An Analysis Of The Diabolic Imagery In Othello

In the history of Imagery criticism of Othello, critics have paid much of their attention to what functions imagery performs, while neglecting how imagery functions in various ways. The present study mainly focuses on the latter, and explores the various ways in which the diabolic imagery functions in the play.Previous researches focus their attention on the symbolic meaning and static contents of imagery, whereas the present research attempts to explore how the diabolic imagery as a dynamic force performs the function of driving forward the movement of dramatic action of the play. The diabolic imagery functions in a specific mode that Iago uses the diabolic imagery to affect Barabantio, Cassio and Othello, to arouse their psychological action and even cause them to take physical action, thus driving forward the dramatic action towards its climax.The thesis also explores how the diabolic imagery serves the function of characterization. The diabolic imagery has successfully portrayed Iago as poisoner, hunter and trapper, and destroyer. The diabolic imagery and its opposite coordinately construct a binary opposition which characterizes Othello as the dramatis personae of dualistic character.