Shakespeare

In Othello, Act 1, Scene 3, iago's soliloquy, what imagery is used?

Apart from his reference to the other characters being "led by the nose as asses are", what imagery does iago use in his soliloquy in act 1, scene 3?

iago shows how he truly feels about Othello and Roderigo; he openly refers to Roderigo as a snipe. By the standards of the day, this word would carry very negative connotations as it is not only derogatory but would also be seen as degrading because of the animal imagery surrounding it, this is lower than humans in the Elizabethan ladder of creation. In this time, referring to someone as any kind of animal would be seen as a terrible insult.

Iago claims that Cassio ‘hath a person and a smooth dispose to be suspected’. This means that Iago thinks Cassio is handsome and has a way with women, so it would believable that Desdemona was having an affair with him.

And, as you already stated, more animal imagery is incorporated when Iago says that Othello ‘will as tenderly be led by the nose as asses are.’ This metaphor is a reference to the way in which donkeys can be led by applying pressure to the sensitive nose of the animal. Again, the mention of animals is a way of Iago insulting Othello.

Summary

Several reports have come in from Cyprus, all calling attention to a Turkish fleet that is expected to attack. The reports differ in the size of the fleet, but all speak of the danger as the combined force has turned back toward Cyprus. Othello enters the meeting with Cassio, Brabantio, Iago, and others, and the Duke immediately appoints Othello to lead the forces to defend Cyprus.

At this point, the Duke notices Brabantio, who believes that his daughter has been corrupted with magic potions because, according to him, she wound never willingly marry such a man as she did. Initially, the Duke promises him support in a prosecution for witchcraft, a capital crime, against the man who has seduced his daughter, but when the Duke realizes the seducer is...