HL Essay Outline (first version)
In what ways does William Shakespeare use animal imagery to explore the theme of sexuality?
Iago dehumanizing Othello through animal imagery o The strong connections between race, ethnicity and sexuality. - “Even now, now, very now, an old black ram is topping your white ewe” - “you'll have your daughter covered with a Barbary horse” o Iago’s manipulation directly affecting the reader’s perception of Othello – comparisons and imagery immediately allow for the reader to visualize Othello’s “beastly side”, which foreshadows his later change.
Desdemona’s purity (contrast with Othello) o Desdemona referred to as “white ewe”, a symbol of innocence and softness - as opposed to the other women of the play (eg. Bianca). Treated and created as a contrast to Othello (primarily his race and ethnicity) since the beginning. o Iago’s further use of imagery – the foreshadowing of Desdemona’s unfaithfulness through the creation of lucid pictures, in contrast with the innocence she was meant to embody
Desdemona’s and Othello’s forbidden marriage o Iago’s direct interest in Othello’s and Desdemona’s sexual relationship, further connections to race and ethnicity - “I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and / the Moor and now making the beast with two backs.” - “O curse of marriage, that we can call these delicate creatures ours / and not their appetites! I had rather be a toad / and live upon the vapour of the dungeon / than keep a corner in the thing I love / for others’ uses.” o Iago’s influence on Brabantio’s perception of Othello’s and Desdemona’s relationship – Brabantio, Cassio o The contrast between Othello and Desdemona as a basis of using animal imagery to directly explore the specificity of their relationship.