Mean Women In Othello
Othello: The Original Mean Girls
Othello, by William Shakespeare, tells the story of a black war general from Venice named Othello,
and his beloved wife Desdemona. Othello promotes Cassio, a friend to Othello and a soldier in his
army, to the secondary position in the army when a war with the Turks looms over Venice. When
Iago, a highly respected soldier in Othello's army, learns of Cassio's promotion, he grows resentful
of Cassio, believing that he should have been moved in the ranks. In his jealousy, Iago attempts to
make Cassio seem unfit for his position, wanting to have Cassio stripped of his title and the position
of leadership go to Iago. Using similes and imagery, Iago manipulates Othello against Desdemona
and Cassio in order to reach his goal. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...
He references a handkerchief that is owned by Desdimona, given to her by Othello. Iago mentions
that he "...did today/See Cassio wipe his beard with" (3.3. 129–130). Using this cherished symbol of
love between Othello and Desdemona, Iago convinces Othello that Desdemona's love for him has
passed to Cassio and that Desdemona is no longer faithful towards him. Iago creates an image of
Cassio and himself sleeping together, and throughout the night Cassio had been talking in his sleep,
saying "Sweet Desdemona,/ Let us be wary, let us hid our loves",/ And then, sir, would he gripe and
wring my/ hand;/ Cry, "O sweet creature!" then kiss me hard,/ As if he pluck'd up kisses by the
roots/that grew upon my lips; then laid his leg/ Over my thigh, and sigh'd, and kiss'd, and then/
Cried, "Cursed fate that gave thee to the Moor"" (3.3. 103–111). Creating this image of unchecked
lust, Iago makes Othello confident in his suspicions about Cassio and
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