addresses him as ‘sir’ ( 'Sir, he 's rash and very sudden in choler, and haply with his truncheon may strike at you. ') when he is trying to persuade Roderigo to go along with his plan. He does this to make Roderigo feel like he is a respected person of high authority to convince him to join him. He feeds Roderigo with lies about Cassio and Desdemona. When Roderigo didn’t believe him, he uses hyperbole to emphasize the relationship between them. “They met so near with their lips that their breaths embraced together.” This did not occur, but it is a method used by Iago to get Roderigo into his side. Iago is a person who makes sure he gets what he wants and he doesn’t care about the consequences it may