To prey at fortune.' (3iii).
This image shows Othello being in complete control as he is the falconer in this case and Desdemona the falcon. This has great impact on the reader as we realise that Othello does think of himself as the master in the relationship, free to punish Desdemona as he pleases. Iago continues to corrupt the once honourable and noble Othello, and as he does so, Othello's imagery becomes more animal-orientated and graphic as he becomes more jealous, and as he focuses more on himself and his own situation: .
˜I had rather be a toad.
And live upon the vapour of a dungeon.
Than keep a corner in the thing I love.
For others' uses.' (3iii).
The impact this image has is that it shows us that he is jealous and possessive of Desdemona, refusing to share her and showing obvious disgust at the thought of other people ˜using' her. It is a suitable image as it shows us the mindset of Othello and how he is thinking at the time. It is clear that Iago's influence is taking effect. Throughout the play Iago plants seed of manipulative and malicious thoughts in Othello's mind regarding Cassio and Desdemona. At one point he describes a vivid image of Cassio and Desdemona, portraying them as lustful animals:.
˜Were they as prime as goats, as hot as monkeys,.
As salt as wolves in pride' (3iii).
This image is full of sexual insinuations and clearly has an impact on Othello as he echoes it in his exclamation after striking Desdemona:.
˜Goats and monkeys!' (4i).
It is clear that the use of animal imagery has a huge impact on both the characters and the readers of Othello. The characters use them to describe their feelings towards other people in the play, dehumanising them, which makes them easier to hate. We are able to more clearly see what the characters of the play are thinking, especially in Othello's case. We see the manipulation of Iago take control of him and his language in turn mimics Iago's.
